Rumor about Second-Coming Statement Refuted

The following statement has been released regarding statements falsely attributed to Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:

“About a year and a half ago, a false rumor, in the form of a typewritten statement, was circulated in certain areas of the Church. Efforts to quell the rumor have apparently been unsuccessful, since Church headquarters continues to receive inquiries from members as to its validity.

“The statement alleges that Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, told those gathered at a missionary conference in South Africa when the Second Coming of the Savior would occur.

“Enough credence has apparently been given the falsehood that it has been the subject of discussion in various classroom situations and in other forums around the Church.

“Despite the fact that Elder Hinckley publicly refuted the rumor in a speech to Brigham Young University students March 25, 1979, it persists. Thus, Church members are encouraged to take note of the following statement from Elder Hinckley:

“‘The rumor is pure fabrication. There is no element of truth in it. I have not the remotest idea where it began. If anyone were to ask me the day and the hour of the Second Coming, I could only answer that I do not know. The Lord himself declared, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only”’ (Matt. 24:3).”