Policies and Announcements

The following item appeared in the January 1983 Bulletin.

Selective Service Registration (U.S. Only). Bishops in the United States should remind the young men in their wards that all those born after 1 January 1960 are required to register with the Selective Service System at age eighteen. They may register at any post office, and the process requires only a few minutes’ time. The Church teaches us to obey the laws of the land. All young men should comply with this obligation of citizenship.

Missionary work. On October 1, 1982, the First Presidency issued the following statement on missionary work:

“We are commissioned of the Lord ‘to preach the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.’ It is essential that we press forward with missionary zeal to build the Kingdom of God on earth. We feel that this upward step can be achieved:

“1. By centering our lives and work around the Savior. Keep in mind that this is the Church of Jesus Christ; please emphasize that fact in making contacts with others. The Lord revealed that the Church should bear the name THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, ‘for thus shall my Church be called in the last days.’ (D&C 115:4.) We feel that some may be misled by the too frequent use of the term ‘Mormon Church.’ We should talk, rejoice, and preach of Christ; and, we should assist others in understanding the source to which ‘they may look for a remission of their sins.’ (2 Ne. 25:26.) Christian living and service should support our verbal expressions of testimony.

“2. By gathering in a greater harvest of convert baptisms. Please follow approved proselyting policies and programs and strengthen the Church. Move with renewed effort and determination. Several scriptural accounts tell of success in converting large numbers of people who became established firmly in the faith. The adding of worthy men to the Melchizedek Priesthood ranks should receive special emphasis.

“3. By inspiring members to engage in missionary service. Please understand that there is a pressing and continuing need for more worthy full-time missionaries and missionary couples, for more participation of members in friendshipping and fellowshipping activities at home, and for a more vigorous stake mission program.

“Through a renewed emphasis and use of the revealed name of the Church—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS—it will grow and prosper worldwide. Through added member activity in missionary services, a greater harvest of worthy convert baptisms will be realized.”

(From Member-Missionary Class Instructor’s Guide, p. 2.)