Policies and Announcements

The First Presidency issued the following message for Easter 1985.

“We rejoice this Easter season at the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the promise of everlasting life He has given to all humankind. Just as the earth blossoms anew each spring after the dead of winter, so the Savior of the world, through his great atoning sacrifice, assured us new life after our earthly death.

“We encourage men and women throughout the world to contemplate the life and example of the Savior, to incorporate His teachings into their lives, and to teach their families about Him. Within His teachings and His life lie the answers to every problem which confronts humankind. War, hunger, family strife, despair, and sorrow could be remedied if the world would turn to His example. Only as we look to the Prince of Peace will we find true peace as individuals, as families, and as members of the world community.

“We testify that Jesus the Christ is indeed the Son of God, the Savior of mankind. It is our prayer that His teachings and life will bring peace to a troubled world.”

The following statement was issued on behalf of the Church by the Public Communications Department, 28 February 1985:

The Church does not have reason to believe there exists any organized discrimination on the part of the Internal Revenue Service against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Brigham Young University and their officers are not parties to the suit filed against the Internal Revenue Service for The Coalition for Tax Justice and have not encouraged directly or indirectly any parties to join the suit. Any representation to the contrary is a misstatement of the facts.

The following items are from the February 1985 Bulletin:

Adult Scripture Reading Assignments. All priesthood and auxiliary leaders are reminded that there is an established scripture study schedule for all adult members of the Church. When conflicting adult reading schedules are suggested by priesthood or auxiliary leaders, members become confused. All leaders should encourage adult members to follow the established scripture study plan as used in the gospel doctrine class.

At the present time, each of the four standard works is studied in rotating order every four years. The courses and years they will be studied are:

• 1985 Doctrine and Covenants and Church History

• 1986 Old Testament

• 1987 New Testament

• 1988 Book of Mormon

The text for the Sunday School Gospel Doctrine class in a given year is the particular book of scripture studied by adults for that year.

In addition to the annual study of the scriptures in their historical and chronological setting, adult members should be encouraged to study the principles and doctrines of the gospel as they are set forth in the Relief Society Courses of Study and the Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide.

Strengthening the Aaronic Priesthood. Important information on how priesthood leaders might assist Aaronic Priesthood-age young men in their spiritual and temporal progress is included in an article published in the December 1984 Ensign, pp. 66–68: “Key to Strong Young Men: Gospel Commitment in the Home.” The article summarizes the findings of a two-year study of the young men of the Church conducted by the Evaluation Division of the Correlation Department. Priesthood leaders are encouraged to study and use the article as a guide in strengthening Aaronic Priesthood-age young men.

Young Women Medallion. A young woman who has turned eighteen and has not received the Young Womanhood Recognition medallion and certificate may continue to work on the requirements, with the approval of her bishop and Young Women leader. After completion of the work, she may apply for the medallion and certificate, even though she may not have participated in the program for a few months. This can occur only if the young woman has made a previous commitment while still involved in her Laurel class and fulfills for one full year the necessary requirement to obtain the medallion and certificate.

A leader may receive the Young Womanhood Recognition medallion and certificate after completing one year in the program, setting two goals in each area of focus, attending her appropriate meetings (which do not include seminary), and fulfilling all other requirements. The bishop of the ward in which she resides certifies completion of the requirements for the award, whether the leader is serving in a ward or stake position.