Cecily Zamora
The law of common consent is a principle in Mormonism that allows members of the Church of Jesus Christ to accept or reject proposals from God's earthly kingdom. This law is based on the idea that free agency is necessary for men to progress to ultimate salvation. It is practised in various forms throughout religious history, including during the lifetimes of Moses, Joshua, Peter, and Mosiah. In modern times, it is used to select church officers, make policies, and make major decisions. The law of common consent is usually practised by raising hands to vote, and it is considered an essential principle in gospel government and personal progression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow members to publicly "sustain" their leaders and show their obedience to God |
| Applicability | Policies, major decisions, acceptance of new scripture, and other things that affect the lives of the Saints |
| Voting | Members vote to sustain leaders and programs not only with their vote but also through their actions, faith, and prayers |
| Opposition | Members are allowed to oppose their leaders, but it is rare for this to occur in practice |
| Procedure | The bishopric or stake presidency nominates a person to fill a calling, and the congregation votes to sustain them |
| Historical Precedence | Practiced in some form during the lifetimes of Moses, Joshua, Peter, and Mosiah |
| Modern Dispensation | First revealed to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in June 1829 |
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What You'll Learn
- The law of common consent is a fundamental principle of Mormonism
- The law is based on the belief that God allows his subjects to accept or reject his proposals
- Church officers are selected by the spirit of revelation but must receive a formal sustaining vote
- The practice of common consent has been a part of religious history for a long time
- Common consent is an opportunity for members to publicly support their leaders
The law of common consent is a fundamental principle of Mormonism
The law of common consent is formally observed during Latter-day Saint sacrament meetings, where time is allotted for ward business. Members of the congregation are invited to sustain their fellow Church members in their callings by raising their right hand. If they oppose the proposed action, they can also make it known in the same manner. This practice is not only a noticeable part of their meetings but also an essential principle in proper gospel government and personal progression.
The law of common consent is deeply rooted in religious history, with precedents found during the lifetimes of Moses, Joshua, Peter, and Mosiah. According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie, this principle has been operative in every dispensation, underscoring its importance in modern Church government. The law was first revealed to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in June 1829, and Smith himself practiced common consent by calling for a vote to accept his and Cowdery's leadership during the organizational meeting of the Church on April 6, 1830.
While the law of common consent is a fundamental principle, it is not without its challenges. Some members may understand the procedure but not the doctrinal significance, leading to a perception of it as a mere tradition or formality. Additionally, the act of sustaining leaders has become habitual, with members rarely opposing their leaders in practice. Despite this, the law remains an essential aspect of Mormonism, empowering members to actively participate in Church governance and uphold their leaders through their votes, actions, faith, and prayers.
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The law is based on the belief that God allows his subjects to accept or reject his proposals
The law of common consent is a fundamental principle of Mormonism. It is based on the belief that God allows his subjects to accept or reject his proposals. This law is not just a tradition but an essential principle in gospel government and personal progression.
The law of common consent is practised in Latter-day Saint sacrament meetings, where time is allotted for ward business. Members of the congregation are invited to sustain fellow Church members in their callings by raising their right hand. If they are opposed to the proposal, they can also express their disapproval in the same manner. This practice is not limited to the Church's organisational structure but extends to policies, major decisions, and acceptance of new scripture.
The principle of common consent is deeply rooted in religious history, with precedents found during the lifetimes of Moses, Joshua, Peter, and Mosiah. Elder Bruce R. McConkie emphasised that "administrative affairs of the Church are handled in accordance with the law of common consent". This law recognises that God counsels his subjects but ultimately allows them to exercise their free agency in accepting or rejecting his proposals.
The law of common consent empowers members of the Church to have a say in the selection of its officers. While officers may be nominated by the Church Presidency, they must receive a formal sustaining vote from the congregation before assuming their positions. This process ensures that the Church operates with the consent and support of its members, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.
However, it is important to note that the law of common consent is not without its challenges. In practice, it is rare for members to openly oppose their leaders, and the act of sustaining leaders has become a habitual gesture of raising the right arm. Despite this, the law remains a significant aspect of the Church, providing a mechanism for members to actively participate in the decision-making process and uphold the principles they believe in.
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Church officers are selected by the spirit of revelation but must receive a formal sustaining vote
The law of common consent is a fundamental principle of Mormonism. It dictates that church officers are selected by the spirit of revelation but must receive a formal sustaining vote from the people they will preside over before they can assume their positions. This principle underscores the importance of free agency in God's earthly kingdom, as it allows members to accept or reject proposals put forth by their leaders.
The law of common consent is rooted in the belief that church members, under God, are the rulers of the Church. This means that all officers of the Church, regardless of their position, must be sustained by the people before they can hold office. The process typically involves the bishopric or stake presidency nominating an individual to fill a calling and then asking for the congregation's sustaining vote. While the people do not have the right to nominate or choose church officers, their consent is essential for the officers to exercise their authority.
The practice of common consent has been a part of religious history throughout the lifetimes of various religious figures, including Moses, Joshua, Peter, and Mosiah. In modern times, the law of common consent was first revealed to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. Smith himself recognised the importance of common consent, calling for a vote during the organizational meeting of the Church in 1830 to decide whether he and Cowdery should be accepted as leaders.
Despite the significance of the law of common consent, some members may view it as a mere tradition or formality. However, as President J. Reuben Clark Jr. emphasised, the sustaining vote is "not [...] a mere matter of form, but on the contrary a matter of the last gravity." The act of sustaining leaders is a personal commitment to follow and support them, giving one's full loyalty and binding one's will to theirs.
In conclusion, the law of common consent ensures that church officers are selected through revelation but are ultimately accountable to the people they serve. This principle promotes order within the Church and empowers members to actively participate in the governance of their religious community.
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The practice of common consent has been a part of religious history for a long time
The concept of common consent is deeply rooted in the belief that God, as the ultimate authority, allows His followers to accept or reject proposals and decisions. This principle of free agency is essential for the spiritual progression of individuals towards salvation. In practical terms, this means that church officers and leaders are selected through revelation, but they must also receive a formal sustaining vote from the congregation before assuming their positions.
The practice of common consent has been a part of religious traditions for centuries. References to this principle can be found in the Bible, including during the lifetimes of Moses (Exodus 24:3), Joshua (Numbers 27:19-22), Peter (Acts 1:26), and Mosiah (Mosiah 29:25-26). Elder Bruce R. McConkie affirmed that the law of common consent "has been operative in every dispensation," highlighting its enduring significance in religious governance.
In the modern era, the law of common consent was first revealed to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. Since then, it has been a cornerstone of the Church's governance, with all significant decisions and policies being subject to the approval of the members. This includes the selection of church officers, the acceptance of new scripture, and other matters that impact the lives of the congregation.
While the practice of common consent is deeply rooted in religious history, it has evolved and adapted to the changing needs and structures of religious organizations over time. Today, common consent is often associated with "sustaining your leaders," which involves members publicly expressing their support for their leaders and committing to follow their guidance. This act of sustaining is seen as a solemn covenant with the Lord, where individuals pledge their loyalty and support to the leaders they vote for.
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Common consent is an opportunity for members to publicly support their leaders
The law of common consent is a fundamental principle of Mormonism. It is the practice of conducting Church business by allowing members to publicly support their leaders, also known as "sustaining your leaders". This process involves the bishopric or stake presidency nominating an individual to fill a calling, and then asking for the congregation's vote or "sustaining vote". While the leaders make the initial nomination, it is the members who ultimately decide whether to accept or reject the proposed leader.
The law of common consent is believed to have been practised in some form during the lifetimes of Moses, Joshua, Peter, and Mosiah. According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "the law of common consent has been operative in every dispensation". This principle is considered an essential part of modern Church government, underscoring the importance of the Church of Jesus Christ.
During a sustaining vote, members are invited to raise their right hand to show their support for the nominated leader. This practice is not just a tradition but carries significant weight in the Church. Members are expected to give their full loyalty and support to the leader they vote for, and this commitment is made solemnly before God. While it is rare for members to oppose their leaders, the option to do so is available and is an important aspect of the law of common consent.
The law of common consent is more than just a vote; it is an opportunity for members to actively sustain their leaders through their actions, faith, and prayers. It is a way for members to show their obedience to God and uphold the prophetic priorities of the Church. By practising the law of common consent, the Church ensures that all things are done with the consent and support of its members, making the people, both men and women, the rulers of the Church.
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Frequently asked questions
The law of common consent is a practice in the Church of Jesus Christ where all things are done by common consent. This means that church officers are selected by the spirit of revelation but must receive a formal sustaining vote from the people before they can serve in their positions.
A sustaining vote is a vote taken to maintain order in the church. It is a formal vote where members of the congregation are invited to sustain fellow church members in their callings by raising their right hand.
To "sustain" someone means to give your full loyalty and support to them. When you vote affirmatively, you make a solemn covenant with the Lord that you will give your full loyalty and support to the officer without equivocation or reservation.
