Doctrine and Covenants Section 102

Historical Background

This section is different from the majority of the sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is not a “revelation” in the traditional sense. It consists of the minutes of a meeting. It shows the decisions that were made in the meeting and the rules that would govern the actions of the high council. February 17, 1834, is the date of the organization of the Kirtland high council. Another high council, in Missouri, would be organized on July 7, 1834. These councils rarely came together to hear criminal cases. However, they did convene to hear matters that would be settled today by civil courts. Of these councils the Prophet Joseph wrote, “It was not the order of heaven in ancient councils to plead for or against the guilty, as in our judicial courts (so called); but that every councilor, when he arose to speak, should speak precisely according to the evidence, and according to the teaching of the Spirit of the Lord, that no councilor should attempt to screen the guilty when his guilt was manifest” (Kirtland Council Minute Book, p. 30).

D&C 102:1-5 A Standing Council for the Church

In these verses, the following questions are answered: Who made these decisions? What decisions did they make? Who was voted to become part of the first high council? What were their duties? Notice that the council was not able to meet without at least one member of the presidency present (see verse 1).

D&C 102:6-7 Voted

The word “voted” appears in this section frequently. It marks a point of decision in the council. It means that the majority of the members present voted to approve a proposal. The details of the proposal follow after the word “voted.” In verses 6 and 7 the proposal has to do with the number of council members who must be present in order to conduct the business of the council.

D&C 102:8 Filling Vacancies in the Council

What were the procedures for filling vacancies in the high council? How are these procedures carried out today?

D&C 102:9-18 Council Procedures

According to verses 9-11, who presides when the high council meets? Verses 12-14 explain how order is kept. How would this procedure insure that there would be reverence and respect in the council? In verses 15-18, a system is presented to protect the Church and the person who is being judged by the council. How is this system different from civil courts today? What is the value of conducting the affairs of the council in this manner?

D&C 102:19-23 A Decision According to Understanding

What procedure is followed to make a correct decision? What is built into the procedure to make sure that the decisions are right? How does this procedure protect the person being judged and the Church?

D&C 102:24-29 Establishing Councils in Distant Locations

Who has authority to create new high councils (according to the revelation)? How are new high councils created today? Keep in mind that this revelation was given when there were only two organized stakes of the Church. Most members lived far from other Church units in branches.

D&C 102:30-34 Appeals

Suppose a person is judged by a high council and wants to appeal the decision. What can they do? Who may a person appeal to today, if he does not agree with the decision of the local high council? Invite a member of a stake presidency to speak about these procedures today and the feelings he has as he participates in such councils.