In 1947, David O. McKay was a counselor in the First presidency. He wrote a letter explaining the ban on black members from the temple and priesthood was a policy, rather than a doctrine of the LDS Church. What’s the difference?
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Official Doctrine is defined by a specific, rigorous standard that distinguishes it from personal opinions, policies, or general teachings. Understanding this distinction is intended to reduce controversy and help members navigate faith challenges1.
The Establishing Process
For a teaching to be considered official and binding on the membership, it must follow a three-step procedure derived from the principle of common consent. This process requires:
1. The approval of the First Presidency.
2. The concurrence of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
3. A sustaining vote of the entire Church membership.
Once this process is complete, the teaching is added to the canonized scriptures, which are the only sources of “absolute appeal” for doctrine. Since the Church’s founding in 1830, new doctrine has been officially accepted only six times.
The Standard Works
Official doctrine resides exclusively in the four “Standard Works”:
• The Holy Bible.
• The Book of Mormon.
• The Doctrine and Covenants.
• The Pearl of Great Price.
What is NOT Official Doctrine
Many items are commonly mistaken for official doctrine but fail to meet the formal criteria for being binding. These include:
• Talks and Statements: Not every word spoken or written by General Authorities is inspired or doctrinal, regardless of their position.
• Church Publications: Materials such as lesson manuals, magazines, and videos are prepared for consistency and “orthodoxy” but are not considered official doctrine.
• Policy and Procedure: Items like the Family Proclamation, temple recommend questions, and administrative handbooks are necessary for running the Church but have not been formally sustained as binding doctrine.
• Books by Leaders: Books written by General Authorities (such as Bruce R. McConkie’s Mormon Doctrine) represent private opinions and are not official.
• Conventional Wisdom: Cultural norms, such as political affiliations or specific dietary taboos (like caffeine), are not official doctrine.
Nature of Doctrine vs. Eternal Truth
What’s the difference between Official Doctrine and Eternal Truth. Official doctrine is an approximation of eternal truth that is given according to the people’s level of understanding. Because it is based on “line upon line” revelation, official doctrine can change and develop as circumstances and the membership’s readiness evolve.
Ultimately, the Church provides three witnesses to guide members: the canonized scriptures, the prophets, and personal revelation. Personal revelation is considered the most important witness because it allows individuals to evaluate and apply the other two to their unique circumstances.
Official Doctrine is like the Constitution of a country. While there are many helpful handbooks, speeches by politicians, and local community rules (policies and opinions), only the Constitution and its formal amendments—voted on and ratified—serve as the foundational, binding law that governs the entire body.