First Presidency Letter, May 2004

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Office of the First Presidency
47 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-1000

May 13, 2004

To: General Authorities, Area Authority Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents
(To be read in sacrament meeting)

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Statements Attributed to Church Leaders

 From time to time statements are circulated among members which are inaccurately attributed to leaders of the church. Many such statements distort current church teachings and are often based on rumors and innuendos. They are never transmitted officially, but by word of mouth, e-mail, or rather informal means.

 We encourage members of the church to never teach or pass on such statements without verifying that they are from approved church sources such as official statements, communications, and publications. Any notes made when General Authorities, Area Authority Seventies, or other general Church officers speak at regional and stake conferences or other meetings should not be distributed without the consent of the speaker. Personal notes are for individual use only.

  True spiritual growth is based on studying the scriptures, the teachings of the Brethren and Church publications.

   Sincerely your brethren,

   (signed) Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust
   The First Presidency