D&C 102

This morning I again read about the organization and responsibilities of the high council, its purpose being the "...high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:2). Timely enough, a council, which I will be involved, will convene this Sunday for that purpose.

As I reviewed the outlined proceedings of such a council, I was impressed with

"Whenever this council convenes to act upon any case, the twelve councilors shall consider whether it is a difficult one or not;...the accused, in all cases, has a right to one–half of the council, to prevent insult or injustice." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:13 - 15)

And "In all cases the accuser and the accused shall have a privilege of speaking for themselves before the council, after the evidences are heard and the councilors who are appointed to speak on the case have finished their remarks." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:18)

"After the evidences are heard, the councilors, accuser and accused have spoken, the president shall give a decision according to the understanding which he shall have of the case, and call upon the twelve councilors to sanction the same by their vote." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:19)

The convened council is a council of love. And that the will of the Lord is manifest, high councilors are encouraged at times to come in a spirit of fasting and prayer and

"In case of difficulty respecting doctrine or principle, if there is not a sufficiency written to make the case clear to the minds of the council, the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:23)

And even though decisions are made by revelations, there is always established the provision that -

"Should the parties or either of them be dissatisfied with the decision of said council, they may appeal to the high council of the seat of the First Presidency of the Church, and have a re–hearing, which case shall there be conducted, according to the former pattern written, as though no such decision had been made." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:27)

Even though such councils may be difficult, I can testify from my own experience that are held in a manner of love for the transgressor in providing a means that the blessing of the atonement of the Savior may integrated in their lives.