| 465 Just prior to the Annual Conference the Presidency, the Twelve, and some others met at Nauvoo in council and adopted some very important resolutions. 1
On April 4, 1867, Elder T. H. Waddel wrote from Evergreen, Alabama, giving an account of the organization of a branch in Conecuh County, composed of ten members.
The Annual Conference convened April 6, at Keokuk, Iowa. Joseph Smith presided; M. H. Forscutt and Charles Hall acted as clerks. After an address by the President of the conference, the following districts were reported: St. Louis, by W. H. Hazzledine; Nauvoo, by Richard Lambert; First District of Illinois, by David Williams; Pittsburg [Pittsburgh], by Josiah Ells; Pittsfield, by L. W. Babbitt; Southern Nebraska, by R. C. B. Elvin; Pottawattamie,
1 At a council meeting Of some of the general authorities of the church, held at Nauvoo, Illinois, April 3, 4, and 5, 1867, the following resolutions were passed:-
Resolved that any official member of the church who shall, in public or private, indorse, teach or encourage, either directly or indirectly the doctrines of polygamy, spiritual wifery, or marrying for eternity should be silenced; and if he does not repent of the evil he should be cut off.
Resolved that whereas, too great laxity in the observance of the marriage relation amongst the saints is calculated to result in the destruction of the honor and sanctity of that relation; therefore, it is the opinion of this council that the spiritual authorities of the church should seek to inculcate by precept, also by example, the sanctity of the marital relation in all holiness and virtue; and that nothing less than the strict observance of the covenant of marriage is becoming the character of Latter Day Saints.
While we cannot, as an ecclesiastical body, declare a rule binding the conscience or controlling the belief, we can advise the erring, declare against doctrine manifestly subversive of the general faith of the church, and may regulate the conduct of persons toward the body; therefore,
Resolved that a persistent belief in the doctrines of polygamy, sealing (marrying for eternity), or spiritual wifery, shall be considered as heretical, and the persons so holding to such doctrines, subject themselves to suspicion of apostasy; and such persons, if found advocating those, or any of those doctrines, should be labored with; and if they refuse to conform to the rules prescribed by the body respecting the teaching or advocating heresy, publicly or privately, they are in danger of the council, as not being in possession of the Spirit of God.
Resolved that public meetings are not the proper places for accusation, slander, or deprecation of the character of a brother or sister; also, that one so offending should receive a just rebuke.
Resolved that persons married, who become so estranged in feeling
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