| 441 under consideration, which will be presented in due time. Among the decisions reached are the following, which are presented for your consideration, and your indorsement [endorsement] respectfully asked:
1. Whereas, The law appointing the Quorum of the Twelve and their mission among all nations, and their relationship to the church, having general supervision of the whole; also constituting them a judiciary, thereby authorizing them to regulate all the affairs of the same, seems not to be understood, or at least is misapprehended; and for this and other causes the council have been repeatedly hindered in the judicial department of their work.
The revelations given for the purpose of organizing the church of the living God upon the earth, for the dispensation of the fullness of time, makes known the several departments of subdivisions into which the kingdom shall be organized for the work of the ministry and the administration of the law governing the entire body. And
Whereas, In addition to traveling and preaching in common with their fellow servants, it is enjoined that the traveling high council shall take the oversight of the entire work.
Also upon the traveling high council there is by law enjoined special duties, to carry out which implies extra prerogatives and responsibilities not imposed as pertaining to other quorums. And to these specialties, the character, right and extent of their presidency they insist, in the nature of the ease, must be recognized.
The duties assigned by the law are to build up the church and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations. In the discharge of these duties, thus prescribed, of necessity is recognized executive authority, both in its quorum and individual capacity. Wherefore the council reserves to themselves the right to determine their interference, or otherwise as the case may be, for in the nature of things that prerogative exists with them.
We present this declaration, believing it due to ourselves regarding our calling and the duties therein imposed, especially when acting in our individual capacity, because, as an assembled quorum, its prerogatives and the character of its decisions are by positive enactment made known.
2. Resolved, That by virtue of their office and calling, as declared by the organic law of the church, the members of the Quorum of the Twelve are the lawful presidents of the church abroad in all the world, to preside over, regulate and set in order the same, and that in all the branches of the church and districts, this presiding authority should be acknowledged and acquiesced in by the presidents of its branches and districts. And when one of them is present at a district conference or branch meeting, it should be left discretionary with him, as to whether it would best serve the cause by presiding.
3. Resolved, That the Quorum of the Twelve, as a judicial body have the right, collectively or individually, to render decisions involving the law and usages of the church, in their various fields of labor, and when
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