A Review of Why We Are Organized Into Quorums and Relief Societies

A REVIEW OF WHY WE ARE ORGANIZED INTO QUORUMS AND RELIEF SOCIETIES 

SISTER JULIE B. BECK 

BYU DEVOLTIONAL, JANUARY 2012 

     The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a unique structure, one of order and delegation on which former Relief Society President Julie B. Beck took the time to outline in a speech given at a BYU devotional on 17 January 2012. I would like to summarize her remarks and highlight some key facets of her argument that are essential in understanding the divinity and order of the LDS church. 

     She begins by emphasizing that no functioning branch of the church can exist without a quorum president and a relief society president, both are essential. A quorum is, as President Boyd K. Packer stated, a “select assemblies of brethren given authority that [the Lord’s] business might be transacted and His work proceed[ed].[i]” He continued by saying, “in ancient days when man was appointed to a select body, his commission, always written in Latin, outlined the responsibility of the organization, defined who should be members, and then invariably contained the words: quorum vos unum meaning ‘of whom we will that you be one.[ii]” Similarly, the Relief Society connotes “an enduring and cooperating group”[iii] that is differentiated by its common aims and beliefs. Of this President Joseph F. Smith stated that the Relief Society was “divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God to minister for the salvation of the souls of women and men.” [iv] 

     It is important to note that both work toward the same ultimate goal, which is the same purpose of our Savior “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”[v] The importance of understanding the necessity of quorums and societies is grounded in understanding this purpose. It is not an individual journey. President David O. McKay said that if men only needed “personal distinction or individual elevation, there would be no need of groups or quorums. The very existence of such groups, established by divine authorization, proclaims our dependence upon one another…”[vi] 

     To be a member of a quorum or the Relief Society is to adhere to the responsibilities and principles that govern each, and to be a part of such organization is a lifetime experience. Sister Beck states, “No matter where we serve, we always retain our “citizenship” in and our responsibility to the quorum or Relief Society.”[vii] 

     Sister Beck proceeds by outlining the reasons we are organized thus, first it is under the priesthood and after the pattern of the priesthood. Each ward is guided by a Bishop who is endowed with keys, or authority from God, for his ward. The quorum and Relief Society leaders are utilized by the bishops “under-shepherds” who “magnify, enhance, and distribute his watchcare”[viii] After the pattern of the priesthood is also an important concept to understand. Quorum and Relief Society leaders have a “measure of divine authority given to them regarding the government and instruction of those they are called to lead.” [ix] The sustaining process is also a priesthood pattern, we do not elect our leaders by popular vote-when we sustain leadership it is an act of our faith in the Lord and those who are called by our leaders. It is a public display of support for their responsibility to lead us. 

     The second reason for such an organization is to focus Heavenly Father’s sons and daughters on the work of salvation. The work of salvation includes missionary work, retaining in activation those who are converted; it is also a focus on family temple and family history work. Additionally, this includes improving the temporal and spiritual existence of our members and others. Elder John A. Widtsoe stated that the saving work of the Relief Society is the “relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance- relief of all that hinders the joy and progression of woman.”[x] The quorums of the church are called to the same saving work. Elder Widtsoe continues, “to save souls opens the whole field of human activity and development.”[xi] 

     Thirdly, we are organized into quorums and Relief Societies to help the bishop wisely manage the Lord’s storehouse. This storehouse includes time, talents, compassion, materials and fiscal assets of members of the church. The Bishops depends on the quorums and Relief Societies to help him seek out and care for all those in his ward boundaries. President Henry B. Eyring said, “The only system [that can] provide succor and comfort across a church so large in a world so varied would be through individual servants near the people in need.”[xii] Here it is important to note the role of home teaching and visiting teaching. President Monson taught “ours is the responsibility to teach, to inspire, to motivate, to bring to activity and to eventual exaltation the songs and daughters of God.”[xiii] 

     The fourth reason is to provide a defense and refuge for Heavenly Father’s children and their families in the latter-day. Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated, “one of the greatest functions of the Relief Society is to provide sisterhood for women, just as the priesthood quorums provide brotherhood for men.”[xiv] It is our blessing and privilege to be a part of a sisterhood or brotherhood that provides a place of belonging.  Almost anywhere a family may go, a church family awaits them. It is the blessing of a global church striving for one-ness. 

     The fifth purpose for being organized into quorums and Relief Societies is to strengthen and support us in our family roles and responsibilities as sons and daughters of God. It is often in Relief Societies and quorums that family leaders and future family leaders are able to develop qualities which will help support them in establishing patterns and practice of righteous behavior and covenant keeping in their lives. Sister Eliza R. Snow, the second Relief Society President, stated: 

We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God…. Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated , but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters?”[xv] 

It is in the quorum that brothers are taught to “rise up” as “men of God” and “have done with lesser things. Give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of Kings[xvi].” As Sister Beck describes, it is the work of the purpose of “the quorum and the Relief Society that clarifies the unique identities and responsibilities of sons and daughters of God and unifies them in defense of His plan”[xvii]. 

     To conclude, Sister Beck emphasized the importance of understanding the unique structure of the Church of Jesus Christ and the importance of each functioning position. Her driving point: there is so much needed to be done and there is an order in which to do it. She stated, “What the Lord envisioned regarding quorums and Relief Societies has not yet been fully utilized. Many ...are at present sleeping giants waiting for you to breathe new life into them.” [xviii] 

     I was in the audience when Sister Beck delivered this devotional and I was touched by the authority and strength by which she spoke. I truly believe that understanding is critical to true and active membership in the Church and it is in understanding the proper order and necessity for the order that will lead us to respect, honor and appreciate it. 

     I would like to close with Sister Beck’s last sentence which states “we are ‘called by the voice of the Prophet of God to do it,’ and, as we do so, ‘the angels cannot be restrained from being [our] associates.’”[xix] 

- Kyra 

See the full article at: http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=2012

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[i] Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder Should Know- and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, February 1993, 9.
[ii] Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder Should Know- and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, February 1993, 9.
[iii] Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11^th ed. (2003), s.v. “society:, 1184.
[iv] Joseph F. Smith, in Minutes of the General Board of Relief Society, 17 March 1914, Church History Library, 54-55; Quoted in Daughters of My Kingdom.
[v] Moses 1:38
[vi] David O. McKay, in CR, October
[vii] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 2.
[viii] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 3.
[ix] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 3.
[x] John a Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 308.
[xi] John a Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 308.              
[xii] Henry B. Eyring, “The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society,” Ensign, November 2009, 123.
[xiii] Thomas S. Monson, “Prophet Speaks- The Wise Obey,” general conference leadership session, Friday, 3 April 1987; quoted in Teaching of Thomas S. Monson, 140.
[xiv] Dallin H. Oaks, “The Relief Society and the Church,” 37.
[xv] Eliza R. Snow, address to Lehi Ward Relief Society, 27 October 1869, Lehi Ward, Alpine (Utah) Stake, in Relief Society, Minutes Book, 1868-1879, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, 26-27.
[xvi] “Rise Up, O Men of God,” Hymns, 2002, no. 323.
[xvii] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 7.
[xviii] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 8.
[xix] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 8.