Join Our Mailing List Email: Genesis Group Home Page President Don Harwell First Counselor Orin Howell Second Counselor Eddie Gist Webmaster and Newsletter Editor Kathryn Jenkins Archived Articles Meetinghouse: 6710 S. 1300 E. Salt Lake City Presidency Message: The Need for Greater Kindness Brothers and Sisters, we pray there be no malice or contention toward the individual who spoke concerning Blacks and the priesthood. The words spoken were his own and not those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are many things for which we, the world, will not know the answers until we cross through the veil. We ask that the light given to us from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shine more brightly to this individual and others who are of similar mind. If you are confronted by such an individual, we pray you will simply walk away. If you have a need to say something, let it be Christlike. Let all your interactions with our brothers and sisters, both in and outside our faith, be pleasing unto our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We invite you to read below the response to this incident released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "The positions attributed to BYU professor Randy Bott in a recent Washington Post article absolutely do not represent the teachings and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU faculty members do not speak for the Church. It is unfortunate that the Church was not given a chance to respond to what others said. "The Churchs position is clearwe believe all people are Gods children and are equal in His eyes and in the Church. We do not tolerate racism in any form. "For a time in the Church there was a restriction on the priesthood for male members of African descent. It is not known precisely why, how, or when this restriction began in the Church but what is clear is that it ended decades ago. Some have attempted to explain the reason for this restriction but these attempts should be viewed as speculation and opinion, not doctrine. The Church is not bound by speculation or opinions given with limited understanding. "We condemn racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church." We also ask that you read a talk given in the April 2006 general conference by President Gordon B. Hinckley, past president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, entitled The Need for Greater Kindness. During part of his remarks, he said: "Racial strife still lifts its ugly head. I am advised that even right here among us there is some of this. I cannot understand how it can be. It seemed to me that we all rejoiced in the 1978 revelation given President Kimball. I was there in the temple at the time that that happened. There was no doubt in my mind or in the minds of my associates that what was revealed was the mind and the will of the Lord. "Now I am told that racial slurs and denigrating remarks are sometimes heard among us. I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ. How can any man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood arrogantly assume that he is eligible for the priesthood whereas another who lives a righteous life but whose skin is of a different color is ineligible? . . . "Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? Why cant all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us? Why is there so much bitterness and animosity? It is not a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. . . . "There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacity and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us." To read the entire text of President Hinckley's talk, click here. Blessings, The Genesis Group Presidency Don L. Harwell, President Orin A. Howell, 1st Councilor Eddie R. Gist, 2nd Councilor April Genesis Fireside April 1—Conclude general conference weekend with the amazing entertainment of "Remembering Our Culture" on April 1 at 7 p.m. at the Genesis meetinghouse, 6910 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City. ROC group members come from all over the world—South America, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, Mexico, Africa, the Polynesian Islands, and the Mediterranean Sea, among many other beautiful places—and form a very diverse group of people that demonstrate how learning from others helps us learn more about ourselves. Please note: There will be no nursery or Primary offered during this fireside so everyone can enjoy the program. Don't miss this inspiring and entertaining evening! Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: We Are All Enlisted In an inspiring address in the priesthood session of the October 2011 general conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asked from every man who holds the priesthood "a stronger and more devoted voice . . . a voice for good, a voice for the gospel, a voice for God." To read Elder Holland's talk, click here. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: You Matter to Him In a comforting address in the Saturday morning session of the October 2011 general conference, Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency bore testimony that "The Lord uses a scale very different from the worlds to weigh the worth of a soul." To read the talk and to be reminded of your worth in His sight, click here. Alex Boye Becomes U.S. Citizen Congratulations to Genesis member Alex Boye, who was sworn in as a citizen of the United States on February 23. After he was sworn in, the judge asked that he sing the national anthem, which was an emotional and satisfying experience for Alex. Congratulations on fulfilling your dream of citizenship, Alex! All God's Critters: Some Thoughts on the Priesthood Restriction and Differing Opinions In two of the three-part series that originally appeared on common consent.com, Margaret Young offers poignant and insightful thoughts on the priesthood restriction, the reaction of President Hinckley, and our responsibilities as caring, dedicated disciples of Christ. Read the article here. Primary Volunteers Needed The Genesis Primary is in need of adult volunteers with and without children. If you can assist at each Genesis meeting (12 times a year), six times a year, every few months, once a year, or any combination, your service will be greatly appreciated. Contact the Primary presidency at www.ldsgenesisgroup.org or one of the Genesis leaders to volunteer. Thank you in advance for your help! Genesis Choir The Genesis Choir practices at 6 p.m. at the Genesis meetinghouse before each Genesis meeting (the first Sunday of each month). If you are interested in singing in the choir, please come to practice! Need to Be Set Apart? If you have received a calling in the Genesis Group and need to be set apart, that ordinance takes place at 6:15 p.m. in the Relief Society Room on the first Sunday of each month, just before the Genesis meeting. No appointments are necessary. This Week in History: February 27–March 5 Take a look at what happened during this week in history—and how African-Americans have influenced who, what, and where we are today. Help Us Recognize Our Youth! If you know about stories, achievements, awards, accolades, or great goings-on about the Genesis youth, share the great news! Simply submit it to us—no more than 200 words—and send along a picture as well if you can. We have tremendous young men and women, so help us get out the word about what they're doing!   SEARCH: Related searches: church christ president primary latter gipoco.com is neither affiliated with the authors of this page or responsible for its contents. This is a safe-cache copy of the original web site. gipoco.com is neither affiliated with the authors of this page nor responsible for its contents. This is a safe-cache copy of the original web site.