Bishops

From Sean's Gospel Topical Guide
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  • Joseph Staples, "Supporting your Bishop", Ensign, June 2007
Do not always run to the bishop with every problem. There are some things only a Bishop can do, but for other things it is good to seek for help from family, our home teachers, or elsewhere.
Lighten the bishop's load. (Similar idea.)
Respect his office. Refer to him as "Bishop".
Be supportive and nonjudgemental. Pray for him.
  • Boyd K. Packer, "What Every Elder Should Know - and Every Sister As Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government", Ensign, Feb. 1993, p. 7, subheading "Temple Recommends", "Sustaining in an Office"
Makes some remarks relevant to understanding the office of Bishop.
The office of Bishop is an Aaronic Priesthood office and as such, the Bishop does not have auhority over issues that are managed by the Melchizedek Priesthood. (ie. It is not an office of Melchizedek Priesthood authority.)
  • Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 21
Bishops to look after the poor, according to the laws of the church.
  • Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 21-22
When Zion is properly regulated, there will be a Bishop to each square (block?) in a pattern set down by Joseph Smith.
There should be the greatest familiarity and freedom amongst the rulers (leaders) in Zion. (ie. Communication between leaders should be uninhibited and information should not be kept back from a Bishop.)
Bishop to know all things pertaining to Zion as he is called as a judge and must have a knowledge of the affairs of Zion to do so.
  • Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 112
"A Bishop is a High Priest, and necessarily so, because he is to preside over that particularbranch of Church affairs, that is denominated the Lesser Priesthood, and because we have no direct lineal descendant of Aaron, to whom it would of right belong."

Cross-References