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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has updated its Topics and Questions section on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, adding new resources addressing financial administration, temple practices, and peacemaking. These additions provide answers to frequently asked questions about these areas.
The section now includes information on the principles governing Church finances, reasons for significant spending on temples, expenditure on humanitarian efforts, financial support for Church leaders, and management of financial reserves. The introduction emphasizes that the Church's mission is to bring individuals closer to Christ and assist in salvation and exaltation through four core missions: living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, inviting all to receive the gospel, and uniting families for eternity. It states that tithing and other donations are used to fulfill this mission.
Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé highlighted the responsibility involved in managing these funds: "As we strive to fulfill the Church’s four divine missions, we recognize the sacred stewardship we have to responsibly use donations from our members."
The resource also elaborates on temple activities such as baptisms for deceased ancestors and ceremonies like endowments. It explains that each temple is considered a house of God where members participate in sacred ordinances. According to the page, these ceremonies aim to bring participants closer to God.
In addition to finance and temple practices, a section on peacemaking addresses concerns about violence related to religion. It cites teachings encouraging followers of Jesus Christ to be peacemakers and notes that peace remains a priority even when specific situations vary.
Five guiding principles are offered for finding answers: centering life on Jesus Christ, being patient with oneself and others, recognizing revelation as a process, consulting reliable sources, and understanding historical context. For those assisting others with their questions about these topics or others within the faith, guidance includes responding with love and humility while nourishing personal faith.
The updates provide additional resources covering church financial administration, temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and peacemaking strategies.
