What is a true church?

[rameumptom]

And there are many more false churches, as well. I would suggest that when Joseph Smith saw the Father and Son, he wasn't warned about other churches, per se; but their false creeds. It was the Biblical truths that allowed people to draw near God with their hearts, but the creeds kept their hearts far from him as they led them away from original Biblical concepts.

Even the LDS Church does not contain all truth in its current form, though we believe we should readily embrace all truth when it becomes apparent. We do not have the priesthood keys of resurrection, nor do we know what day Jesus' Second Coming will occur.

But we should spend our lives eagerly seeking truth wherever it may be, even as Brother Brigham encouraged us to do. And in the many churches I've researched, many of them good and with much truth; I've yet to find one with as much exalting truth as has the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[prisonchaplain]

I'm curious if there could be such a thing as a "false ward?" For example, a bishop receives his new calling, and starts introducing some of the more speculative aspects of theology (infinite # of gods, our God living on Kobol, Jesus having been married, etc.) as doctrine. In a matter of months, the ward, while remaining technically on-course with directives about curriculum and lessons, etc., has in fact wandered into spending the majority of its time learning the opinions of men. Could such a thing happen in an LDS ward?

[rameumptom]

It can happen, but would be difficult and rare. During World War II, much of the Axis countries were cut off from SLC. By the time the war was over, there were some congregations that had introduced candles and other items into the sacrament meeting.

With today's communications and the Church's advanced organization, it would be very difficult. Today, we have stakes in most countries, with organized missions in even more. In the last decade, Pres Hinckley organized the Area Authorities, who have the authority in their region to do just about everything a General Authority can do - include organize stakes, etc. In other words, even if an area gets cut off from SLC today, the priesthood authority and firm foundation in well-established righteous leaders would prevent most units from straying today.

If a bishop were to attempt to go that far off course, others in the ward and stake leadership would take note and ensure that the bishop repented or was removed from his position. The organization truly is one of the most inspired pieces of the Restored Church. While many churches have political battles over the heart of their congregations and overall leadership, our Apostles are planning on meeting this Thursday, where a well established pattern will be exercised again. Pres Packer, as second leading apostle will conduct. After prayer, he will present Thomas S. Monson's name as the new Prophet, Seer and Revelator. The apostles will sustain him. Then they will gather around him, and set him apart, activating the keys of presidency which he holds. Later, during General Conference, the membership will sit in solemn assembly and have the opportunity to also sustain the new presidency - first the quorums of priesthood and then the general membership.