Sustaining Vote for Covenant of Christ and Prayer

The following remarks were delivered on Sunday the 27th of October 2024 at Zion Ponderosa Ranch near Orderville, UT.

I want to thank the people who organized that—not just Mark and his wife, but all of the people who participated in organizing—and thank the speakers who have participated throughout the conference, and then everyone who has helped in getting this set up because there are a lot of people who participate and provide help that remain invisible. That has always been the case, that there are people that work behind the scenes that accomplish a great deal, and we benefit from it, but they don’t stand out and ever get any recognition. And there are a lot of things that have and ARE taking place that don’t come into anyone’s actual notice until a work has been accomplished, and then it rolls out into public view. But the work is ongoing, and there’s a great deal currently underway (just like Covenant of Christ has been underway for years before it rolled out this summer to public view).

The time’s come to vote on this question: “Do you have faith in these things and receive the scriptures approved by the Lord as a standard to govern you in your daily walk in life, to accept the obligations established by the Covenant of Christ as a covenant, and to use the scriptures to correct yourselves and to guide your words, thoughts, and deeds?” That’s the same question as was asked in 2017 at the time of the original covenant, with the only change being leaving out the Book of Mormon (which has previously been accepted) and substituting in its place the Covenant of Christ. If this is approved by the vote, it’s going to necessitate a change to the Teachings and Commandments 158:4. That question in T&C 158:4 asks, Second, do you have faith in these things to receive the scriptures approved by the Lord as a standard to govern you in your daily walk in life, to accept the obligations established by the Book of Mormon as a covenant, and to use the scriptures to correct yourselves and to guide your words, thoughts, and deeds? I thought it would be re-worded to state, in relevant part, “…to accept the obligations established by the Book of Mormon AND Covenant of Christ as a covenant.” I was corrected by the Lord. T&C 158:4 is to be re-worded to state, in relevant part, “…to accept the obligations established by the Book of Mormon AND/OR the Covenant of Christ as a covenant.” The Lord wants those who want to accept one or the other or both to be part of His covenant people. The Lord wants to include in His covenant—in His covenant people—as many as will receive His offer.

So the time has come to vote, and I pose to you the question: Do you have faith in these things and receive the scriptures approved by the Lord as a standard to govern you in your daily walk in life, to accept the obligations established by the Covenant of Christ as a covenant, and to use the scriptures to correct yourselves and to guide your words, thoughts, and deeds? Those who have faith and agree to receive the Covenant of Christ, please stand and say, Yes. 

Congregation: Yes.

Denver Snuffer: Thank you.

Now, I hope that doesn’t deter anyone, because those who reject the Covenant of Christ, they should also please stand and say, No. 

Congregation Member: No, not in its current state. 

Congregation Member: No. [Two additional “no” votes were not heard on the recording.]

DS: Thank you. 

The vote is determined by the voice of the people, which requires a majority. In addition to those voting today, previous votes were taken in fellowships last Sunday, October 20, 2024. Paul Durham has tabulated those votes, and the tally for “yes” is 691 votes, and “no” was zero/none. Based on today’s and prior votes, the voice of the people has