CHURCH OFFICES, Part 1 of Chapter 7 of Holy Priesthood Volume 3

CHURCH OFFICES, Part 1 of Chapter 7 of Holy Priesthood Volume 3

Pages 92 to 98

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Appendages to the Priesthood

According to the Doctrine and Covenants, church offices are appendages to “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God”–or Melchizedek Priesthood:

There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood. (D & C 107:1-5)

However, Section 84 does clarify that certain offices are necessary appendages to the Priesthood:

And again, the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood. And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons. (D & C 84:29-30)

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