I know of no other question which has so disturbed the peaceful relationship which should exist between neighbors, communities and nations, as has the erroneous and perverted opinions which have prevailed regarding the proper relationship which should exist between the church and the state, and the application and effect of the laws given by the Lord, and those enacted by man.
It is plain to one who is familiar with the written, and spoken, word of the Lord, that there has not been, and is not now, justifiable cause for the misunderstanding, but notwithstanding this fact there has always been conflict. You who are familiar with the world’s history know that there have been times when the state has waged unrelenting war upon the church, and you are also aware that the church has waged more relentless war, if that were possible, against those who differed from its views, or refused submission to its interpretation of the spiritual law.
Please note: Selecting “Read the full address” will load a pdf document of the relevant conference report. Some pdf document viewers will not automatically position to the correct page within the document, so you may need to scroll to the page listed above.