The new handbooks clarify confusion regarding what the First Presidency referred to in 1981 as the three-fold mission of the Church—proclaiming, perfecting, and redeeming.
Handbook 2, section 2.2, reaffirms the First Presidency's intent in 1981 that these three applications were part of one great work, stating: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized by God to assist in His work to bring to pass the salvation and exaltation of His children" (see Moses 1:39).
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles warned against giving "excessive attention to definitions and boundaries among these three applications of the Lord's work" or "excluding other essential elements such as caring for the poor."
He said, "The general principle, stated in section 2.2, is that 'the programs and activities of the Church [are intended to] support and strengthen individuals and families.'"