The First Presidency's Burden

The handbooks help reduce the First Presidency's time-consuming burden of answering procedural questions and correcting procedural errors.

"As we of the First Presidency meet together in our regular sessions each weekday, we must, of necessity, deal with and correct errors," said President Monson. "Most of these errors could be avoided if … leaders were familiar with the handbooks and followed the policies and procedures outlined therein."

President Monson said that occasionally well-meaning leaders who are unfamiliar with the policies and procedures of the Church make decisions that lead to potentially harmful aberrations in Church programs.

"Whether you've been a lifelong member of the Church or are a relatively new member, consult the handbook when you are uncertain about a policy or procedure," President Monson said. "There's safety in the handbooks."