Just as we recognize and support the privilege of others to worship Almighty God according to their conscience, so we also claim the right to declare our faith and testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ according to our beliefs.
To bring the message and the redemptive power of Christ and His Atonement to the people of the world, we need to declare with courage and clarity the events of 1820 and thereafter. These events, and the revelation that attended them, are what distinguish us from all other religions and from any other people with good intent.
The Prophet Joseph Smith went into the woods near his family home to offer his first vocal prayer to God. He said: "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
"… When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17).
From that day forward the heavens were open again. Joseph learned line upon line, precept upon precept. He studied the scriptures, and he communed with angels. Apostles and prophets from ancient times came to confer on him sacred priesthood authority and keys. Heavenly messengers taught him the ordinances of everlasting life and the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Revelation flowed from on high.
I testify that today the keys of the kingdom of God are on earth and that they are held by Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. The President of the Church, who is the senior Apostle, holds all the keys necessary to preside over all the organizational and ordinance work of the Church. President Thomas S. Monson has this authority today. He stands as our prophet, the most recent in an unbroken succession of prophets and apostles from Joseph Smith to our own day.
Having the fulness of the gospel should not lead any of us to feel arrogant or harbor a holier-than-thou attitude. We should simply be grateful with all our heart for the privilege to live in the time of the Restoration and to bring truth and eternal blessings to our brothers and sisters.
Therefore, be humble and testify of the Restoration of the gospel and of Joseph Smith as a true prophet of God. Joyfully live the gospel and be true to the covenants and commandments our loving Heavenly Father has given us.
Be courageous. Have faith. Do not fear. Trust the Lord.