Elaine Anderson Cannon reminiscences about Spencer W. Kimball's response to her October 1978 General Conference talk; Kimball agreed with her teaching that when the leader speaks, members must obey.
- Type
- Periodical
- Hearsay
- Direct
- Reference
“Spencer W. Kimball: A Tribute,” This People 6, no. 8 (December 1985/January 1986): 24
- Scribe/Publisher
- This People
- Audience
- Reading Public
PDF
PDF
- Transcription
In a talk I once said that when the prophet speaks, the debate is over. The following Monday morning President Kimball called me into his office. "Sister Cannon," he began, "do I recall that you recently said something to the effect that when I speak, the people must obey?" I answered, "President Kimball, what I said is that when the prophet speaks, the debate is over." His next comment took me by surprise. "I don't think the people like to hear that." I replied, "But it's true, isn't it?" He paused for a moment and answered, "Yes, it's true, but I don't think they like to hear it quite that way." What he was teaching me was there was a gentler way of getting the point across. That's the secret of that man. He led us, he didn't force the gospel upon us. That's why we follow him anywhere.
ELAINE CANNON
FORMER GENERAL PRESIDENT
YOUNG WOMEN
- Citations in Mormonr Qnas
The B. H. Roberts Foundation is not owned by, operated by, or affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.