Lines of Authority

For several years now I have wondered about my line of priesthood authority. I had asked my dad, who ordained me an elder before I left for my mission in Uruguay, but he did not have his either. In turn he spoke with his father and began a conversation of logistically how lines of authority are recorded. We were unsure if a person had several lines (one for each ordination-deacon, elder, bishop, etc.) or if there was only one according to the highest priesthood office held. We never got straight answers and we were pretty confused and disheartened.

A few days ago, I was waiting for the missionaries at the Oakland Temple Visitor's center for a lesson with an investigator. Before I found out it was cancelled, I wandered downstairs into the Family History library and asked one of the workers if there was a way to access the Church records for ordination. They referred me upstairs to the visitors center and the folks at the desk referred me to a missionary who works in the Visitor's center office. I got conflicting information and left, again, distrought.

Later, I googled "line of authority" and came upon an LDS company that sells (tacky) framed lines of authority with Greg Olsen paintings in the background. I browsed the site and found an email address linked to an office who dealt with lines of authority issues. So I took a chance, emailed them and waited.

Now I would like to say how impressed I am with the church's recent overhaul of their information technology. The New Family Search is brilliant (I logged in and found Henry's pedigree in about 3 min). I can request a copy of my patriarchal blessing with two clicks from the main page. Light years ahead of where it used to be. I am pleased to say that the lines of authority office is in-step with the rest of the church information offices. I received my official line of authority as recorded by the church in 1 day.

Here it is:

• John Lester Stephens High Priest 15 Jul 1990
• Larry Thompson Stephens High Priest 30 Aug 1970
• Robert Dee Sanderson High Priest 27 Aug 1953
• George Quayle Morris High Priest 8 Mar 1908
• Rudger Clawson Apostle 10 Oct 1898
• Lorenzo Snow Apostle 12 Feb 1849
• Heber Chase Kimball Apostle 14 Feb 1835
• The Three Witnesses 14 Feb 1835
• Oliver Cowdery
• David Whitmer
• Martin Harris
• Joseph Smith, Jr Apostle 1829
• Peter, James, and John Apostles ordained during the earthy ministry of:
• Jesus Christ

My priesthood authority comes from an unbroken line of priesthood holders, each conferring the authority to the next by the laying on of hands, directly from the savior himself.

If you are interested in your own line of priesthood authority email: lineofauthority@ldschurch.org

Include the following:

· Full name of the priesthood holder:

· Date of birth:

· Current ward and stake:

· Current priesthood office held:

· Address and ZIP Code:

· Who performed the ordination:

(Note: Priesthood line of authority is not recorded for Aaronic priesthood offices)