Merrill J. Bateman

Presidency of the Seventy (August 15, 2003 – August 15, 2007)

First Quorum of the Seventy (December 27, 1995 – October 6, 2007)

Presiding Bishop (April 2, 1994 – December 27, 1995)

Second Quorum of the Seventy (June 6, 1992 – April 2, 1994)

General Conference Addresses

• October 2005 General Conference
  • A Pattern for All
    • “The Lord directed the Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The “restitution of all things” began in the Sacred Grove with the Father and the Son appearing to Joseph Smith. In vision, Joseph learned of God’s personal nature—that the Father and the Son are separate, exalted beings with bodies of flesh and bone.”
    • “The Atonement was an intimate, personal experience in which Jesus came to know how to help each of us.”
• October 2003 General Conference
  • Priesthood, Keys, and the Power to Bless
    • “The priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man. Priesthood keys are the right to direct the use of that power. The President of the Church holds the keys necessary for governing the entire Church. His counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also hold the keys of the kingdom and operate under the President’s direction. Stake presidents, bishops, and temple, mission, and quorum presidents are given keys to guide the Church in their jurisdictions.”
• April 1995 General Conference
  • The Power to Heal from Within
    • “Death reminds us that there is a spirit in man. As we viewed the remains of our young friend, it was obvious that more than blood had left his body. The light of his spirit no longer animated his facial expression or twinkled in his eyes. He, too, had given up the ghost, but at a tender, young age.”
    • “While I was standing before the casket, the thought came that separation was not only a shock for the parents, but also for the young man as he suddenly found himself on the other side of the veil. I suspect that he would like to tell his parents once more how much he loves them. Brothers and sisters, heaven only exists if families are eternal.”
    • “To be meaningful, life must be more than the ephemeral pleasures of youth. There must be a plan. Death, even if accidental, must be part of the plan. Developing faith in and coming to know one’s Maker is at the core of the plan. Having hope with regard to one’s eternal destiny and experiencing joy must also be part of life’s purpose.”
    • “We are dependent on the miracles of Christ’s atonement if our souls are to be made whole from grief, sorrow, and sin.”
• April 1994 General Conference
  • Stretching the Cords of the Tent
    • “I pledge my all to the service of the Master. I have a deep testimony of Him and of His work on this earth. He is the one who guides and directs the affairs of this church.”
• October 1992 General Conference
  • Coming unto Christ by Searching the Scriptures
    • “A casual, infrequent exposure to the scriptures will generally not open the door to the whisperings of the Spirit or provide insights into the Savior’s life and character.”
    • “Changes in the heart and soul occur as a result of planting and nourishing the seed. Scripture study, prayer, obedience, and service are key elements in building faith in Christ.”

Articles in Church Publications

Other Publications and Resources