Question ...
Where is the “revelation” that calls for the convening of a Conference?
Response ...
There is no revelation that called for a conference in 1852 or thereafter. Church history records, “After some correspondence and consultation it was agreed to hold a conference in Newark branch at Beloit, Wisconsin, in June, 1852.” (CH 3:209.) “…these men were acting as members and officers of the original church, regulating and setting in order the church, according to the law as they understood it and in harmony with instruction given them.” (CH 3:211.) The same can be said of the branches and brethren that are engaged in the organizing of this Conference of Branches.
Branches have the right to associate or dissociate in secondary governmental organizations called conferences. This right was lost in the Reorganization and is now being claimed once more. No revelation is needed to exercise a right previously held.
If people are looking for a revelation, consider the direction provided by Patriarch Vernon Darling, April 6, 2003, or the experience of Seventy Neil Simmons. But the historical fact is that conferences were called and organized by Melchisedek priesthood members working in and through their branches. They gave voice and vote to all members. Joseph Smith III reviewed the early history of the Reorganized church in a little work titled Foundations of Reorganization (CH 5:345-361). These points come out of a review of that work:
The duty of building-up, ordering, organizing, or reorganizing the church falls upon the Melchisedek priesthood who have remained true to the original faith and practice of the church and are organized under the pastoral charge of an elder, priest, teacher, or deacon. These pastoral units are branches which are the primary organization of the church. The Melchisedek priesthood functioning in them has the authority, the power, the responsibility to order, organize, and reorganize the body of Christ.
By virtue of this duty and responsibility of the Melchisedec priesthood, a conference can and should be called. What transpires next with regard to the work of building up the church will be dictated by the conference—not by a man or group of men.
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