Church governed through Melchizedek Priesthood
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In a revelation to Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio, on March 28, 1835, the Lord said: "The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things.
"The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:8-9.)
Speaking of the right of the presidency during the April 1972 general conference, President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: "We hold the holy Melchizedek Priesthood, which is the power and authority of God delegated to man on earth to act in all things for the salvation of men.
"We also hold the keys of the kingdom of God on earth, which kingdom is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These keys are the right of presidency; they are the power and authority to govern and direct all of the Lord's affairs on earth. Those who hold them have power to govern and control the manner in which all others may serve in the priesthood. All of us may hold the priesthood, but we can only use it as authorized and directed so to do by those who hold the keys.
"This priesthood and these keys were conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by Peter, James and John, and by Moses and Elijah and others of the ancient prophets. They have been given to each man who has been set apart as a member of the [Quorum] of the Twelve, but since they are the right of presidency, they can only be exercised in full by the senior apostle of God on earth, who is the president of the Church."
