Dear brothers and sisters of the Church of Christ
Divine Revelation has been a constant light on our path since the Reorganization of the Church, which took place on April 6, 2019. This event established an important milestone in the faithful restructuring of the Church restored by Joseph Smith, who brought the First Invitation to humanity in mid from 1830.
We are, without a shadow of a doubt, still to be guided by principles that connect us with our spiritual heritage stemming from the First Invitation.
However, we Second Invitation Mormons, although we are not seeking to establish new doctrines, create a new form of worship, or found a new religion, do view our journey as a continuation of the Restoration in present times, reflecting God’s effort to follow His intent that was lost after the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, to teach and enlighten this remaining awakened group of his people in the fullness of time, through their living prophet again in the flesh, which is already found in the Scriptures, both in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon, in the revelations of Joseph Smith and in other manuscripts and speeches left by the first Elders of the restoration, but which remained hidden from the understanding of the members of the First Invitation until then.
Instead of being carried away by beliefs that align with the permissive tendencies of Babylon, as is the case with all other religions in this world, we, who were awakened at the dawn of this Second Invitation, increasingly seek to harmonize our principles and practices with the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ. Our intention is to deepen our understanding of the Eternal Circle and become more and more complete as His disciples, reinforcing our commitment to the eternal and true values that He has bequeathed to us since the beginning. In doing so, we become more faithful to our mission of serving and loving others, living a life, in this mortal existence, that not only reflects the light of the gospel, but in essence, the very look of Jesus being perfected in our countenances.
Yes! There are several doctrines that we uphold in this ongoing work of restoration (Acts 3:21), connecting us to our brothers who still remain faithful to the precepts of the First Invitation. However, others appear to be new and everlasting covenants, so current and distinct to our respective modern era, that they prefigure that “strange work” as described in Doctrine and Covenants 101:94–95 (compare 3 Nephi 21:8- 10), and which, often, out of fear, or embarrassment, makes us hesitate in sharing them with the world. When in fact, we should be proud to do so, for the simple fact that we are the people whom God chose to make His mysteries known in this part where we live in the dispensation of the fullness of times. If we look closely at these truths that are now revealed to us by the legislating prophet of this last dispensation, we will realize that they remain available in our scriptures for our understanding with regard to the new revelations of God through this prophet, which are not intended to be delegitimize the law or the previous revelations of those who preceded him, but rather fulfill them in their smallest details, to the extent that God allows it to be done. For example:
- The reestablishment of the true sacrament among the saints of the Second Invitation, based on the five essential points of the scriptures that show that the most sacred ordinance of the gospel restored by Joseph Smith in the 19th century had in fact been changed after his death in the intricacies of the restoration, namely:
1 All church kneels together with the Elder or priest to bless the sacrament. (Moroni 4:2 and D&C 20:76)
2 Has to be wine. (D&C 27:3-4 and D&C 89:5-6)
3 The Prayer of the sacramental emblems, as taught since the beginning of the church, cannot undergo any change in its pronunciation. If this occurs, the Elder or priest who pronounces it must repeat his pronunciation until he gets it right, as stated in the scriptures. Therefore, following the original pattern, we cannot allow the word “water” to prevail in the intricacies of this Second Invitation in place of the word “wine”, just as we read in Moroni 4:2 and D&C 20:79
4 Only baptized members are worthy to partake of the sacramental emblems. (3 Nephi 18:28-30)
5 Gather frequently for the sacrament. (3 Nephi 18:22)
In view of this, when we carefully examine the text of Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-20, we realize that the power of divinity manifests itself through the authority of the Melchizedek priesthood, revealing itself to men in the flesh only when they correctly observe its ordinances. The lack, therefore, of adequate fulfillment of the sacramental ordinance by the Utah saints over the years, not only led the church to apostasy – as predicted by Joseph Smith, which would occur before the second coming when transcribing the text of II Thessalonians 2:2-9 in his inspired version of the King James Bible, in which “the man of sin will be revealed” for he “exalts himself above all things… so that he, like God (by being venerated by the people of the covenant in the last days), sits in the temple of God” — clearly implying that he is the president of the Utah church, whose “the mystery of iniquity works, and it is he that works now, and Christ allows him to work, until the time be fulfilled when he be taken from among (the Latter-day Saints).” — As well as resulting in the loss of the Melchizedek priesthood. As in the days of Moses (see D&C 84:25-26), only the Aaronic priesthood remained among them, a priesthood that, according to the promise in Section 13 of the Doctrine and Covenants, would never be removed from the earth.
Despite this, the Saints of the Utah Church believe they possess the highest priesthood, similar to the situation of the Jews after the departure of Moses, who continued to bear the titles of Elders and High Priests until the meridian of time. When then, Jesus, like the prophet Maurício today, restored the higher priesthood among his followers.
However, as we can see in Section 86:8-11 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the higher priesthood was not extinguished; rather it remained hidden in the seed of the prophet Joseph Smith, to be restored again upon Joseph Smith’s head when he returned in the Eternal Round, when he would receive it, from the hands of one of his worthy descendants – one who would stand firm in the gospel and goodness. of God—the keys of the higher priesthood.
As prophesied in the transition from the 19th century to the 20th century by John Wickersham Woolley (December 30, 1831 – December 13, 1928), who was ordained high priest of the LDS Church by Brigham Young and, in 1913, became patriarch of the church — which qualified him as a prophet and revelator capable of receiving divine revelations.
In one of his prophecies, Woolley makes an enigmatic mention of Joseph’s return, referring to the name of the person who, through the laying on of hands, would once again receive the keys of the priesthood. In verse 22 of the pamphlet titled “Woolley Statements,” it states: “Joseph F. Smith tookthe keys and gave them back to the propht Joseph Smith.” Although, at the time, many believed that this prediction would come true through Joseph Fielding Smith, son of Hyrum, as president of the Utah church, such an event never occurred in his day. Today, however, we understand that its fulfillment took place through the lineage of the prophet Joseph, when, in March 2018, already in the 21st century, Joseph Fredrick Smith, with whom the priesthood of his parents remained hidden, laid his hands on the head of Maurício Artur Berger, conferring on him the keys of the Melchizedek priesthood.
This transmission of the keys represents not only the continuation of Joseph’s calling again in the flesh, but also the restoration of lost truths and the authority necessary to guide the faithful Saints back to the true path of the gospel that he restored.
The Restoration of the higher priesthood carried out by a descendant of Joseph Smith over the head of Maurício Berger not only safeguards the transcription described in Doctrine and Covenants 86:10, that “the priesthood abides through you (Joseph Smith Jr.) and in your lineage until the restoration of all things…”, as well as fully fulfilling the prophecy described in 2 Nephi 3, which mentions four distinct periods from the beginning of the restoration to its end before the coming of Christ to his temple , in Jackson County Missouri.
Starting with verses 7 – 9 which is clearly mentioning Joseph Smith Junior at the dawn of the fullness of time. Next, between verses 11 to 15, we have the period of reorganization of the church, which I call the beginning of the afternoon in the fullness of time through his son, Joseph III, who, as described in the following verses, he would be V.11 — “a seer of the fruit of your loins and to him I will give power… — not only to reveal my word, says the Lord, but to convince them of my word, which will have already been declared to them [ by his father, Joseph Smith Jr.].” that he would be blessed by the Lord V.14 — “and those who seek to destroy him will be confounded”, these words could not be fulfilled in Joseph Smith Jr., as his enemies destroyed him, when at 38 years of age they murdered him, but only in his son III, who, although he was also persecuted and harassed, died in his old age, at 82 years of age. Which is why verse 15 of this prophecy of Joseph of Egypt attests that “his name will be like mine and he will be called by the name of his father (Joseph Smith). Undoing the fallacy created by the Utah church that the prophecy is referring only to Joseph Jr., regarding his father’s name, Joseph Smith Sr.
In turn, after the presidency of his son III, a period of apostasy also set in, modifying the hierarchical organization of the reorganized church, causing God, in His vast wisdom and foreknowledge, as described in 2 Nephi 27:21-25, to raise up in the evening time of the fulness of times, v. 17 — “a Moses; and I will give him power upon a rod (scripture); and I will give him ability to write (the sealed book). Nevertheless, I will not loose his tongue, that he should speak much: for I will not make him mighty in speech (compare Isaiah 28:11) … and I will prepare him a mouthpiece.” And, unlike what was predicted in verse 10, which literally mentions the prophet Moses, whose spokesman, Aaron, who came from the tribe of Levi, is described in verse 17 as “a Moses,” whose spokesman, as described in verse 18, would be “from your loins,” or in other words, he would be a descendant of the first seer, great-grandson of Joseph Smith Jr., just as Joseph Fredrick Smith is, who was and will continue to be in the history of the restoration, the one chosen by God from the loins of the prophet Joseph, not only to return the Melchizedek Priesthood to the head of his great-grandfather, today returned in the figure of Maurício Berger, but also to bear the calling of spokesman for the Sealed Book of Mormon at the opening of the Second Invitation, at the evening of the last dispensation.
Finally, we must consider a fourth stage yet to come, which I will call the night of the fullness of time, whose prophecy described in verse 24 mentions “a mighty one who will do good, both in word and deed, being an instrument in the hands of God, with extraordinary faith to perform great wonders and to do great things in the sight of God, to bring much restoration to the house of Israel and to the seed of your brothers.” —Compare D&C 85:7-8
In addition to the points mentioned, we have an understanding, albeit limited, but essential, of the doctrine of multiple mortalities taught by Joseph Smith and the first Elders of the church, known among followers of the Second Invitation as the Eternal Round. This understanding allows us to clearly see that Joseph and some Elders from the past have already returned in the flesh. and that, just as the Jews did not recognize that Elijah, long awaited by them, had returned in the figure of John the Baptist, blessed will be those who manage to see in Maurício Berger the return of Joseph Smith Jr.
And finally, among the doctrines we uphold in this work of restoration, which, although it seems so current and distinct to our respective modern era, and which prefigure that “strange work” described in Doctrine and Covenants 101:94–95, is the Revelation on the LGBT community, justified by the description in Isaiah chapter 56 to the eunuchs [gays] worshiping God in his temple in the last days:
4 For thus says the Lord concerning the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths and choose what pleases me and hold fast my covenant:
5 I will give them a place and a name in my house and within my walls better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will never be cut off.
7 I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
We often see religious groups today, both Restorationists and sectarians, distinguishing themselves by their clear understanding of the sum of scriptures they possess. However, their further progress, just as happened with the Samaritans and Jews in the days when Jesus was on Earth, is often impeded because they are too attached to doctrines and creeds that constitute their original beliefs, originating from some precept of Babylon, the mother of all heresies, without allowing more scriptures and revelations to open their understanding.
In light of this new scope, we must ask ourselves: Do we really have all the answers and the full light of truth, as our brothers who follow the precepts of the first invitation claim to have? The answer is obviously no, and we will not have them until the perfect day.
In this context, it is essential to reflect on our beliefs regarding current truth. We do not claim that truth itself changes; it is immutable and eternal. However, our understanding of it unfolds gradually over the ages—line by line, precept by precept, here a little, there a little. As it is written in Proverbs 4:18, truth rises like the sun that lights the way of a traveler, from the dawn to the end of the day, passing through all the stages before reaching night. This metaphor teaches us that the understanding of the covenant people has always been, is, and will always be progressive, until Christ comes and reveals all things to us.
Thus, as we reflect on the nature of truth, we recognize that our journey of understanding is ongoing. Each step we take in this day of mortal existence, illuminated by the sun of truth, brings new understanding our vision. This invites us to keep an open mind and a willing heart, ready to learn and grow in faith until the perfect day.
In this regard, I announce to you in advance that the time has come for formation programs to allow all members of the Church to gradually access the teachings of the United Order, creating an open dialogue about the objectives and principles of both organizations, so that members who wish to join such a high Order may qualify for the call, since a member of the Church may never be a member of the Order, but every member of the Order, in order to be invited to join or remain in it, must inevitably be a good member of the Church.
Adapting to the organizational structure of both entities is essential to develop and maintain the fundamental values shared by both organizations, promoting the idea that, despite the differences, the greater goal is the growth of the Kingdom of God and His justice among the children of men.
A program is being developed by the leadership so that, starting in January, we can establish a path for members of the Church of Christ, presided over by President Samuel Gould, to understand and gradually gain the conditions to become part of the United Order, presided over by Maurício Berger.
In view of the scenario that is being drawn up for the next year in the work of God, in this Second Invitation, it is imperative that the servants of the Lord unite in chapels and organized Branches, both in Brazil and abroad. This union is essential to strengthen the missions of the church and establish local meetings that can accommodate the sacrament of the Lord in an appropriate manner.
In this context, members of the leadership, including the prophet and his wife, will undertake personal trips, both throughout Brazil and in other countries, with the intention of visiting and building small organized Branches. These meetings aim to transform these groups into congregational missions and provide the opportunity to gather members in district conferences, promoting communion and strengthening the faith in their respective regions.
In early 2025, all groups that hold regular meetings in their cities will be asked to report to the general mission president the frequency of their meetings and the number of attendees. This survey is crucial for the General Authorities to assess how many of these attendees are faithful, enabling them to assess the feasibility of establishing a permanent branch of the church in their respective localities.
We will not hesitate to send apostles to these branches, whether their numbers are large or small, to appoint and ordain local elders and bishops, chosen from among their number, so that together with the body of General Authorities they may shepherd and supervise the flock. —Acts 14:21-23; 20:17, 28
This initiative is designed not only to strengthen the church structures but also to promote the building up of God’s Kingdom, seeking to form the United Order among the sons of men. This is in perfect harmony with what is written in Moroni 3 in the Sealed Book of Mormon, which says: “And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall begin his work again among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, to bring about, in the seasons of time already appointed by the Lord, a full restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by his servants the prophets.”
For this work to move forward in an orderly and unified manner, it is vital that the apostles of both quorums be men and women who are determined to participate in the work Jesus has commissioned them to do and who, by their selfless example, encourage others to do the same.
And do not be discouraged when you look at our brethren in Utah, who, by their mocking of us, represent that great and spacious building described in Lehi’s dream, for though we may seem to be a small company, I assure you that we are not, and they that are with us are more than they that are with them. For we are not trying to establish an “earthly organization” as they have endeavored to maintain their apparent opulence in the sight of the nations of the earth. Rather, we are uniting ourselves, by our observance and obedience to God’s laws, with that heavenly organization that in ancient times empowered and empowered the Utah Saints to become what they are today. That is why Isaiah wisely prophesied of us when he said: “…the little one will become a mighty nation; I, the Lord, will hasten it in my time.”—Isaiah—Inspired Version 60:22
I am deeply encouraged by the vibrant faith and cooperative spirit that I have witnessed throughout this year of 2024 among the Saints of this Second Invitation. It is with great joy that I dedicate myself to the important duties entrusted to me, fully aware that the fulfillment of the responsibilities I have assumed as a steward in the Father’s vineyard does not depend solely on my own efforts. I recognize that for my success I rely on the approval of God from on high, and that without the valuable support of each of you, the mission of establishing the cause of Zion and spreading the truth of the restored gospel would not be possible. Together, we form a team capable of accomplishing great things. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things cometh that which is great” (D&C 64:33).
With gratitude
Your fellow servant in the cause of Christ,
Maurício A. Berger
Note: Dear English-speaking brothers and sisters, in this article all the texts were translated by Google Translator and not directly from the English scriptures.
