A public affairs council is a tool of the priesthood. Its primary purpose is to help priesthood leaders build positive relationships with opinion leaders who affect the reputation of the Church and whose actions and influence can help or hinder the Church’s mission.
Building relationships of trust and respect with opinion leaders—including the media—can result in greater dialogue, mutual understanding, dispelled myths about the Church, and effective communication of the Church’s messages. These relationships allow the Church to partner with leaders of other faiths, charitable organizations, civic groups, educational institutions, and government agencies to meet joint objectives and address community needs.
Such relationships also increase the likelihood that opinion leaders—especially the media—will go to representatives of the Church when trying to understand Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices, instead of going to other sources.
Whether you serve as a member of an Area Presidency, an Area Seventy, or a member of a stake presidency, you can use your public affairs council to meet a wide range of priesthood objectives and address issues that affect the progress of the Church within your geographic stewardship. Your public affairs council can help you determine how you can meet certain objectives through relationship building and partnerships with selected opinion leaders and organizations.
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Organizing a Public Affairs Council | Priesthood Adviser Responsibilities | Counseling with Your Public Affairs Council
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