The following was submitted to the eyring-l mailing list by a regular contributor. For the sake of explanation and context, I include their introductory comments (in italics):
In light of the ongoing discussion about evolution, I decided to contact the FP and ask for a copy of the church's official position on evolution and the age of the earth. I called the office and requested it, but I was asked to put my request in writing, which I did.
About a week later, I got a letter telling me that my SP had been sent a letter answering my question, and that if I would contact him he would read me the letter.
Because I had previously been told that the official FP position was about the same as the Encyclopedia of Mormonism position, I had a copy of the EM entry on evolution, as it was posted to this List, in front of me. As my SP read me the letter, I followed along and marked my copy wherever the letter diverged from the text. Following is the EM entry, with {} around the portions that were deleted in the letter from the FP to my SP. The letter, I am informed, was signed by Pres. Monson on behalf of the FP:
{The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1992, vol. 2, pg. 478:}
{Evolution}
The position of the Church on the origin of man was published by the First Presidency in 1909 and stated again by a different First Presidency in 1925:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, basing its belief on divine revelation, ancient and modern, declares man to be the direct and lineal offspring of Deity. . . . Man is the child of God, formed in the divine image and endowed with divine attributes {(see Appendix, "Doctrinal Expositions of the First Presidency")}.
The scriptures tell why man was created, but they do not tell how, though the Lord has promised that he will tell that when he comes again (D&C 101:32-33). In 1931, {when there was intense discussion on the issue of organic evolution,} the First Presidency {of the Church, then consisting of Presidents Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, and Charles W. Nibley, addressed all of the General Authorities of the Church on the matter, and concluded,} [said]
Upon the fundamental doctrines of the Church we are all agreed. Our mission is to bear the message of the restored gospel to the world. Leave geology, biology, archaeology, and anthropology, no one of which has to do with the salvation of the souls of mankind, to scientific research, while we magnify our calling in the realm of the Church. . . .
{Upon one thing we should all be able to agree, namely, that Presidents Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund were right when they said: "Adam is the primal parent of our race" [First Presidency Minutes, Apr. 7, 1931].}