The following is the official statement by the First Presidency on the use of
the King James Bible.  It can be found in the August 1992 edition of the
_Ensign_.

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Since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints has used the King James Version of the Bible for
English-speaking members.

The Bible, as it has been transmitted over the centuries, has suffered the
loss of many plain and precious parts.  'We believe the Bible to be the word
of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of
Mormon to be the word of God.'  (A of F 1:8.)

Many versions of the Bible are available today.  Unfortunately, no original
manuscripts of any portion of the Bible are available for comparison to
determine the most accurate version.  However, the Lord has revealed
clearly the doctrines of the gospel in these latter-days.  The most reliable
way to measure the accuracy of any biblical passage is not by comparing
different texts, but by comparison with the Book of Mormon and
modern-day revelations.

While other Bible versions may be easier to read than the King James
Version, in doctrinal matters latter-day revelation supports the King James
Version in preference to other English translation.  All of the Presidents of
the Church, beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith, have supported the
King James Version by encouraging its continued use in the Church.  In
light of all the above, it is the English language Bible used by The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The LDS edition of the Bible (1979) contains the King James Version
supplemented and clarified by footnotes, study aids, and cross-references
to the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of
Great Price.  These four books are the standard works of the Church.  We
encourage all members to have their own copies of the complete standard
works and to use them prayerfully in regular personal and family study, and
in Church meeting and assignments.

Sincerely your brethren,
Ezra Taft Benson
Gordon Hinckley
Thomas Monson