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The principle of common consent, as practiced in the modern Church, has roots in the practices of the ancient Church, as seen in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. In Moses’ day, “all the people answered with one voice” (Exodus 24:3) and sustained the calling of Joshua (Numbers 27:18–20). The membership of the New Testament church, in similar manner, “assembled with one accord” in sustaining the calling of Barnabas and Paul (Acts 15:25). Although the Church is not a democratic institution, the principle of common consent safeguards individual agency and allows for the “voice of the people” to be heard … Common consent—or a sustaining vote—is not so much a vote for a person or action but rather an individual covenant to faithfully support, strengthen, speak well of, and pray for those who are sustained. It is also a reflection of our testimony and an acknowledgment of the mantle and authority of the man who holds the keys and who is called by the Lord to preside. The act of raising our hands in a sustaining vote is an outward sign of our inward commitment to the gospel and a demonstration of our conviction that the Spirit guides our Church leaders.— LDS Beliefs
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