Using GIMP-2.8. An image (.xcf) has 4 layers. When I want to move the text content of a layer I move that layer to the top of the list in the layers window and select it by clicking on that layer. Then I use the rectangle select tool to outline the text in that layer and try to move it with the move tool selected.
Only the background layer, on the bottom of the list of layers, moves. I haven't figured out what I'm doing incorrectly. A clue stick is needed. Rich