Elder Eyring named new second counselor; Elder Quentin L. Cook is new apostle

With a bright smile and a touch of emotion, President Henry B. Eyring described his call to the First Presidency of the LDS Church as personal and sweet — a time when he felt both joy and a closeness to the Lord, as well as "personal inadequacy."

President Eyring made his remarks to reporters during a televised press conference Saturday, just hours after being sustained by the worldwide membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the new second counselor in the church's First Presidency. He fills the position held by President James E. Faust, who died in August.

Joining President Eyring was Elder Quentin L. Cook, who was also sustained by church members as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He fills the vacancy in the quorum left by President Eyring.

The men were asked questions ranging from the church's missionary program, media access, and why Elder Cook—a native Utahn—was selected to join a group that represents a worldwide church. The men were also asked to describe personal feelings about their calls, and talk about how their educational background could help them serve.

"I know, particularly because of the incidents of the last few days, that there is a loving Heavenly Father, that he hears prayers and he will reach out," President Eyring said of his call.

Both men said they received their calls to serve in church leadership on Thursday. President Eyring said he received a telephone call from church President Gordon B. Hinckley, who asked if he was willing to join President Thomas S. Monson and himself in the First Presidency.

"It was the most marvelous way of extending a call, which was from the Lord," he said.

Elder Cook said he was invited to President Hinckley's office, where he was then extended his call. He described it as "wonderful, and short, and sweet."

"I think that knowing how overwhelming this might be, compared to President Eyring, President Hinckley did invite me to his office," Elder Cook said. "If someone had called me on the phone, I would have been sure it was a prank of some sort."

Eyring became emotional when he talked about filling the position of President Faust. "He was not only a dear friend, but a model," he said. Later, Eyring described a time when he was talking to another General Authority, and said, "I always wanted to be him (Faust) when I grew up."

When asked about how his educational background as a Harvard MBA and Ph.D. would impact his work in the First Presidency, President Eyring found himself suddenly emotional when relating his observation of decision-making at the top levels of church leadership.