Choosing new leader is daunting task for church

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The succession plan for the Community of Christ has always been simple: The church's leader designated his successor, and the membership accepted that choice.

Now, the resignation of W. Grant McMurray without naming a new president has forced the church and its 250,000 members into unfamiliar territory. And so they wait for "discernment" — in other words, for God to show them who the new leader should be.

Still, officials of the largest of the Mormon offshoot denominations say the challenge of selecting a new president — who also carries the position of prophet — is a necessary step toward maturity as a faith.

"People have had to think a little more carefully about their role in the process," said Steven M. Veazey, president of the church's Council of Twelve Apostles. "I see that as having a positive effect, because more people are engaged in reflecting carefully and deeply on what a church president needs for the future."

The Council of Twelve is now collecting names of possible successors — although only one member knows those names, Veazey said — and will begin a process of prayer and deliberation in late March. Anyone in the church may suggest a name.

Once the council and other church leaders reach a consensus, the person they select — who might not even know his or her name has been submitted, Veazey said — will be called as the next leader. If the designate accepts, delegates to a special world conference called for early June will be asked to confirm the selection.

McMurray stepped down Dec. 1, citing a recent diagnosis of Parkinson's disease — and "inappropriate choices" in his personal life. Neither he nor church officials would elaborate but said church finances were not involved.

McMurray, who had served since 1996, was the first church leader not descended from Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Community of Christ broke off from that group in the 1850s and did not go to Utah with the larger body of Mormons. Until 2001, it was known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.