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Elder Uchtdorf, former pilot, named new counselor in First Presidency
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UtahBeekeeper | 11:25 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
it is amazing to me how age 67 can seem so relatively young. He will continue
to be a vibrant asset. A world wide church indeed!
Anonymous | 11:35 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
New blood is good. I am very proud to have Elder Uchtdorf who will serve with
Gods new Prophet. He will be good for the church and the new presidency and the
people. God bless!
dkeyes | 11:36 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
O wie Herrlich!
Comments continue below
Deutsch | 11:34 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I was able to have dinner with the Uchdorfs during my mission in Frankfurt. He
truly is an inspired man and will be a great witness for the truthfulness of the
gospel all over the world. The stone cut without hands will roll forward and Pr.
Uchdorf will be involved in moving it.
Seattle | 11:42 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
From the time that President Uchtdorf was called to be an apostle, I felt that
he would be called into the First Presidency at some time! We truly support our
First Presidency! God be with you!!
HutchNY | 11:51 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I was pleasantly surprise. He wasn't one I would have guessed, but it is
definately a sign that Pres. Monson is looking to the future and preparing
leaders for Church in the years to come. He's a wonderful compliment of to
the others personalities and styles and will be a great addition to the
Presidency.
Our prayers are with you Pres. Uchtdorf.
Our prayers are with you Pres. Uchtdorf.
Thai Saints | 12:07 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We love and sustain you, President Uchtdorf.
An observation | 12:05 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
My opinion only....TWICE the first 10 guys in the quorum of the
"twelve" were passed over for a spot in the first presidency. Elder
Eyring was picked, not others like Oaks or Holland, etc. I think that President
Monson probably picked him (even though Pres. Hinkley was still alive then).
NOW, AGAIN, the first 10 or so guys are passed over and a "junior
member" is selected for the first presidency...Elder Uchtdorf (spelling?).
Humm...I think there could be changes coming, doctrinal changes...maybe section
132 will be deleted and replaced by the Proclamation on the Family? Maybe
polygamy/polyandry will be exposed and denounced as practiced in the early days?
Who knows, a united first presidency could address these issues, even against
the opposition of some of the old guard in the quorum of the 12 (Packer,
Ballard, etc.). We'll see, I think, maybe,just maybe, some things will
finally get addressed.
patricia cross | 12:21 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Great news President Pchtdorf came to Shreveport Louisiana for Stake Conference
once and i loved his message my prayers will be with you and your family
RE: An Observation | 12:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I think you are reading into things too much. I guess things cannot be done by
revelation huh?
MoJules | 12:42 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I was surprised at first about President Uchtdorf, but then I remembered the
amazing accomplishment President Monson made in the former East Germany. I am
glad to see President Uchtdorf called, and glad that they have some Chezh blood
in there :)
Georg | 12:48 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Exciting to have a member of the First Presidency who knows how to check-six!
All kidding aside, the Lord made these callings and it is now up to us to
sustain them in their sacred offices.
Colorado member | 12:49 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I tried to make a comment but the page reset, I don't know if it was
submitted, my apologies if I duplicate. I find the entry about changes and
renouncing earlier revelations to be very disrespectful of the Prophet Joseph
Smith, who we both know or ought to know was a divinely inspired prophet. It
also disrespects the current apostles in implying they would not accept
revelation given through the new prophet, President Monson, just because he
didn't have junior apostles as counselors. They all sustain and support him
as their leader 100%. I don't fully understand the doctrine of polygamy or
the reasons for it but that doesn't mean we should want it to be renounced.
It was based on revelation, as was the ceasing of the practice through Wilford
Woodruff. If the Proclamation on the Family, and the one on the Living Christ,
get added to the D& C as proclamations I would be happy. I don't see
any way they would be used to replace existing sections. The old marriage
section taken out way back was written when Joseph Smith was not around and did
not approve it, it was not revelation.
RE: An Observation | 12:48 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Hmm, I'm guessing that's not going to happen. Personally, I think the
Lord wanted these two men to have experience since most of the older Apostles
will probably not be around by the time the relatively young President Monson
dies. But, my opinion isn't anymore valid than anyone else's,
especially in matters regarding God, as His ways aren't our ways.
For those who wonder..... | 1:29 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Some seem to think that the choice of Elder Uchtdorf is some sort of political
statement or popularity contest.
In reality, I don't think this choice had anything to do with President Monson. The counselor will be the man the Lord wants, period. It doesn't matter what Monson thinks.
If you wonder whether these men have truly been chosen by God, I have some advice for you: Get on your knees and ask Him. He will let you know. It is your right as a child of God to know that Monson/Eyring/Uchtdorf are truly chosen by God.
We're not one of these churches that plops a leader down in front of you and says "here's the leader God wants for you.....just trust us."
The LDS church is the only religious organization I know of that says "don't take our word for it. Ask God yourself."
If you have doubts about this new presidency, I suggest you follow that counsel.
In reality, I don't think this choice had anything to do with President Monson. The counselor will be the man the Lord wants, period. It doesn't matter what Monson thinks.
If you wonder whether these men have truly been chosen by God, I have some advice for you: Get on your knees and ask Him. He will let you know. It is your right as a child of God to know that Monson/Eyring/Uchtdorf are truly chosen by God.
We're not one of these churches that plops a leader down in front of you and says "here's the leader God wants for you.....just trust us."
The LDS church is the only religious organization I know of that says "don't take our word for it. Ask God yourself."
If you have doubts about this new presidency, I suggest you follow that counsel.
Montana Mormon | 1:44 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We can rest absolutely assured that not a single one of the senior apostles felt
"passed over" by the selections of President Eyring and President
Uchtdorf. This is not a political process; nor are these brethren driven by
self-aggrandizing ambition or ego. One of my former second counselors when I
was a bishop is now the second counselor in the stake presidency. I am the
executive secretary to the stake presidency. I am honored to call my former
second counselor, who is also younger than I am, "President...."
There is no place for aspiring for position in the Church. You will not find a
group of men who more fully personify that cardinal principle than the Quorum of
the Twelve. Of that I have implicit confidence!
Gregg In Texas | 1:46 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
With the calling of Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf, I think the Lord is
inspiring President Monson towards a more open and universal church, and away
from a closed, Utah-centric regional faith. I expect to see a continuation and
increase of the openness policy instituted through President Hinckley, i.e more
cooperation with other faiths and more participation in helping solve our worlds
problems. With openness will come scrutiny, and we will need to confront with
honesty and humor our own history and imperfections as a people, but all in all
our continuing "coming out party" will help us grow stronger and
closer to our Heavenly Father. And that is why we have a prophet, isn't
it?
Anonymous | 2:05 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I agree 100%. The first presidency has been called by our hevenly father.
dubb75 | 2:14 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Yes if you have any doubt just ask. But i know these men have been called by
god, And i will sustain them 100%
canadianite | 4:02 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I think Montana Mormon has it right, it really does not matter where you serve
or what responsibility you have, it's a tough lesson for many outside the
church and even some inside to comprehend. It is so different in the secular
world where often postions are based on who you know rather than what you can
contribute. I saw that several time in my working career. In my own church
experience once as a Stake YM President, I was blessed to see two of the three
or four counselors I had in a three year period become a Bishop and two as
couselors to Bishops. The Lord in His wisdom inspires men to call others to
leadership responsibility so that they can be trained and prepared for other
callings when they come. I believe the church President will continue to call
men that are prepared and willing to serve as are Pres. Eyring and Pres.
Uchtdorf. There is not one of the current apostles who is not prepared and
worthy, the Lord decided to use the two younger apotles to learn and grown under
the tutelage of Pres. Monson. Watch what happens ao April Conf.
norma crowder | 4:21 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I love this wonderful...Restored church of Jesus Christ. How we love Pres.
Hinckley. How our love will grow for Pres. Monson. All is well...All is well.
Kyle from AZ | 4:39 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I love all the speculation as to who and why and when and what. Truth is no one
here knows anymore than anyone else. Reminds me of when Mike wallace tried to
pin down President Hinckley about when the blacks were given the priesthood that
it was due to social pressure. His response was "Pure speculation".
Maybe we should all stop speculating about what will happen and start listening
to their council.
Steve Benson | 4:52 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Give me time and I will have something negative to spread around about President Uchtdorf.
CGK | 5:44 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I too, support and sustain the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, as does my whole, very large, family. :)
dennyG | 5:43 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
How refreshing. A nazi in the First Presidency. He'll fit right in.
Kyle from AZ | 6:14 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Ah Steve Benson, talk about one who needs to follow some council. Our pulitzer
prize winning cartoonist couldn't even follow his own grandfather prophet
however, I'm afraid all is lost for Stevie boy. So much talent and
intelligence gone to waste.
MM | 6:25 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Mr Benson,
Joseph was right when he said people can leave the church but never are able to leave it alone. Dear Mr Benson, you have obviously dedicated your life to negativity and the pursuit of a church you used to belong to. Why dont you find a church you do fit into and leave this one alone if you hate it and it's leadership so bad? Because you can't. You're in a strange situation. Unable to make the church conform to what you think it should be, unable to sway it's leadership to your point of view, yet unable to completely leave it alone. I can't imagine a non member following every move of the church as closely as you do. Some professionals would call it obsessing. We love you dear brother! Forgive and forget!
The Nazi comment doesn't deserve rebuttal.
Joseph was right when he said people can leave the church but never are able to leave it alone. Dear Mr Benson, you have obviously dedicated your life to negativity and the pursuit of a church you used to belong to. Why dont you find a church you do fit into and leave this one alone if you hate it and it's leadership so bad? Because you can't. You're in a strange situation. Unable to make the church conform to what you think it should be, unable to sway it's leadership to your point of view, yet unable to completely leave it alone. I can't imagine a non member following every move of the church as closely as you do. Some professionals would call it obsessing. We love you dear brother! Forgive and forget!
The Nazi comment doesn't deserve rebuttal.
Bert from Aus | 6:28 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
A wonderful man who will give an added dimension of global understanding to the
First Presidency at a time when it is needed.
I don't believe that 'all is lost' for anyone. In fact those who continually criticize and find fault are more likely crying out for help in re-kindling that faith and testimony that they once had. It would give us great joy to welcome them back into the fold.
I don't believe that 'all is lost' for anyone. In fact those who continually criticize and find fault are more likely crying out for help in re-kindling that faith and testimony that they once had. It would give us great joy to welcome them back into the fold.
Daniel | 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a fine gentleman, President Dieter Uchtdorf is... superb in every way... We
will love him. We will love our new President, Prophet Thomas Monson and
President Eyring.
What a perfectly chosen trio. God bless them while they lead our church. They are Gods truly chosen.
What a perfectly chosen trio. God bless them while they lead our church. They are Gods truly chosen.
RE: an observation | 7:33 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Please don't take this the wrong way, but that is not how things work in
the church. There is no such thing as "old guard" or "new
guard". These brethren are completely united. It is true that they come
from different walks of life, but that only adds to the depth and ability of the
council. None of them have any kind of hidden agenda; on the contrary, they all
only seek to do the will of the Lord. It is just not the way revelation works.
If you have ever served on a council in the church you will understand the great
love and admiration you have for your colleagues. You may not always initially
agree over the issues, but ultimately you come to a united conclusion through
prayer and meditation. If this doesn't occur, you don't have the
Lord's blessing and no action is taken. Brother, I promise you there are
no such things going on that you have described. I don't have room to put
it in this comment, so I am going to put a quote in the next one from the
October 2006 conference. It is from a junior member of the quorum...Elder
Holland.
RE: an oberservation (2) | 7:40 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Here is the quote I promised:
"...over the years some sources have suggested that the Brethren are out of touch in their declarations, that they don't know the issues, that some of their policies and practices are out-of-date, not relevant to our times.
As the least of those who have been sustained by you to witness the guidance of this Church firsthand, I say with all the fervor of my soul that never in my personal or professional life have I ever associated with any group who are so in touch, who know so profoundly the issues facing us, who look so deeply into the old, stay so open to the new, and weigh so carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully everything in between. I testify that the grasp this body of men have of moral and societal issues exceeds that of any think tank or brain trust of comparable endeavor of which I know anywhere on the earth. I bear personal witness of how thoroughly good they are, of how hard they work, and how humbly they live. It is no trivial matter for this Church to declare to the world prophecy, seership, and revelation, but we do declare it��
"...over the years some sources have suggested that the Brethren are out of touch in their declarations, that they don't know the issues, that some of their policies and practices are out-of-date, not relevant to our times.
As the least of those who have been sustained by you to witness the guidance of this Church firsthand, I say with all the fervor of my soul that never in my personal or professional life have I ever associated with any group who are so in touch, who know so profoundly the issues facing us, who look so deeply into the old, stay so open to the new, and weigh so carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully everything in between. I testify that the grasp this body of men have of moral and societal issues exceeds that of any think tank or brain trust of comparable endeavor of which I know anywhere on the earth. I bear personal witness of how thoroughly good they are, of how hard they work, and how humbly they live. It is no trivial matter for this Church to declare to the world prophecy, seership, and revelation, but we do declare it��
Isupport | 8:29 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I uphold and sustain those whom the Lord calls to lead His Church. The new
First Presidency already feels like home to me. I am so glad that the Lord
provides His saints with continuing revelation through His prophets. Therein
lies our safety, our peace, and our happiness. It doesn't matter what the
hateful people say and do. The Church will always prevail. As for the Nazi
comment, I find it apalling that desnews would print this. If this doesn't
fall under the catagory of abusive or offensive, I don't know what does.
President Uchtdorf is a kind upstanding, inspired man of God who has the full
support of all true saints throughout the world.
Oklahoma | 9:57 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It appears that some of us just cannot resist finding fault even in most
positive and uplifting circumstances. It also seems that being an arm chair
quarterback is a common contagion among many who feel threatened, in one way or
another, by the prestige and success of the LDS Church.
I am reminded of a comment I heard in 1957 made by Elder (Apostle) Harold B. Lee to a group of Missionaries in the Central Atlantic States Mission.
In essence, this is what Elder Lee said, "Don't become like the man who once stood at the pulpit and said 'I shall now proceed to elucidate upon a subject upon which the Lord has revealed but very little'".
Those who have faith do not need extraneous recitations or explanations. Their faith is rewarded with a sure witness from the Holy Ghost as a result of personal study and prayer.
No argument, regardless of its persuasive words, will ever bring true knowledge or conviction to any person. These qualities are the offspring of faith and have nothing to do with argumentation.
If we want to know the truth, let us get on our knees as suggested by President Monson.
I am reminded of a comment I heard in 1957 made by Elder (Apostle) Harold B. Lee to a group of Missionaries in the Central Atlantic States Mission.
In essence, this is what Elder Lee said, "Don't become like the man who once stood at the pulpit and said 'I shall now proceed to elucidate upon a subject upon which the Lord has revealed but very little'".
Those who have faith do not need extraneous recitations or explanations. Their faith is rewarded with a sure witness from the Holy Ghost as a result of personal study and prayer.
No argument, regardless of its persuasive words, will ever bring true knowledge or conviction to any person. These qualities are the offspring of faith and have nothing to do with argumentation.
If we want to know the truth, let us get on our knees as suggested by President Monson.
Linda | 10:21 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
After reading all the above comments, my heart goes out to many who set
themselves on a hill to offer judgment. Bless them...
As for me, I sustain these brethern as I do all of the Apostles. I accept the Lord's choice and am so grateful for their endless service, devotion to the Church, and example of Christ-like living. I am blessed by all of the brethern, regardless of their responsibliities as Apostles. They are all chosen as special witnesses of Christ, not one above the other or more than the other. They all are qualified for their particular responsibilities as members of the Quorum as chosen by the Lord Himself.
As for me, I sustain these brethern as I do all of the Apostles. I accept the Lord's choice and am so grateful for their endless service, devotion to the Church, and example of Christ-like living. I am blessed by all of the brethern, regardless of their responsibliities as Apostles. They are all chosen as special witnesses of Christ, not one above the other or more than the other. They all are qualified for their particular responsibilities as members of the Quorum as chosen by the Lord Himself.
Caution...Kyle and MM | 10:33 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Don't you realize how easy it is to plug someone else's name in these
comments and then make a snide disparaging remark. What makes you think it
really was Steve Benson? Even if it really was him, why would you want to stoop
to the level of the writer and rebut such foolishness. Leave such ninnys be.
Carry on.
RE: I support and Oklahoma | 10:40 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Amen and Amen.
Davis, Gilmer II | 11:23 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am so glad I came upon this sight, I was looking for a book to buy when I
found this page.
I wanted to say how delighted I am for the New Presidency we have. I don't think we need to worry about anything. The Lord will make us into who ever he wants us to be, Just wait and watch. I can't wait to see the Miracles these men will accomplish.
I wanted to say how delighted I am for the New Presidency we have. I don't think we need to worry about anything. The Lord will make us into who ever he wants us to be, Just wait and watch. I can't wait to see the Miracles these men will accomplish.
L.Creager | 11:43 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
While it is true that Steve Benson left the church,
He said that he will always be LDS (in his heart)
He was used as a pawn by the Arizona Republic . they gave Him lots of money, lots of fame,just to use him to trample down the church In his heart he probably feels like a judas. I hope he repents and comes back where he belongs. we love you eve.
He said that he will always be LDS (in his heart)
He was used as a pawn by the Arizona Republic . they gave Him lots of money, lots of fame,just to use him to trample down the church In his heart he probably feels like a judas. I hope he repents and comes back where he belongs. we love you eve.
To An Observation | 3:56 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008
To call someone to a position does not go by how long someone has been an
apostle or a general authority. Callings are done by inspiration and what the
Lord's desires are. Not our own. There is no reason to delete Doctrine and
Covenants 132 and replace it with the Proclamation of the Family. The scriptures
are fine just the way they are. The church has already denounced polygamy and
there is no reason to denounce it again. The apostles and the first presidency
we have are wonderful men. They continue to teach all of us true gospel
principles so that we can all become a better people. The Lord addresses issues
when He sees fit and on his time table. This is the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints. Not the Church of the Twelve Apostles or any one else. We are
blessed to have had a wonderful prophet as Gordon B. Hinckley. He was called of
God and brought about many wonderful things. Many wonderful things will come
about because of President Monson, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf and
all the leaders of the church. We are all in this together.
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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
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