It is a testament to the truthfulness of this work to see the progression in policy and in the posture of the Church with respect to the media. It is not coincidental that the power of the media -- with all the good that can be communicated--has been defined and refined under the leadership of President Hinckley and now, President Monson. We live in exciting times!

I actually watched the press release and the question to which Pres. Monson answered 'depends what the disagreemant is', was Could members disagree with the church and still be in good standing with the church. Same-sex marriages were not even mentioned. The 'Jounalist' who wrote this article purposefulling tries to mislead you with what Pres. Monson was actually saying. If she has an axe to grind go do it someplace else.

May God sustain President Monson, and Presidents Eyrinmg and Uchtdorf, in their holy work.

They are wonderful men.

May Heavenly Father sustain President Monson, and Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf, in their holy work.

They are wonderful men.

President Monson has been around for as long as I can remember... since being 15 yrs old! Almost 25 yrs have I listen to him, and thought what a great man he is too. I love listening to him tell about the widows, and about the sweet story of the telephone operator!

His counselors are awesome!

The person that asked the question regarding people who disagree with church policy and principals needs to realize that sin is sin regardless of how it is stated. If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck, walks like a duck, then it is a duck.

To LDS:
Better check out your internal tape recorder. The reporter from KUER did frame her question with the issue of same sex marriage. I don't see an ax to grind in the reporting.

No campaigning, no rancor, no analysts deciding what the meaning of words spoken really meant or the ulterior motives of those speaking - I could go on. It is refreshing to experience the peaceful transfer of responsibility from one great world leader to another. There were words of encouragement that challenges us to increase our worth to ourselves and others. A wonderful pattern defined by the greatest leader in the universe and words inspired by the same.

What a powerful 1st Presidency! If anyone is not a member of this church they should be. Each prophet is marvelous as the Lord works through them and sustains them as this church is built on revelation as guided by the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, himself. It is the Lord's church! There has never been a time that we've needed the inspiration of the Lord more than we do today in each of our lives. The Lord has provided us a living prophet, today, and we will do well if we give heed to his counsel and teachings. If we do, each, may receive, truly, a Prophet's reward (Mt 10.41), Russ

President Monson clearly answered the marriage question. At the end of the inquiry on the marriage issue the question included "and remain in good standing with the Church." In the cases of a stand on the side of Apostacy, those positions would not be appropriate. Or in other words, you would not be in good standing. However, in the matter of the political issue on marriage, there are wide variances of opinion and so simply because a persons political view might be to the far side of conventional opinion, that would not affect a persons standing in the church.

It is my view that if Church Members read and understand the Proclamation on the Family, there is no gray area to know what the Lords position is on that matter of marriage. Even with that said, the beauty of God's gift of agency still allows all people to make their personal choice. These parameters were wonderfully and clearly answered by President Monson.

Am I alone? I have heard that God inspires men to call the prophet, BUT . . .
Why is it always the first counselor?

It is not always the First Counselor as you say. President Hunter and President Benson were not counselors in the First Presidency when they became the prophet. They were however the Senior members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. I don't know if President Kimball or Harold B. Lee were in the First Presidency at the time they became the President of the Church.

It just so happens that the last few prophets called were previous first counselors to the last prophets. He is not chosen because he was the first counselor, but that he is the longest serving member of the quorum of the twelve, or senior apostle. Since Brigham Young, it has always been the senior apostle who is called as the new president of of the church and prophet to the world.

This is great. The church will be recognized even more, world wide. These men and women in leadership positions, are my heros. I am not perfect and look to them to teach and inspire.

I am thakful that our Father in Heaven has chosen a new First Presidency. I believe President Monson and his Counslers will continue the great leadership and direction, that Presiden Hinckley provided for the tremendous growth of the Church.

I add my voice with yours in anticipation and excitement for the opportunity to sustain and follow a living prophet!

We live in exciting times!

We love (and will miss) President Hinckley.
We love and look forward to continuing to hear from and see President Monson, and his counselors.

If there's an axe to grind it's those against the Deseret News. Half the comments on any given article are to lambaste whoever wrote it. And usually they're full of hooey, as we see here about the same-sex question.

So here's a tip: If you actually have something of substance to complain about, how about WRITING them about it? I've done it, and they've written back every time.

When I was a missionary in Germany, Presient Monson came with Elder Hales to conduct a tri-stake conference. We had a special session for just the missionaries. Elder Uchtdorf was one of the seventy then and he also addressed us. He was an amazing, good-hearted, sincere, and articulate man, and I thought to myself, this man is going to be an apostle someday. When he was called I was so excited because I knew what an amazing man he was. And now to see him with President Monson again as the second counselor brings back the memories of that beautiful conference.

The things that President Monson, President Uchtdorf, and Elder Hales taught us had a profound effect upon the rest of my mission. We are truly blessed to have such great men leading this church!

President Monson will be great.

I didn't expect Elder Uchdorf to be the Second Counselor though... I thought it would be Elder Packer. Well, he'll be great too!

One may observe that the Lord often establishes patterns. Concerning choosing His new prophet, historically the Lord’s pattern has been:

1. The quorum of the apostles becomes one body of 14 apostles after the president passes away; the former counselors are part of that body.

2. The Lord, through that body of 14 apostles, chooses His new president and prophet. The choosing must be in unanimity (ALL apostles in harmony).

3. It has been a pattern that, through the body of 14, the Lord has chosen the senior apostle to become the new president and prophet of His restored church.

Patterns and consistency are traits associated with God.

Who cares what anyone expects. It's what God expects that is important-- Not ours to choose! So I say Ladies and Gentlemen... Leave it alone! Be humble my good people and live the Golden Rule in humility.

Have a good day. Enjoy our new leadership.

I just want to say I really appreciate the Deseret News having a web site. I read of President Monson's call here first. True, I knew he would be the next president but that is why I appreciate this so much.

Here in Detroit out two local papers both ran blurbs on President Monson's call, the Free Press article being longer than that in the Detroit News, but in neither case did they mention who President Monson's counselors are, so without this site and other resources on the internet I would still be totally unaware that it was President Eyring and President Monson. Keep up the good work.

More on first counselor issue,

President Kimball was not in the First Presidency before his call. President Lee was the first counselor. President Joseph Fielding Smith was an additional counselor to President McKay when president McKay died. President McKay was the second counselor to President George Albert Smith. President George Albert Smith and President Heber J. Grant had both not been in the First Presidency before becoming the president of the Church. President Joseph F. Smith was the first counselor to President Snow, but had only been sustained as such four days before President Snow died, filling the vacancy caused by President Goege Q. Cannon's death a few months earlier. President Smith had been second counselor not only to President Snow but also to presidents Woodruff and Taylor. None of President Joseph F. Smith's predecessors had been in the first presidency before they became president of the church. The key is that they are the member of the quorum of the twelve with the longest consecutive seniority, although since Brigham Young Jr. died this has been the same as being the senior apostle.

I just love President Monson so much!!! He is a wonderful person. God picked the perfect Prophet for our time and dispensation. I was so pleased to learn that he loves birds. Birds are very intelligent animals and much smarter than our typical pooch. Birds have a keen intellect. I believe birds are the closest animals to God. President Monson is marvelous man. We as a people we are extremely blessed to have him as our new Prophet... His two counselors are a blessing to this church and we love them as well.

I love the picture of President Monson with his pet pigeon. What a genuine person he is. I have a pet bird too.

President Monson is the best example of anyone that I know that has the ability to listen to the promptings of the Holy ghost, obey them, and provide needed service and help to those around him. He has been well prepared for this position.

I have no doubt in my mind that he will know the mind, the voice, and the will of the Lord for all of the world. He knows how the recognize the promptings of the Spirit I know that he is the Lord's prophet and if I follow his teachings it will be as if I am following the Lord's will.

I too would like to congratulate our new First presidency, as being divinely chosen Prophets seers and revelators of the one true God and His one true church upon the face of this earth. We as true members need to sustain them in words, thoughts and actions. They need our prayers and active testimonies as we build the Lords kingdom wherever we live and serve. We certainly miss our late prophet Gordon B Hinckley but the Lords work must go on and I know he would like us to CARRY ON IN FAITH. Remember that we as members need to shine forth our light to others not of our faith so they too may want to know more of the sweet truths we have. May we strive to live the teachings of the Gospel 24/7 and they too would someday join the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints.

President Monson and his counselors’ deserve our love and support. The LDS Church is in perfect hands. This church is run by God the Father and his son Jesus Christ, and is the ONLY TRUE CHURCH ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH TODAY! God bless the First Presidency!

It was my good fortune that Tom Monson was a family friend when I was a child. He took the time to meet with me when I returned from a mission and he married a family member in the temple back when the GA's had the time. His extraordinary mind, his unbounded love and un-ending patience with people is simply astonishing.

My favorite story of his is about the Smut in the wheat fields of Canada (smut is a disease of wheat by the way)

Anyone looking for a role model of what it means to be a man in this world, look no further than Thomas Monson. I look forward to see when this great man will accomplish in this monumental office.

The spotlight on the Church has become even brighter through Romney's run for president. The Church has historically side-stepped many legitimate historical and doctrinal questions. President Hinckley's approach was to at times act as if he was not really even aware of the issue - ie men may become gods. The Church appears to be making baby steps toward some oppenness such as acknowledging that Joseph Smith introduced polygamy in the upcoming Sunday School manuals. As obvious as that statement is to most it is a change for the Church. For example the Brigham Young manuals did not even acknowledge that he had any wife other than his first. The Church cannot continue to whitewash or pretend certain things didn't occur in its history and I just wonder what the new leadership under President Monson will do in regards to openness and honesty about certain issues? Is it business as usual or will there be an effort to be more of an "open book" as President Monson indicated?

Just out of curiosity, who has the second longest length of time in the quorum behind Pres. Monson?

I wholeheartedly sustain these three great men. This is a testament to the world that the church has grown just as fast internationally. Look forward to hearing more pilot stories from President Uchtdorf :)

To MrRitchieT - Boyd K.Packer is 2nd in line then L. Tom Perry.
How exciting to see how efficiently the Lord's church & His process works. I have such respect for the new First Presidency. May the Lord continue to bless & sustain them.

President Boyd K. is the next in line to be prophet of the Lord. And he isn't even the 1st counselor. So, it's not always the counselors. Henry B. has a long ways to go up the line before he is ever in the #1 spot.

I am so glad that President Uchtdorf was called. I feel it's a good thing since I sometimes hear that the Mormon church is an "American" church. Knowing that he is foreign born, foreign raised and raised his children in a foreign land, and worked for a foreign industry, might be good for the Lord's church. Yes, he lives in the USA now, but he didn't for a very very long time (am I correct?).

Just thinking about the First Presidency I can feel the love our Savior and Heavenly Father has for us by choosing these men to lead the church.

There are moments of solitude and peace when one knows that a kind and loving Heavenly Father takes care of his children by providing needful and appropriate guidance and instruction. The simple and honest leadership of President Monson and his counselors, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf will daily provide safety, calmness, and stability. They are prophets of and for our time. As we seek and follow their admonitions and teachings we will become closer to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ.

Boyd K. Packer will lovingly be given emeritus status before being named as the next Prophet. He would take the Church back years in terms of PR and PR has become the 13th Article of Faith.

re: Mom7(again) Nice you have had revelation. I wished we could all know those kind of things. Does President Packer know? Do you know how old he is?

Myself, I support and Love our NEW Prophet Thomas Monson. He is a wonderful man, and I pray that he lives a very, very, very, long life, We are a blessed church to have him for a Prophet and need him for a long time. We support his counselors who are tremendous and wonderful men.

I also want to thank Deseret News for having a web site with news of the church.

Rhode Island has the largest concentration of Catholics of any state in the US. So we don't get a lot of LDS news in the local papers. We even get short chnged by the church at times; for example: we have one stake in RI, and the Stake Center isn't even in RI - it's in Connecticut! (Go figure.)

I'm thrilled to see the church news as it happens and love the give-and-take of opinions that follows in these blogs. God bless you all - and your opinions, too. Reading this is the highlight of my day.

As much as those of you that have commented on how inspirational Pres. Monson's "being called" to be president is, there is nothing magical or inspiring about it. He has the most seniority so he's the man. I don't know why they go through the ridiculous exercise of sustaining a new president when it is already a foregone conclusion.

Its wonderful to read how excited that Church members are that they have a new Prophet, but it is hard for me to see 'the hand of God' in all of this. The senior member of the 12 automaticly becomes the next President even (and I am being sincere here) if God is on a six month holiday! So why all of 'the Church is true' thing because of this??? And as far as this affecting the world, I dont think hardly anyone outside of the 4,500,000* million actual members of the Church even notice. (*forget the inflated feel-good 12 million figure.)

For those members of the LDS Church living outside of Utah (and outside of the US), it is very encouraging to see Elder Uchtdorf become a member of the First Presidency. The vast majority of the church is now outside of Utah and therefore leadership should be reflected as such. It is important that leadership have a national and international perspective as the needs of the church organization differ greatly from Utah.

What happened to personal visits from God, Jesus and prophets of old? Did Joseph Smith use up the modern day allotement? Maybe I'm the only one who finds it strange that the modern day prophet would get on his knees to receive inspiration from the spirit rather than describe a personal conversation with the Lord. Or maybe it is not as PC to talk about personal visits?

It is nice that some people on here think Boyd Packard may be the next Prophet.--hummmmm? Don’t you guys have anything better to do then to dance on the graves of the Prophets, and speculate about absolutely nothing? I am not active because I cringe at the very sight of this kind of malarkey and vile gossip that goes on within the church. Also, I really dislike NO IT ALLS! and as well blabber mouths that speak no truths. However, I think President Monson is a great man and will do an excellent job with a NOT SO HUMBLE PEOPLE. Good Luck to President Monson.

1) You are right in a sense, but not that it's a PC issue to not discuss visitations or similar experiences. Members of the LDS Church, and particularly the Prophet, feel it a very sacred experience to commune with God, not something to be shared openly without specific reason or purpose - such as Joseph Smith in declaring what we refer to as the First Vision. Belief in continuing revelation provides adequate opportunity for leaders to receive God's will.

2) Church members would also believe that the most senior apostle is not there just by chance or because he happened to out live the other Apostles. So, while that doesn't cause anyone to hold their breath, it's still a historic time in the Church, since transition has only happened 15 times in 178 years. Even two of those time periods were relatively short.

3) Finally, as others have noted, the senior apostle more often than not has been someone other than the prior 1st Counselor. Given the current positioning of Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf, it will likely be a long time before a new President of the Church has served in the First Presidency prior to becoming President.

i totally agree with you. i feel like people on here are so into why things are and who should of been in the presidency and so on. we should be greatful for what we have and know that these men are instruments in the lords hands. as members we need to have faith that things will go forth. all the other stuff doesn't matter.

This newly called presidency, will carry on under the direction of the Lord. They are certainly good men. President Monson has a true Christlike love for all of mankind. His example will always shine through. He is like mother Teresa, an example to everyone. We can all learn from his example.

To the author of "Packer?" -- As far as I know, Apostles are NEVER given Emeritus status, lovingly or any other way. The call to Apostleship is a lifetime calling, regardless of health, politics or any other factor.

And I guess you meant FOURTEENTH Article of Faith, since there is already a Thirteenth. You might try reading your scriptures, since you obviously can't count.

Is it really necessary to nitpick and put down those who make grammatical errors, etc? If we are to be a church of tolerance and love, then pick your battles.
As far as Mom of 2's reply to Mom7, the speculation concerning President Packer seemed to be in response to a question of why the "next in line" is not always a counselor in the first presidency, not a speculation or a prophecy.
Larry, please understand that the gospel is perfect, not the people. Don't let people's insecurities and petty tendencies keep you away from something that you know to be intrinsically good.
It bears repeating that we should pick our battles and try more to love others and treat them with respect and humility.
God bless.

May God be with President Monson and President Packer. Over the years, since joining the LDS church, I have been uplifted and inspired by the faithfullness of these two men. Theirs has been a positive influence for good.

As I read "Packer" Cynicism and skepticism

Larry, anonymous is right. The Lord needs you. You need Him. People are people, that is why they are interesting. Truth is truth that is why the Lord and people need you to be active. Gossip is ill advised. Effort in the work is blessed.