Deseret News | Reader comments: LDS Church to announce President Gordon B. Hinckley successor

Reader comments
LDS Church to announce President Gordon B. Hinckley successor

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Maine member | 1:46 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

CAN ANYONE TELL US, THOSE OUT OF THE STATE OF UTAH, WHAT TIME THIS IS TO OCCUR?

THANKS

MoJules | 1:47 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

My prayers have been with the Apostles and especially with President Monson.

Cougar Blue | 2:01 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

11 am MST

Comments continue below

DBG | 2:34 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Hinckley's successor will be Monson. The most senior Apostle becomes the president. Who he will pick as his counselors will be news as well as during General Conference when a new Apostle will be sustained.

chelsea hauraro | 2:28 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

hi my name is chelsea i lived in wanganui i belong to the wanganui ward i am very sorry to hear about our prophet i give all my love and support to his family.

p.s I look forward to go on mission

Lots of love chelsea hauraro
wanganui

John Lambert | 2:49 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Of course maybe President Monson will follow the example of President Hunter and announce the new apostle immediately. It don't know what all will be announced tomorrow, but I am really looking forward to it.

Maryland member | 2:57 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Maine member--that's 1 PM out east, here. I look forward to finding out who the new First Presidency are. The work will go forward!

Illinois Normal Mormon | 3:04 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

The press conference will be at Noon on Monday ...Illinois (Central)time.

Anonymous | 3:18 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

We already now it is president Monson just don't know who his counselors will be. Probably president Eyring. Other counselor anyones guess. As for apostle may be immediatly or during april conference.

Deseret Dawg | 3:24 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Based upon the identity of the three apostles who delivered speeches at President Hinckley's funeral, and their order of appearance, I believe the new First Presidency will be Thomas Monson as President, Henry Eyring as First Counselor, and Boyd K. Packer as Second Counselor. What better venue for the Church to showcase its new executive leadership team than at the funeral of the late President?

I state this not for the purpose of "campaigning", but merely to provoke informed discussion. As a Latter-day Saint, I will vote to sustain whoever is selected, as I've done in the past.

But those who suggest that Jeffrey Holland might be taken into the First Presidency also have a case. Since President Monson himself was only in his 30's when he became an apostle, he might be willing to reach out to a significantly younger man like Holland to become his Second Counselor.

Jgstokes | 3:55 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

It really doesn't do any good to speculate on who the next president will be or who his counselors might be. If President Monson was otherwise inspired, he could have called and ordained someone else to be the new prophet. But that would have had to come from him. As far as counselors go, there's no precedent for deciding who they should be. They don't even necessarily need to be apostles. As long as they are worthy Melchizedek Priesthood bearers, they qualify. The funeral speakers from the Quorum IS NOT a good indicator of who might be in the new presidency, because it's all subject to the Spirit. Further speculation is pointless because by noon tomorrow, we'll know for sure. As far as the new apostle, Hunter only appointed Holland in June because there were four months before Conference, far too long for the quorum to not be fully organized. Where the new Presidency was sustained today, there's only two months between now and Conference, and that ISN'T too long for however many apostles there are now to carry the work of the quorum. Hope this helps to provide greater understanding of this issue.

brevanson | 4:15 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Jgstokes,

Pres. Monson cannot call anyone else to be the prophet, seer, and revelator of the church. Only the Lord can call a prophet. This principal was taught by the Prohpet Joseph Smith. If Pres Monson is not meant to be the prophet the Lord will take him from this earth in death. I know that Pres. Monson is now the prophet and will serve until the Lord sees fit to release him just as he released Pres. Hinckley last week. The only thing worth speculating are the identity of the counselors and new member of the Quroum of the 12.

Anonymous | 4:33 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Boyd K. Packer is the second in line behind Monson. He is also the acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve. It would have been entirely appropriate for him to speak at the funeral.

GGC in AZ | 5:23 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

I noticed that when President Monson announced that Elder Pasker was speaking, he refered to him as Elder not President. When President Hinckley died, the First Presidency was dissolved and the councilors took their positions in the Quorum of Apostles. Thus, Elder Packer was no longer acting President because President Monson was President of the Quorum and so Elder Packer was referred to as Elder Packer.

Richard | 5:48 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Thank you "Anonymous" for that wonderful explanation. President Mondon spoke of course because he was presiding and is next in line. President Eyring spoke because he was also a counselor to President Hinckley and President Packer spoke because he is the Acting President of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. There should not be any spectulation, that these three would automatically be the next First Presidency just because they spoke at President Hinckley's funeral. When the announcement is made, then and there we will know who Pres. Monson's counselor's will be. As for when the new apostle will be selected, most likely it will be announced at April General Conference. The last three apostle's, were not announced until a conference that was 3-4 months away. It will happen on the Lord's schedule, not ours.

m.l. | 6:00 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Great coverage on the celebration of our beloved Prophet! I laughed, I cried and remembered all he has done to represent all of the Church members.
The Deseret Morning News gave us all the gift of a download of President Hinckley. Thank You very much. Being up here in South Western Ontario Canada we appreciate the opportunity to read this publication on line. Good Job!
I also will sustain whomever is appointed to this the highest office in our world today.
Remember, each Prophet brings enrichments which are often out of this world.

David and Bonnie | 6:28 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

This Church is a church of order. The Lord has chosen to set up the senior apostle to be the Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and President of the Church. It will not be otherwise unless the Savior appears before all the apostles and says so.
Someday that may happen, but for now we are to do as He has set up His Church for things to be done.

Californian | 6:29 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

The calling as President of the Church begins with the calling of an apostle, which comes from God. The Lord has evaluated that brother's worthiness and personal character and determined that when and if the time comes, he can be President of the Church. He is identified to the sitting apostles through revelation. He may not be "ready" on Day 1, but the experience and refinement gained as an apostle will prepare him for that day, which may or may not ever come. We often say God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. If He called only the qualified, we wouldn't have had Moses ("slow of tongue"), Enoch ("I am but a lad"), Jeremiah ("I am a child"), Mary ("How can this be?"), or Joseph Smith (a 14 year old kid? Get serious!). The Lord looks for someone's worthiness to hold a calling or office, and those individuals were all worthy for what He needed them to do. After a call is extended, the rest will come in time as people continue faithful and diligent. Accordingly, I'll be ready to sustain the new Prophet, whomever he calls as counselors, and the newest apostle.

scott wallace | 6:33 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

It almost seems like each new prophet brings the next stage of progressing the church. Like it is a plan to accomplish the next step.

I wonder what Monson will accomplish as the new president?

Anonymous | 7:36 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

The quorum votes on who should be the next president. Although it is understood that it should be the Senior Apostle, who is President Monson, they still pray about it and then vote. As history stands, it has always been a unanimous vote for the senior apostle. However, if it were the Lord's will for someone else to be the prophet he would reveal it to Pres. Monson and he would inform the other members of the Quorum. It is also possible, if the Lord was willing that someone else would be the prophet, that he would take Pres. Monson from this earth. However, don't count on it. I say there's a ninety-nine point one hundred percent chance Pres. Monson is the President of the church.

Scott in WA | 8:17 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

The speakers at the funeral were those who were the Senior Leadership of the Church: Presidents Monson and Eyring were Pres. Hinckley's Counselors, Elder Packer as the Former Acting President of the Twelve, the Senior President of the Seventy, and the Presiding Bishop. If you think that the chosen speakers would reflect the new counselors than look at Pres. Faust's funeral when it was Elder Holland who spoke. Anyone of the twelve could be the new counselors. Pres Eyring may not even be one of them. President Hugh B. Brown was a counselor to Pres. McKay but not to Joseph F. Smith.

John Lambert | 9:27 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

To avoid confusion, scott means Joseph F. Smith Jr., who was normally refered to, especially after his father's death as Joseph Fielding Smith.

Bothell-WA | 9:41 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

What a great time to be alive; it is awesome to be a witness for Jesus Christ and to see how orderly he has restored His Church. Our prayers are with those that are about to take on increased responsibilities in leading the Kingdom here on Earth. May we each have the courage to carry our own weight and do our part to be instruments in the hands of the Lord.

HSTucker | 10:43 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

While President Monson will be president of the church tomorrow, we shouldn't attach any particular significance to the choice of speakers at President Hinckley's funeral. President Hinckley planned it himself, down to the prayers and music. It was his funeral and he could have asked for anyone he wanted to speak. But he doesn't choose President Monson's counselors.

God's Choice | 10:57 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

I am a member of the Church and do not wish to speculate who will be our next prophet. But whoever the Quorem of the Twelve Apostles choose, I know that He will be chosen through the power and authority of God's Priesthood. I will miss President Hinkley but whoever is chosen I give all my support and Best Wishes.

Linda C. Michigan,USA

Annie | 11:06 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

I am praying for the Apostles tonight. Even though our Heavenly Father has shown our leaders the order of succession, my husband and priesthood leader tells me this is a time for prayer and support. I support our leaders and know they will make the choices the Lord wants them to make. We are the true church, so I go to sleep knowing that all is well and that God is leading us in this wonderful time of change after the sorrow of losing our Prophet. I believe that speculation over the counselors should be avoided. Our Apostles will tell us what the Lord has decided tomorrow.

Schoony | 11:14 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

President Monson will most likely focus on the welfare of the saints making sure we are being self-reliant and taking care of others who can't. His first major role in the church was Bishop of the largest Elderly ward in Utah. He will focus on other things that we know not at this time.

My Guess | 11:17 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

Linda,

By due process, and by revelation in the D&C, President Monson WILL be the next President of the Church. It is not speculation, it is the system that the Lord has placed.

However, who the next Counselors will be is anyone's guess. Elder Eyring might stay, but he might not stay.

I'm guessing that Elder Eyring will be second counselor again but that Elder Packer will not be first conselor. Elder Packer will most likely become the President of the Quorem of the Twelve.

My next question: Who will be the new Apostle, and will they announce him tomorrow? I've always felt that Charles Didier would someday be ordained to the twelve, but have no idea. If they don't announce it tomorrow, then I guess we will find out in two months at the April Conference.

From The Islands On The Sea | 11:19 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

I have never participated in this kind of communication before. I am a member of The Church and I know that whomever becomes the next President, it will take time for all of us to 'bond' as well as we have for our very beloved President Hinckley. He is an amazing spiritual giant. As a convert, I am stunned at the incredible positive influence President Hinckley has made in the world. Because this is God's church, He will not lead us astray in putting our next President into position.

Lafayette, LA | 11:24 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008

I agree with HSTucker. Pres. Monson alluded to the fact that the Hinckley family had asked him to conduct. I assume also that that family if not Pres. Hinckley himself chose the speakers. Hence it has no bearing on who will be called as counselors.

Christian | 12:02 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

There is nothing *whatsoever* that says new apostles are not announced until the next general conference. The fact that they sometimes are does not make it a rule. Elder Holland was announced in June 1994 as the new member of the Quorum of the Twelve.

"Elder Packer will most likely become the President of the Quorum of the Twelve."

If you listed to his talk at the funeral you know that that is most definitely the case. It is as certain that Elder Packer will become the President of the Quorum of the Twelve as it is that President Monson will be the President of the Church. 100% chance in each instance.

"Who will be the new Apostle, and will they announce him tomorrow?"

Could be tomorrow and everyone has guesses as to who it might be.

"I am a member of the Church and do not wish to speculate who will be our next prophet."

If you listened to Elder Packer's talk at the funeral you know that there is no speculation on the matter whatsoever. He told you how to tell who it will be without any question. It is most definitely Thomas S. Monson.

Fray Jumper | 12:09 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

My Bet:

1st Counselor = Elder Eyring
2nd Counselor = Elder Oaks (prep for his time as future Prophet.)

Christian | 12:22 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

"2nd Counselor = Elder Oaks (prep for his time as future Prophet.)"

Except that everyone has their favorite apostle who they think needs prepping to be the future prophet.

Correct me if I'm wrong but... | 12:29 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Many people have commented on here that Pres. Monson WILL be the next President of the church because when the Prophet dies, the 1st Counselor of the First Presidency becomes the next President of the church. I looked at the history of the First Presidency of the church and found no absolute proof that when the President dies the 1st counselor in the First Presidency steps up and takes the place of the Prophet. An example is that Pres. Hinckley was the First Counselor to President Benson. When President Benson died, Elder Hunter of the Quorum of the Twelve, who had never been in the First Presidency, became the Prophet. The same thing happened after Heber J. Grant, David O. McKay and Spencer W. Kimball each died, where the successor was NOT in the First Presidency. I found a few other exmaples, but those were most recent. It could be Pres. Monson next, but it may not be. Joseph Smith's successor was Brigham Young, one of the Twelve Apostles. Of course Sidney Rigdon, the 1st Counselor at Joseph's death thought he should be the next President and ended up starting another church.

Anonymous | 12:39 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Counselors do not have to already be in the Quorum of Apostles.

suzan uganda | 12:46 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

its always the lords way whatever comes we have to sustain bse the most important thing is that the lord still will communicate to us thru his loving prophet.what a marverlous opprotunity we have to live in this last dipensationbeing led by mighty spiritual giants.The church is organised and i can't wait to hear from our new prophet,Pres Hinkley was my hero.

Alberto-MTY, Mexico. | 12:56 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Hello all, I have cried, laugh, and rejoice with the passing of our beloved Prophet, I have experience the passing of Presidents, Kimball, Benson, Hunter and now Pres. Hinckley. The only thing I can say further to this is, the Lord's house is a House of order, He will appoint to whomever is the one to lead His kindom on earth. I was so surprised the lenght of Pres. Hunter (9 mo.) But that's how the Lord works.

I can only add that I know this is His Church and Kindom and he leads it by revelation.

nephiterocker | 2:35 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I know President Monson can lead the church just like other prophets of the past because i know that he was called by God eversince the world began and the lord prepare a way for him to accomplish this great and marvelous work.

Lionheart | 3:10 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Imagine a large table with 15 chairs, one empty, awaiting the arrival of Gordon B Hinckley. The others are all occupied with the previous 14 prophets of the latter-day dispensation. That chair is now occupied and he is a man among men.

AZ Reader | 4:13 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Christian -- It is intriguing to me as well that even after Elder Packer's talk at the funeral (and several like it over the years), some continue to suggest that the pattern of succession is uncertain. I find that lack of clarity particularly fascinating as it seems to be symptomatic of a broader desire not to be constrained by established tradition or prophetic pronouncements. Self-perceived open-mindedness seems to be the mantra of the day.

judidun | 4:54 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I would like to see President Monson being called as the next President of the church. I had the chance to shake his hand once while he was over here in Scotland. I know that he is a man of god and although it will be hard to replace President Hinckley as president I am sure he will do a very good job.

judidun Scotland

Jessica Marchese, from Chile | 5:12 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Even if all apostles are prepared to be the future prophet, i'm eager to know our Lord's revelation to our President Thomas S. Monson about his 2 counselors to become his arms in front of His true Church.

Kind Correction | 6:34 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Dear Correct Me,
The pattern is not that the 1st counselor becomes president, but that the president of the quorum of the 12 apostles becomes president of the Church.

I hope we will all pray for the new prophet & for ourselves to be able to sustain & follow him. I know Heavenly Father is watching over the Church, and has prepared our new prophet as Pres. Hinckley was prepared.

We need to prepare our hearts to feel that witness!

Laura | 6:40 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

For "Correct me if I'm Wrong"
The President of the Quorum of the twelve apostles (the most senior apostle) becomes the next prophet, not the First Counselor in the First Presidency.
In this case, President Monson is both.

Sean | 6:50 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

There is no doctrine, revelation or law that mandates that he senior most apostle automatically becomes President of the Church. By tradition, since the death of Joseph Smith, it always has been, but the Lord could inspire the Quorom to sustain someone other than President Monson without changing doctrine.

Al Fresno,ca | 6:55 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I have always been tought that you should not speculate on any calling or appointment in the Church. That includes Ward, Stake and General Authoritys. You are only trying to second guess the Lord. As for me, I will sustain and support whomever he calls.

wallyworld | 6:51 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

It blows my mind that we seem not to understand that the Lord chooses the President of the Church. The President then chooses his Counselors. So all these so called "Gospel Experts" need to chill out and let the Lord choose, not you. Whom ever the next President is, is choosen by the Lord, not us, and you should sustain him and his counselors. And by chance if you don't like who is choosen to be in the First Presidency then you can go somewheres else and be a prophet of your own church..

suomynonA | 7:11 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Yes you are corrected.... no one on here has said Pres. Monson will be president because he was the 1st counselor. He will be the next president because he is the Senior Apostle, plain and simple.

Glad you did a lot of legwork for your post, but you should stick to the order of things in the Lord's church.

Senior Apostle is the next president; not the 1st counselor in the First Presidency UNLESS they happen to be the same person and in this case it is.

Speculation on the rest of the calls are silly and a waste of time. I've never understood all the gossiping that goes around when these vacancies come about.

People, the Lord is in charge and will call whom He chooses; regardless of our input. Aren't we counseled NOT to gossip or speculate?

arc | 7:22 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

"Correct me if I am wrong" - you are wrong.
It has always been the Quorum of the 12 who led the church when the prophet died. Brigham Young was President of the Quorum when Joseph Smith Jr. was killed. Pres. Monson is the President of the Quorum of the 12 now, or at least until yesterday. Pres. Packer is president of the Quorum of the 12, and doesn't need to be a member of the 1st presidency as well, unless called.

WYO Reader | 7:17 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I love this church and the simple order everything is done from the leadership in Salt Lake to the Bishopric in my home ward to the Temples that dot the earth! I just am so happy to be a part of it.

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