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Thomas S. Monson named as new LDS Church president

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WA Saint | 11:21 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I ways knew that Pres. Monson would become the President of the church at one point in time. I just love to hear him speak. This will be a equally exciting time for the church as Pres. Monson has been called. I think the choices for counselors reflect the church growing globally. This will be a great time for the church.
Anonymous | 11:22 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
thats great he will be a wonderful prophet. so will eyring and uchtdorf these are wonderful men. we will miss pres hinckley but these men will fill the shoes and God knows that, thats why they are in there now
Jonathan | 11:22 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I'm excited to see what Monson does with the church. Dieter F. Uchtdorf was a bit of a surprise.

Can't wait till April conference!
Comments continue below
fernando ramos | 11:23 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
...Nosotros haremos todas las cosas que nos has mandado... De la manera que obedeciomos a (Gordon B. Hincley)en todas las cosas, asi te obedeceremos a ti...
Marcelo Gomes, Mesa, AZ | 11:24 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It is amazing to think that this Church really is in the Lord's hands and that the pattern for succession in the first presidency has been established by the Lord himself. President Monson is a wonderful man, and he will continue to move forward the work of the Lord. Also, how exciting that we now have a foreign-born counselor in the first presidency. That really speaks to the global expansion of the Church.
Eric | 11:31 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Cool.
Jackie P. | 11:31 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am excited to see President Monson put his own mark on the position of President of the church. Deiter Uchtdorf is a wonderful addition to the First Presidency. I look forward to sustaining them all in their new callings.
Jack from Ark | 11:32 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It is so comforting to know that there will always be a smooth transition,without any pretense or pageantry. It is also comforting to know that the Quorum of the Twelve continues with the tradition of love and support for the calling and ordination of the new Prophet. I support President Monson totally. Good luck and God's speed
Eduardo Brazil | 11:31 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Para mim foi uma surpresa ver Elder Uchtdorf ser chamado como Conselheiro. Foi muito inspirado e com certeza a nova presid�ncia estar� dando continuidade a tudo que seus antecessores fizeram pela Igreja. Que o Senhor os aben�oe e os proteja.
JGolden Incarnate | 11:27 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It actually makes a lot of sense. Early on, President Monson worked long and hard to open up Germany, West and East to the Church. I am sure he met President Uchtdorf and his family long ago.
Impressed | 11:34 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Carie,

Thank you for being one of the few reporters to actually get this story correct. I got a little tired of the media saying that "if tradition holds" President Monson will be the next Prophet. As you point out, this is not a matter of tradition. This is a matter of revelation. That's why President Monson was sustained (following the law on common consent) by the entire Quorum of the Twelve.
From German speaking part Europe | 11:28 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We thank thee, o God, for a new prophet, and for his two counselors! We are greatful for the continued guidance of the Lord through these, His servants!

What an exciting surprise it was to see President Dieter F. Uchtdorf as the new member of this new First Presidency. He has always been such an impressive example of serving the Lord in a christlike manner! The Saints from Germany, Austria and Switzerland surely are especially excited, as they will not only be able to understand the language of the spirit and of his heart, when he will speak to the Saints, but also the language of his mother (and father). May the Lord bless you, dear Brethren of the First Presidency, in your new callings, and us to continue trying to follow in your footsteps, thus following the Savior.
Nikki- Oregon | 11:29 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We are thrilled that the Lord has spoken. We fully support our new First Presidency, and are grateful that we know that the church continues to function as it should.
Bart Nordstrom | 11:30 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
The Lord said that God's house is a house of order, therefore it seams natural that there would be a system in place, and that is how the new Prophet is chosen.

Makes sense to me!
Deutsch | 11:36 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Wunderbar ein deutscher Ratgeber in der Ersten Praesidentschaft! Jetzt brauchen wir noch einen spanisch sprechenden Apostel und einen schwarzen, dann waeren wir doch etwas Internationaler.
Wir freuen uns ueber den neuen Ratgeber. Schoen einer Kirche anzugehoeren wo die uebergabe dieses Amtes so friedlich vor sich geht. Da braucht es keine Rauchzeichen und geheime Versammlungen usw. Die Kirche ist doch wahr!
RI Member | 11:31 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I love this. No campaigns. No posturing. Just a quiet, effective change and the church continues as it always will. The world should run as well as the Church of Jesus Christ.
Awesome | 11:41 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
very cool.
drindl | 11:43 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
excellent calling to Pres. Uchtdorf!

a great statement to all that this is a WORLD-wide church.
Jim C. | 11:44 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Very pleased, let's step it up another notch and go to work. What an exciting time.
Jenny | 11:38 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
This is soooooo wonderful!! I think it will help disarm the stero-type LDS that most are familiar with and trired of. This new leadership have had different kinds of lives which will be good for the church. I am so grateful and I feel it will be strengthening to the members of the church.
Yeah | 11:43 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Well to be frank, I think that other outside news sources other than the Associated Press and NPR should have joined in. I don't know the circumstances of other news outlets in sending out reporters, but I think it would have been more informative if CNN, Fox News, Time, etc... joined in.
I felt that there were alot of "Mormon" reporters. BYU News, Desnews, Church News, etc... It's that not everyone reads those newspapers.
Stanley Goold | 11:45 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It is interesting to see the Lords work in the last days and to see whom He chooses for His Leaders. These Brothers have a great Mission to perform. Thanks for good true leaders, something we do not get from our political leaders.
Andrea M | 11:46 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I love that we all have the confirmation that this is what the Lord wants. Last night as I prayed, I felt it would be those that were called. Even me, just a Primary teacher am allowed this confirming revelation.
Eduardo Brazil | 11:46 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Excelente! Creio que foi uma grande e feliz inspira��o compor a 1� Presidencia com Elder Eyring e Elder Uchtdorf. Assim como seguia as orienta��es do Presidente Hinckley, farei o mesmo com Presidente Monson.
A Long-Inactive Member | 11:42 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
President Monson continues the humanitarian character within the First Presidency exhibited by President Hinckley. Having heard him speak for hours without notes, and without taking any personal notice of the passage of time, I can also testify that he is an engaging speaker, by turns serious, humorous, and folksy. He can also be quite direct, and I expect that he will be a capable leader that will soon put his own stamp on Church direction. Most know that President Monson is a genuine advocate for the forgotten - witness his attention to the elderly and widows of the church. My wish is that he expand his generousity of spirit throughout the Church and find ways to invite back members such as myself who have been disenfranchised, officially or not, by social, doctrinal, or other differences with the Church. I wish President Monson well as he takes up the greatest care yet in his life, and will add him to my prayers.
Susy | 11:50 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Although I`m not LDS myself, I`m always interested
what`s going on in the church.
Congrats to your new First Presidency.
Being German myself I have no difficulties of
pronouncing the name of President Uchtdorf.LOL
By the way never underestimate the Germans who
come from the land which is now the
Czech Republic.
They are true fighters and achivers.
Simon Says | 11:50 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a wonderful First Presidency. These two great, "young" Apostles of the Lord will surely be able to lift the Prophet's arms with energy, vigour and strength. I have been "sad" ever since Pres Hinckley passed away, but am excited and invigorated by the forward thinking of our Prophet. I am thrilled to sustain and follow them. I think that the direction that the Lord will take His church is obvious. There is much work to do - and it needs to happen rapidly.
wallyworld | 11:46 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I'm just waiting to see IF anyone disagrees with the Lords choice of this First Presidency. It would be ashame if some person or persons to write anything negitive about it, but that is their free agency to do so. I am happy with the choice. I will sustain them and will pray that the Lord will bless them with health, stregnth and safety.
McArthur Family | 11:47 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Our family is honored to sustain the new presidency. How grateful we are to have such faithful and humble men leading this church. "Our God will never us forsake!"
Denise Wright | 11:53 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I love our Presidency. Our new Presidency will be wonderful. It is so great how our Church never skips a beat. Even with the passing on of our great leaders, our Church continues.
May God bless our new Persidency.
Pragmatic | 11:55 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am grateful for the way the Lord has organized His church it creates the environment for a smooth transition. Now what ever Pres. Monson does is a reflection primarily of our support of him, not just what he does. So must sustain him with our actions not just our words.
AZ Texas | 11:50 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
A great First Presidency. A nice combination of old-line family ties and new "pioneer stock."
Brother & Amram Musungu | 11:50 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We that the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lord's Kingdom built upon the face of the earth to bless human race. We know that President Monson is a true Prophet of God called upon to lead thi great Kingdom. We love and sustain his leadership as wellas his two noble councilors. What a blessing that is to the Church and entire world to have a living Prophet! God lives, His Son Jesus Christ lives, it our humble [rayer in His sacred name even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ , Amen
Utahn | 11:56 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To John L. in Detroit. MI, Pres. Monson did not choose his First Presidency, the Lord did, its how the Church operates.
Thai Saint | 11:56 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
President Monson has been chosen by the Lord to lead His Church. I am thankful for this fact. He, Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf will be great. I love and sustain these men, along with the Twelve and other leaders.
suzyk | 11:57 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We are so thrilled with the new presidency. What an overwhelming and joyous time for our church. These men were chosen through the spirit and we will love, support and pray for them every day. Monday, February 4 is also "SUPER MONDAY" for our church.
JEVO | 11:52 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Deiter is the new man! Rock solid as a new Presidency.
Where? | 12:00 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Where did Pres Monson serve his mission??
Melanie | 12:01 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Very pleased with our new first presidency. I know they are all called of God. I will support them is all that is asked of me,and sustain them this April.
Heather | 12:01 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Elder Uchtdorf has a *severely* hot accent.
jfrazier | 11:56 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Angry Steve,

And what is wrong with farm stories about Payson? Got a chuckle about that. Can't say I remember such stories. Now as far as those in northern Cache valley, on the other hand, I have heard a lot of those...and keep 'em comin' as far as I'm concerned.

I admire all these men and, given the pool to pick from, one could not go wrong with any of them.
Anonymous | 11:58 a.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a surprise but also how humble I feel to know that to the eyes of the Lord there are no nationalities or races. As a non-american, this call of Elder Uchtdorf proves that the Lord calls whoever he things is the best for his work. And it looks like this First Presidency will be here around for a while. There's a lot to do, let's keep going!
Laura | 12:03 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Interesting. I'm excited for this unique new leadership.
Judy | 12:04 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I have always loved President Monson. When my children were young I always made sure they listened carefully to his talks during General Conference. He makes stories come alive . It is an exciting time, and I'm sure that President Hinckley is saying "Get on with the work". I love the church and it's leaders. I should now remember how to pronounce President Uchtdorf's name.
John Lambert, Detroit, Michigan | 12:00 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I just want to say that I don't doubt that President Uchtdorf's calling is the Lord's will. That President Monson and President Uchtdorf have connections will make it easier for them to work together, but the Lord has raised them both up at this time to advance his work.
Brenda | 12:01 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Wonderful!! We fully support our new leaders.
st bernards | 12:08 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
As friends and neighbors doing missionary work in Germany and Eastern Europe work hard still building a foundation of the church there, we will now see a tremendous surge of spiritual growth in Europe. I know President Monson is a true prophet of God.
C | 12:07 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I have always been inspired by the talks given by President Monson and always had a heads up when he stood at the pulpit. I have felt that same strength when listening to Pres' Uchtdorf and Eyring. When teaching TFOT, I have leaned heavily on their talks as backup for the lesson or greatly impressed when teaching from their conference talks.

I don't think the Lord is asleep because he has his plan and continues to carry it out.

The Lord continues to have insight into our (all humanity) well-being.
Charmain | 12:14 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We are so blessed to have such great special men in our church. They help us to stay faithful by their examples. I am proud to be part of this gospel in these latter days. ONWARD!!
Kathi, Martinsburg WV | 12:18 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I fully sustain this new Presidency and am pleased to see the choice of new Counselors. This Church is led by revelation and continues to be in good hands. My prayers and sustaining vote to Presidents Monson, Eyring and Uchtdorf! We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet!!!!!!!

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President Thomas S. Monson, center, has been ordained and set apart as the 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church announced Monday. President Henry B. Eyring, left, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf were named as first and second counselors, respectively, in the First Presidency.

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