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Thomas S. Monson named as new LDS Church president

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Indiana | 12:19 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Dear Long-Inactive Member.

I was very touched by your letter. Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to speak so freely about your life and your feelings. I too love President Monson. He is a really wonderful man and I think his "own stamp" will be very fun to watch. I pray for blessings on your head and heart as you watch this new administration unfold. I pray that you can find your way back, that the New Presidency can help you come to grips and settle your own disenfranchisement. You seem like a wonderfully good person. I really do pray all can be well for you and all the others out there like you in your same situation... Blessings my friend.
Beans | 12:21 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
People are going on and on about God picking his prophet, the church is true, whatever; but this is no big surprise. Now, if the church leaders announced that God has called some young missionary from somewhere in some third world country to be his prophet, then perhaps we could begin to discuss things being of a nature. But this is standard LDS protocol.
The hand is raised | 12:18 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Sustained!
Comments continue below
John Lambert, Detroit | 12:23 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
President Monson did not serve a mission because of the war (World War II). He was mission president in Canada (including part of the Detoit Stake, which then had George Romney as president, but I digress) and from 1969-1985 or so as a member of the Twelve Apostles he made many trips to Germany, even East Germany. He wrote a book about his experiences there entitled "Faith Rewarded".
Amen | 12:24 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
My love and support to President Monson. Besides the inspired pattern set forth for the succession of presidency, there is no better man in the Church to continue President Hinckley's legacy of love and compassion for all men, and represent the Savior, than President Monson.

The Church is true! My prayers are with the new prophet. May the Lord bless President Monson and his family.
Anonymous | 12:19 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Vundarbar I am so greatful we belong to the Saviors plan of happiness. You have my support in all that you do. Norrita Sanders Nampa ID 18th ward
Luis Juarez (Chihuahua mexico) | 12:25 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
nos sentimos profundamente emocionados con el nombramiento del pte. Monson , le amamos y le sostenemos como profeta
y sentimos regozigo por el nombramiento de sus 2 consejeros,los cuales han estado en nuestra Ciudad, hace pocos a�os, les amamos y recordamos aca en chihuahua mexico

Fam. Juarez Valdez
Elder & SisterTerence White | 12:27 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
In far away Australia we, as Senior Missionaries,are excited to sustain the Call of President Monson,Eyring and Uchtdorf as the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wow!!
We have been blessed to have had association with President Monson throughout our married lives and through our prior courtship in 1964/65
AZ | 12:31 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Great!
Thayne | 12:27 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Being a nonmember, I have a question regarding the latest selection process. How did the leaders decide who the next president would be? Why was one of his helpers a European, for an American religion.
Anonymous | 12:33 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Sue Bonny Born in England became a member there married a swiss man lived in Switzerland raised five children there with my husnand Denis. Now live in Idaho. We love President Monson our new Prophet and his two counselors. Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F.Uchtdorf. Wonderful Merveilleux Wunderbar etc
Matt | 12:29 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
President Hinckley left behind such a profound legacy of greatness - of which few men in the world's history could compare. The Lord was aware that, when he took him home, the church would need a man of similarly incomparable character and strength to fill the prophet's shoes. President Monson has demonstrated his capacity to lead this church, by expressing his genuinely sincere love for Jesus Christ - through decades of indefatigable service to each member. It is men such as President Hinckley and President Monson, that solidify my faith and testimony in Jesus Christ. They exemplify the ideals and standards that a member can perceive as truly representative of Him.
ScottAZ | 12:34 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What an exciting time to be here on this earth in this Church. The new 1st Presidency is awe inspiring. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will continue to be guided and directed by a True Prophet of God.....and with pure love.
Richard & Mele Kendall | 12:36 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a wonderful choice for counselors in the First Presidency. I had met President Monson several years ago and I knew that one day he would become President of the Church. With his selection of President Uchtdorf, who is of German Ancestry, it should send a sound response worldwide that our Church is a world-wide church and not a U S Church even though our headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, UT. It just goes to show that President Monson is indeed a prophet called by our Heavenly Father in these latter days with his choice of these two brethren in the First Presidency. We fully support the choice of our new leaders and will follow them just like we did the late Gordon B. Hinckley who our daughter got the chance to meet at the Days of Celebration that was held in Rice-Eccles Stadium back in 2005 to help commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Smith and the 175th anniversary of the restoration of His Kingdom back on the Earth. We are a worldwide church who are lead by men duly called by our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.
Sam | 12:36 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Abosolutly awsome. Any three would be fantastic. You have our FULL support.
paul | 12:33 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
If I'm not mistaken, Pres. Monson did not serve a mission because of WWII. He was in the military and was called as a bishop at the ripe old age of 22. He was a mission president at 31.

This is a great blessing for the world, and will be a lesson in smooth transitions for the rest of the world.
Agreeing with Beans... | 12:43 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I totally agree with you. Thank you!
Brent Dowdle | 12:43 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I joyfully sustain Pres. Monson as our Prophet, and Pres. Eyring and Pres. Uchtdorf as his counselors. We are all engaged in the Lord's work and I will do my small part in assisting these Brethren, who are in these callings because Jesus Christ has revealed it. Let us all "Keep moving forward!"
Carolina LDS | 12:38 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We sustain the new president of the Church and his counsellors. President Uchtdorf was a surprise but I'm thrilled. My son served in the Germany Munich/Austria Mission, so having a German apostle had great meaning for us and having him in the First Presidency will be great.

I don't want to speculate or try to advise the Lord's inspired leaders, but I will also be thrilled if the new apostle is Hispanic, Asian or African (or Australian, Polynesian, etc.) But, whatever happens, I know it will be the Lord's will.
Jeanne and Terry in TX | 12:43 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a joyous day when the evidence that the Lord is at the helm of the church is reconfirmed. How we loved Pres. Hinckley, but fully support the Lord's choice (what dummy wouldn't?!) and Pres. Monson's in his counselors.
We spoke briefly to Pres. Monson in Houston two years ago, being aging parental caretakers for eight plus years, and he spoke of "his" precious widows. What a spiritual giant and loving man. Our prayers and full support go out to our "new" presidency, as the Lord's work continues to go forth to all the world. Much love to all of our good leaders!!
Rose Reynolds-TN | 12:40 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I will truly miss our dear Prophet Gordon B Hinckley he was a wonderful person. I am very excited and I know that President Monson is a true prophet of God and I know that this new presidency was a inspired call from the Lord. The Lord's work will continue. I am grateful to be living during this era.
Anonymous | 12:41 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
BEANS......at one time God DID call a young man to be the Prophet and President of the Church...his name was Joseph Smith. Of course, you may have a problem with that too I assume. Everything in Gods time. This process is GOD'S protocol.
Dan | 12:47 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
The Lord obviously called President Monson long before this morning's proceedings. He was chosen even long before he was born, but the ball got rolling about 50 years ago. As far as "standard LDS protocol" is concerned, the Lord's hand is over all, regardless of the time in which it occurs. Seems pretty organized to me.
Rolando Garza | 12:48 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
President Monson are Prophet, We love you.
New York | 12:45 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Wonderful! Our prayers and support are with our inspired leaders.
Aiono Family in So.Cal | 12:47 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We love this Church. Greatful for the gosple in our lives. We sustain the new First Presidency.

Much Alofas (love) to all the Saints throughout the world.
Dr. Earl L. Grossen | 12:52 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
President Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet for the ages
as were those who preceeded him-another true man
for all seasons and mankind, His two counselors
are inspired, faithful men of God as well. The
Lord leads His Church and those General Authorities
who serve tirelessly for the Master of our uni-
verse. Dr G.
Dave Hann - Detroit, MI USA | 12:54 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To better understand the orderly succession in the LDS Presidency, I strongly encourage everyone to read the CES Course 333 manual: Living Prophets. There are many informative and inspiring quotes from church leaders ever since Joseph Smith on this sacred process. What a testimony builder!
John S. | 12:52 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Three gaints in all respects.

Best Wishes. You are in our prayers.
Helge Skjeveland | 12:58 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I knew the pattern set by the Lord would be followed again, and joyfully sustain Pres. Monson. The Church is the Lord�s. I also sustain President Uchtdorf with all my heart as well, as I do Pres. Eyring. To the former, I say: �Ich wei� da� user Gott will dich unterst�tzen, und mein Beten geht mit dir, auch.�
Holly | 12:58 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It is such a blessing to have an organization which transitions smoothly. The Lord has a great plan in place. I love the fact that Elder Eyring was kept as a counselor, and Elder Uchtdorf was chosen - they will be fabulous! I listened to the press conference and was impressed with the willingness of the three of them to answer all of the questions posed in an eager, respectful, thoughtful, and good-natured manner. When President Monson was asked to verify his favorite color and icecream he didn't hesitate to explain the color Yellow - and that he loved ANY flavor of ice-cream! He is so much fun. There was such a great spirit of JOY and energy as they move the work of the Church forward.
James Reynolds | 1:04 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
The Lord has selected special Prophet to follow another very special Prophet and friend of the world.


Tennessee
How Exciting! | 1:06 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am grateful to have seen history being made today. I remember when President Benson died, and it was the first time I was aware of the protocol of the "changing of the guard." It was very neat to watch how smoothly things proceeded, and each time a new prophet is sustained, I feel again how much the Lord is in charge of His Church. Elder Uchtdorf was a surprise to me too, a very happy one! We've truly become a "universal church!"
Raymond Takashi Swenson | 1:09 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am now looking forward to President Uchtdorf being sent to meet Governor Schwarzenegger of California. I would love to listen to that news conference.

Seriously, though, it is remarkable the quality of people we have leading the Church.
Gainesville | 1:05 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To Beans and Agreeing with Beans (his sidekick),
God would not pick a missionary from some third world country. This "standard LDS protocol" is God's protocol. The prophet was chosen when another prophet by the name of David O. McKay received revelation that 36 year old Thomas S. Monson should fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the 12. The use of protocol does not discount a divine hand.

I give my full support to the Lord's representatives. Ich bin rechtherzlich dankbar, dass es ein Prophet auf Erden gibt.
grateful member | 1:09 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
to Thayne-
Our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not an "American Church" we are 13 million strong and according to recent statistics there are more members outside of the Americas then there are in. We are very much an international church, and I believe the calling of President Uchdorf signifies that point. I fully and whole heartedly sustain our Prophet President Monson, his 1st Counselor President Eyring, and his 2nd Counselor President Uchdorf. I know this church is true and these are who God wants to lead us now.
David Heid | 1:14 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Wonderful news. I am so grateful for these dedicated, talented men. It is a privilege to follow people with such Christ-like attributes. They have my total support.
John Busch | 1:17 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
This is for Thayne The church Of Jesus Christ Of LatterDay Saints is not A american church ,It was set up in the U.S,A by the will of the Lord for the world and its leaders are called by God for the same purpose. God bless all of the leaders of his Church
Jennifer | 1:17 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
:) I feel so happy. I can't wait to watch conference.
what a suprise | 1:19 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Wow now that is a big surprise! Did anyone anywhere think anyone else would be the next prophet/president? Thanks for the breaking news.
Bob Mullins - Logan Utah | 1:26 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It's so AMAZING. I love the Lord and His new First Presidency. I also think it Timely to see them installed the day before Super Tuesday� Is the Lord�s Hand in This Work or What! May it ever so be, in name of the Master
new era | 1:20 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Surprizing choice for 2nd counselor, but very welcome!
Forever Grateful in YC | 1:29 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a devine process! No matter who would have been called, we KNEW it was from God. That pretty much sums it up. (eventhough, I felt Pres. Uchtdorf would be called)

With Pres. Hinckley, now working on the other side of the veil, you can only imagine how FAST, temple work, will NOW move forward.
So, let's put on our shoes, and GET TO WORK!
Great Reporting.... | 1:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Carrie, As always, great reporting. Your question in the news conference was well thought out as usual. Good stuff. Keep up your insightful and thought-provoking articles. To the DMN readers: I hope everyone knows what a great talent the DMN has here. (I don't work for the News, by the way.)
Alison | 1:36 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Absolutely perfect organization for the church with all the available information in this world.
The "Plan" always works.
Our prayers are with the new First Presidency.
Tammy Roberts | 1:39 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am so grateful to be a member of this world wide chuuch!!! So exciting to have witnessed the great news coverage and to hear their powerful testimonies. They are truly called of God and I support them with all my heart. Lets all do our part to help move the truth forward!!!
Update | 1:46 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Dear Are You Sure? If you want a reount go to the Lord in prayer and He will tell you these are His choices, not ours.

Thayne. The senior apostle, based on the date of his ordination, has always become the next President of the Church. Joseph Smith set that in progress when he changed seniority from age to date of ordination. Brigham Young further established that when he changed the position of two of the early apostles, who had been droped due to behavior, then came back into full fellowship. He put them back in the positions they would have been upon coming into the quorum at that time, not their orginal position. That is the Lord's will and way. Not voting, no posturing, no convincing someone you should be the prophet over someone else.

This is going to be a great presidency. Elder Uchtdorf is part of an International and world-wide church that was started in America. The membership outside the United States is greater than the membership within the United States. Someday we will have Apostles from other countries and nationalities. It will come.
LDS | 1:41 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It is so wonderful to read all of your sustaining e-mails of our new beloved First Presidency. In this lone an dreary world your sustaining voices are strenghth to us to continue on the straight and narrow path back to Heavenly Father. signed a fellow saint.
Robert | 1:41 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
In answer to Where? For your information, neither Presidents Monson nor Packer served as missionaries in the sense of young Elders going out at 19 years of age. World War II took most of our young men into the military. President Packer served as a pilot in the Air Force. President Monson served in the Navy. President Packer is three years older than President Monson, so President Packer ended up serving longer in the military than President Monson. President Monson came back to Utah and was promptly ordained a Bishop at age 22, later called to the Presidency of the Temple View Stake, then later called to preside as Mission President in Canada at age 32, then to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at age 36.
Elder Packer was called to be an Assistant to the Twelve Apostles at age 37 and later as an Apostle at age 45. he also served as a Mission President in the New England States. So, both served missions, but as mission presidents.
Sub-Odeon | 1:42 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Uchtdorf has impressed me from Day 1.

I speculated last week that he'd be on the Presidency.

I was heartened to see that I was correct.

I truly think Uchtdorg will be our Prophet one day.

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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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