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Thomas S. Monson named as new LDS Church president

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Jacque H | 1:48 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a wonderful time, an international presidency. It shows we are moving with the times. There are so many cultures within our church, leadership and now our presidency.
Betty Mitchell | 1:43 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am glad to see Pres. Monson as the new Church President after Pres. Hinckly's passing. I have heard him both at General Conferences as well as a Special Regional Conference in 1987.

He speaks directly tp a person's heart which is good for the Church.

God Bless him in this important calling.

Sincerely,

Betty Mitchell
Fritz | 1:43 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Wally world,
Here I am.
I disagree with the choice.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 1:50 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To David
Some time look up the definition of faith. Yes, there are some things that do not change...Thank goodness!
Freeman | 1:45 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To David 12:59 pm: If you any shred of perspective beyond your own dim, narrow view, you might recognize these posts as something beyond blah blah blah and blind faith. None of us are asked to accept anything on blind faith. You don't think President Monson should be next? Pray about it. We all have...

To the smarter GBH:
Why are you looking for something unconventional and unpredictable? Perhaps you would be more interested in following the political races--they provide all the drama you are hinting about. Succession of the church president has always been predictable and always will be--the Lord has already told us how it works. Why look for something else?
A french family | 1:52 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We are so grateful for President HINCKLEY ministery and for the new Presidency ; we are honored for having a european second counselor to President MONSON.
RC in AZ | 1:47 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To the new first presidency I rise my right hand in support!
Mohan | 1:53 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a great blessing to have a German enter the First Presidency. The international outreach of the Church will expand.
David and Bonnie | 1:55 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
President Monson during the news conference mentioned that he reads the newspaper every morning to see if his name is in the obituaries. We live in Washington state and we have not seen it there either.
Isn't it nice to have a leader with a good sense of humor?
Anonymous | 1:55 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To Where? President Monsen didn't serve a mission as a youth. He was drafted into the Navy, just out of High School, towards the end of WWII. His "Mission" was as a Mission President in Canada with his wife and young children.
Linda in Oregon | 1:55 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Whom the Lord has chosen. I'm greatful to be apart of this great church and my congatulations to our prophet and his counselors. It's exciting to have an international presidency and I sustain and follow them with all my heart. To their families thank you for the support and love you have for the church and and it's members. We love and appreciate all you are giving up for the building of the kingdom of God. We love you!!!
Danielle | 1:56 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Maravilhoso!

Homens de Deus!

Rob-Idaho | 1:51 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We are grateful for our new prophet and know that the First Presidency is at the helm of the Church. God Bless you all.
nrly | 1:57 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Am so glad that we have named a new First Presidency so fast. I sustain President Monson and his counselors. Am looking forward to hearing him speak, and carry on.Yes the hand of the Lord is always in this work. It is his work we are doing.
Re: Thayne | 1:58 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
What a wonderfuly day!

The LDS church is truly a "worldwide" organization. Over 6 million members of the church reside ouside the borders of America. This is a great time and a wonderful organization of the first presidency.

Looking forward to many years of growth and even possibly into areas where the church may not exist even today.
Re: Thayne | 1:53 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Since neither of the above commentators actually answered Thayne's question, I will.
The leadership of the Church is determined by seniority. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is organized by seniority, with the longest-serving member of the quorum acting as President of that quorum. Upon the death of the President of the Church, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve is traditionally called as President of the Church. President Monson chose President Uchtdorf as his counselor because he felt inspired by the Lord to do so and believes that President Uchtdorf is best qualified to advise him in matters of concern to the Church. As far as his nationality goes, I believe President Uchtdorf said it best himself during the Press Conference: neither he nor any of the Apostles are representatives of any nation; they are representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ and of Jesus Christ Himself. I hope that helps, Thayne!
ghets from Philippines | 2:00 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
He is a chosen one! God BLess our new prophet.
Robert | 2:00 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To Long Inactive Member
The First Presidency has, more than once, issued to you an invitation to come back into activity. If you need a special invitation - well, this is it! Come back into activity. Why go another day of missing the blessing of full activity. If you feel disenfranchised, that is your call, but know that every member is precious to the Lord's church. I, too, pray for you. God bless you.
Marianne in Texas | 1:56 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I had chills when I read the article. Three great amazing men who will have my family's sustaining support.
Francisco Chavez Florida | 2:10 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I meet President Kimball 20 years ago when I become a member of the Church and obtain a testimony of the profet of the Lord, also Pres Taft Benson, and Pres Hinckley when He visited New York City and just as I got a testimony back them of the Profets I know now the President Monson is a profet of God I hope to meet Him some day and share with Him my testimony of Pres Kimball
Antonio Giustizia from Italy | 2:11 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It's amazing how the God's plan works. I'm excited to sustain the new first precidency. In my prayers i'll be asking our Heavenly Father to help me to sustain these wonderful men as i did for President Hinckley's era. Hurra for the First precidency and our Savior!
robert just | 2:14 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
toronto, canada
Lisa | 2:15 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
We are so blessede to have such a great 1st Presidency, I think that they will all do a greatjob, They are such great men to have been called
"We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet" They will do such a great job in whatever they are called to do
Leodegario A. Jadulco | 2:16 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I know that Pres Thomas S, Monson will be the next President of the Church as tradition continues in the church. I have read and listen how Pres Monson dillver his message. He can also be called as "Giant among Men" like his predessersor Pres Hinckley. I am grateful for his wonderfull messages goodluck President Monson, Pres Eyring,and Pres Utchdorf. Mabuhay kayo ang God Bless...
Laurie | 2:11 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I was very overwhelmed by the Spirit as I was reading this article. I felt our Prophet was nearing mortal death. The church will continue to prosper. We will love and support our new presidency. Rest in peace President Hinckley. Until we meet again. We love and respect all you did for the saints.
Sandy in Salt Lake | 2:18 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I add my "amen" to all the comments...we are so blessed to live in a day when the church of Jesus Christ is on the earth in it fullness and to live during a time when Prophets and Apostles walk the earth. To ALL "less active" and "non-members" we love you and stand ready to embrace you in the love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God bless our new Presidency who has my support in heart, mind and strength.
John H | 2:19 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Dear Long inactive member,

Why do you need a special invitation to come back to activity? Don't you think Pres. Monson (as well as everyone else in leadership positions) has been asking you to return either personally or in prayer? And what exactly would it take? Why have you been disenfranchised when it is the Lord's Church and not theirs? They are merely performing the work He has asked them to perform. Why don't you ask in prayer about the problems you see? If you really want to come back, we will open our arms to you. If you need answers to questions, lds.org is a great place to find them. Otherwise, ask your Bishop. The starting place is humility in wanting to do the Lord's will, not our own.
light | 2:25 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Hi moderator,

Having once been a Mormon I totaly get that you are an exptension of the LDS church and that "control" is part of your way and the Mormon church's way. It is ashame that you are not willing to allow different viewpoints on this subject. OK I will sound like every other Mormon...Yeh Monson...boy was that inspired....you must be Gods only chosen one....WOW the German guy was such a surprise...I know this is the only true church.....blah, blah, blah give me a break.

Love Light
German Missionary | 2:28 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I had hoped for Elder Uchtdorf, I served in Germany and anyone who has spent time with members from there knows what he did for the church there. He will be a great counselor to President Monson.
more UTES?!?! | 2:24 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Why are all the prophets Utes? I shouldn't be surprised and its comforting, zoobs are not leaders.
RGS, Brasil | 2:28 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Dues vos abençoa, meus queridos irmãos! Aquelle abraço para voçes!
Bill Baumgardner Sr. | 2:29 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I have been in the Lord's Church since Nov., 1969 & have seen & heard these men called by God to serve & there is NO doubt in my mind & heart that Jesus Christ lives & leades His Church. My hope & prayer is that all of my family, friends & neighbors will someday share the same blessings & happiness that I do.I know that the time is quickly drawing nigh for the Second Coming Of Our Lord And Savior And I hope to live to see it. May the Lord bless all members that are worthy & help the others to repent & become worthy before it is too late. And may all the non-members see the light.
Brent | 2:32 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Some one has taught that "you can't be a good leader unless you've been a faithful follower". President Monson typifies that, a wonderful follower of President Hinckley and of the Savior Jesus Christ. He'll do wonderfully as will his chosen counselors.
Shari Knudson- Ellicott City, MD | 2:35 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It is amazing and wonderful to see who the Lord has prepared to lead His church- we are truly blessed. Congratulations to our new First Presidency- sending love and best wishes.
Lizzy | 2:40 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am from Germany, and speak German. I am very grateful for the new LDS church Presidency. I have always loved the church. GOD BLESS US! I loved saying this in English..THANKS:o)
Amen | 2:47 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Having had the opportunity to teach from Elder Uchtdorf's conference addresses in my Relief Society calling, I am thrilled. I kind of thought it might be one of the younger members of the 12. I sustain this wholeheartedly.
Cool guy | 2:47 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I think it is time to have a brazilian prophet or counselor in the first presidency, coz my country is the second largest members in the world.That�s it!!!
Anonymous | 2:50 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
It will be interesting to watch Pres. Monson relax and give comments off the cuff. He has always seemed so stiff and pedantic that I have had a hard time listening to him. Almost as if he was so intent on HOW the story was told more than the lesson itself. Measured inflection, smile here, raise voice here, soften it here...
I am sure that I will come to love him as I came to love Pres. Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley.
Re: more UTES?!?! | 2:45 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Monson graduated from both Utah (bachelor's) and BYU (master's). So how can you say he is just a Ute? He's both a Ute and a Cougar! And what about Holland, Oaks, and Bednar--do you just choose to not listen to them because they went to BYU? And, honestly, who really cares where he went to school? What matters is that he is a prophet of God.
Merlynn Legg | 3:00 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
How grateful we are to have a wonderful, loving, kind prophet to guide us in these latter days. You could feel the spirit testify to you that he is our prophet, seer and revelator as they announced the new first presidency. The same feeling of love came to me as the feeling of love I had for President Hinckley. We are such a blessed people to have these fine and wonderful men led us in righteous each and every day. This a great day for all of us around the world to have President Thomas S. Monson to our new Prophet.
Nice | 2:54 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Nice to see an old white man get the gig for a change.
Robert | 2:55 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
To Thayne,

The Lord laid down the pattern. He decides. The task of the Apostles (leaders) is to ascertain the will of the Lord through prayer and personal revelation. The name of the new President is presented (traditionally,this has been the senior member, by date of ordination, to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.) Upon receiving unanimous agreement, under the principle of common consent, the person is sustained in that position. Members of the church then have the same privilege of receiving personal revelation and of sustaining church leaders. No one seeks positions of leadership. You are invited to personally attend or view on TV our next Church Conference on April 5th and 6th to see how the principle of common consent operates.

Counselors to the President are not selected or chosen by date of ordination to the Quorum of the Twelve nor by nation of origin. The "why" is up to the Lord. It is a world wide church of 13 million members on every continent, not an "American religion."
Jane | 3:07 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I am so grateful for For the new presidency. We are so blessed as Latter Day Saints. God bless our leaders.

It would be nice if those who speak in other languages could let us Americans know what they are saying. They make no sense to most of us. No one knows what they are saying. I guess that isn't important.
Tu'uto'a Schaumkel | 3:09 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I love that President Monson said that "there will be no abrupt changes from the course we have been pursuing." It speaks to the unity he had with President Hinckley and is a witness that he doesn't intend to intentionally stamp his Presidency with a theme. If an overarching theme develops it will happen unintentionally. Who would have known President Hinckley would be the prolific temple builder he was? President Uchtdorf's new call doesn't signify the Church is becoming more international; it has always had an international theme; it's the Lord's Church. Missions in England since 1837, missions to Hawaii in 1850 (100 years before becoming a state), French Polynesia in 1844, South Africa in the 1850's and so on and so forth. Though the United States may not always have a direct tie to future Prophets and Apostles it will nevertheless remain sacred because of The Sacred Grove, The Book of Mormon, Independence, Nauvoo, etc. The Lord re-established His gospel in the chosen land. It will always be the Land of the Restoration.
Cindy in CA | 3:07 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Absolutely Wonderful!!!! The Church is true...the work moves forward...Just as President Hinckley always said it would. President Monson how wonderful it is to have a Prophet of God on the earth today and two wonderful counselors to serve with him..President Eyring and Uchtdorf. All of our lives will be truly blessed as we follow the Prophet who follows the Lord. We truly are a blessed people. What comfort it is to know that the Lord continues to watch out for His church and His people.

This is so exciting!!
DMac | 3:15 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I will always love and honor the life of President Hinckley. However, he and President Monson have always been almost synonomous with one another, so having President Monson as our new prophet seems purely natural. Sustaining him is easy, and I love him as I loved President Hinckley.
Mormon Colonies in Chihuahua | 3:22 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Mi familia confima la nueva presidencia. Dios bendiga a La Iglesia de JesusCristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias.

My family confirms the new presidency. May God bless the Church of JesusChrist of Latter Day Saints.

Viva la Acad�mia Ju�rez...Go Lobos!!!
Kristian | 3:23 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Now the question begins who will be the three new Apostles. I am hoping that the trend continues to choose men from outside of the US. Would be great to see someone from Latin America and Asia.
Kiwikid | 3:28 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
I think President Monson served his mission putting his life on the line that we may have life!!! That mission requires some dedication!!
Scott in Texas | 3:24 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008
Light: Sarcasm and bitterness seems to be an art form with those who have left the church but who cannot leave it alone. What you call "control" in the culture of the church I call "order", which goes hand in hand with faith, obedience, prayer, revelation and submissiveness - characteristics foreign and distasteful for those who would rather embrace the world's ways and its wisdom. If you want a break from the gospel, go ahead and take it...right there on the veranda of the Great and Spacious Building. I hear that the view is sweet, and I'm sure that you'll have lots of back-slapping, like-minded company mocking the church and joining you in laughing it to scorn. If that's your kind of party, enjoy it while it lasts.

As for me, I am thrilled with Pres. Monson's calling as our new prophet, seer and revelator. Personal revelation will confirm his validity as the new president of the church as well as his choice of Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf as his counselors. Anyone willing to get down on their knees and ask God if he is a true prophet will receive confirmation through the Holy Ghost.

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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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