In the Latter Day Saint movement, the President of the Church is generally considered to be the highest office of the church. It is the office held by Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the movement, and the office assumed by many of Smith's claimed successors, such as Brigham Young, Joseph Smith III, and James Strang. Several other titles have been associated with this office, including "First Elder" of the church, "Presiding High Priest", "President of the High Priesthood", "Trustee-in-Trust" for the church, "Prophet", "Seer", "Revelator", "Translator", "Ruler" (in Israel). The movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr., the first president of the church, was known by all of these titles in his lifetime. The Latter Day Saint movement is a religious movement that can be said to have been founded primarily by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ... See also, Brigham Young University Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ... 1856 daguerreotype of James Strang, taken on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, by J. Atkyn, one of his assassins. ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

Joseph Smith died in 1844, without having undisputably established who was to be his successor as President. Therefore, his death was followed by a succession crisis in which various groups followed leaders with succession claims. Years later, the office of President was reorganized in the largest of the Latter Day Saint denominations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ. The Succession Crisis in the Latter Day Saint movement occurred after the assassination of the movements founder, Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The term Latter Day Saint most commonly refers to (but is not limited to) members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which, its members believe, was founded under the direction of Jesus Christ by the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... It has been suggested that Community of Christ membership statistics be merged into this article or section. ...

Joseph Smith as the President of the Church

The concept that the Church of Christ would have a president over the entire church arose in late 1831. Initially, after the church's formation on April 6, 1830, Joseph Smith referred to himself as merely "an apostle of Jesus Christ, and elder of the church."^[1] However, there were several other apostles and elders, including Oliver Cowdery, all of whom were formally co-equal. The Church of Christ was the original name given to the church formally organized by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Leopold I 1831 (MDCCCXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution 1830 (MDCCCXXX) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Photograph of Oliver Cowdery found in the Library of Congress, taken in the 1840s Oliver Hervy Pliny Cowdery[1] (3 October 1806 – 3 March 1850) was the primary participant with Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

In September 1830, after Hiram Page, a rival of Joseph Smith, attempted to receive revelations for the church, a revelation through Joseph Smith stated that "no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses."^[2] Thus, although Smith had no formal leadership position in the church at that time, he took the position as the only elder with the gift of revelation for the entire church. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution 1830 (MDCCCXXX) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Hiram Page (1800–1852), was an early member of the Latter Day Saint movement and one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormons Golden Plates. ... Latter Day Saints teach that the Latter Day Saint movement began with a Revelation from God (see History of the Latter Day Saint movement). ...

In early June^[3] of 1831, Joseph Smith was ordained to the "high priesthood", along with twenty-two other men (including prominent figures in the Latter Day Saint movement such as Hyrum Smith, Parley P. Pratt, and Martin Harris).^[4][5] As "high priests", these men were higher in the priesthood hierarchy than the elders of the church. However, at this time, Smith's position was formally the same as the other high priests. Leopold I 1831 (MDCCCXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith (February 9, 1800—June 27, 1844) was the older brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Parley P. Pratt Statue of Parley P. Pratt facing Parleys Canyon at sunrise. ... Martin Harris (1783–1875) was the first financier of The Book of Mormon. ... In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a high priest is a member of the priesthood (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) who holds the same priesthood authority as that of an Elder, but who is ordained to the office of a high priest. ... In Mormonism, an Elder is a priesthood and leadership position in many denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement. ...

On November 11, 1831, however, a revelation to Smith stated that "it must needs be that one be appointed of the high priesthood to preside over the Priesthood and he shall be called President of the high priesthood of the Church ... and again the duty of the President of the high priesthood is to preside over the whole church."^[6] Smith was ordained to this position and sustained by the church on January 25, 1832 at a conference in Amherst, Ohio.^[7][8] November 11 is the 315th day of the year (316th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 50 days remaining. ... Leopold I 1831 (MDCCCXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... January 25 is the 25th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1832 (MDCCCXXXII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Amherst is a city in Lorain County, Ohio, United States. ... Official language(s) None Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Largest metro area Cleveland Area  Ranked 34th  - Total 44,825 sq mi (116,096 km²)  - Width 220 miles (355 km)  - Length 220 miles (355 km)  - % water 8. ...

In 1835, Smith revised the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ, changing the phrase "an ... elder of the church" to "the first elder of this Church."^[9] Thus, subsequently to 1835, Smith was sometimes referred to as the First Elder of the church. The 1835 revision also added a verse referring to the office of "president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder)",^[10] which had been added to the church hierarchy in 1831. | Come and take it, slogan of the Texas Revolution 1835 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Leopold I 1831 (MDCCCXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ...

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The largest Latter Day Saint denomination is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church's leader and the head of the First Presidency, the church's highest governing body. Latter-day Saints consider the president of the church to be a prophet, seer, and revelator, and refer to him particularly as the Prophet, a title originally given to Joseph Smith, Jr.. Gordon Bitner Hinckley (born June 23, 1910) has been the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since March 12, 1995. ... The Latter Day Saint movement is a religious movement that can be said to have been founded primarily by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the current members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ... A Latter-day Saint is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). ... Prophet, seer, and revelator is an ecclesiastical title used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is applied to the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

Latter-day Saints consider the president of the church to be God's spokesman to the entire world. He is considered to be the highest priesthood authority on earth, with the exclusive right to receive revelations from God on behalf of the entire church or the entire world. Modern presidents, however, have not generally continued Joseph Smith's practice of publishing written doctrinal revelations and visions, although most have stated that they have received such. A Latter-day Saint is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). ... In Mormonism, priesthood is considered to be the power and authority to act in the name of God, including the performance of sacred rites and ordinances, and the performance of miracles. ...

Infallibility versus opinion

According to the Doctrine and Covenants, the president of the church is the only man empowered to receive revelation for the entire church and to change or clarify doctrine.^[11] Presidents of the church have taught that the president will never be allowed to lead the Latter-day Saints astray and that God will "remove" any man who stands at the head of the church who intends to mislead its members.^[12] As such, when speaking in his capacity as president of the church, the words of the president of the church are "infallible" in the sense that they are correct and binding on the church and its members. By following the president's teachings, members of the church are told that they are justified in their actions. However, statements of the president of the church are not infallible in the sense that they can never be changed by a future president of the church; due to the Latter-day Saint belief in "continuing revelation", it is accepted that a church president will often revise or clarify statements of past church presidents. One apostle of the church has taught, "Beware of those who would pit the dead prophets against the living prophets, for the living prophets always take precedence."^[13] Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes referred to as the D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of Mormonism. ... In general, continuous revelation or continuing revelation is a theological belief or position that God continues to reveal divine principles or commandments to humanity. ... In Mormonism, an Apostle is a special witness of the name of Christ who is sent to teach the principles of salvation to others. ...

However, often when the president of the church speaks, it is not in his official capacity as the president of the church. At these times, the president may offer opinion and conjecture about topics which may or may not be correct or inspired of God. It may be difficult to know when the president of the church is speaking in his capacity as such and when he is offerring personal opinion. Most Latter-day Saints would likely assume that statements made by the president in sermons at a general conference of the church or other formal church meeting would constitute statements made in the capacity of church president. However, even then, the president of the church may explicitly indicate that he is only expressing a personal opinion.^[14] The LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City In Mormonism, a General Conference is a meeting meant for instruction of all members of the Latter Day Saint faith. ...

Counselors to the President

When a new president of the church is selected, he chooses counselors to assist him. Most presidents have had a minimum of two counselors, but circumstances have occasionally required more than two (for example, David O. McKay had five during the final years of his presidency and at one point Brigham Young had eight). Counselors are usually chosen from the among the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, although there have been a number of exceptions where members of the church's Presiding Bishopric or persons from the church at large were called to be counselors. Any high priest of the church is eligible to be called as a counselor in the First Presidency. There have also been a few cases where counselors have been ordained to the priesthood office of apostle and became members of the Quorum of the Twelve after already being chosen as counselors in the First Presidency (e.g., J. Reuben Clark). There have been other cases where counselors have been ordained to the office of apostle but not set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve (e.g., Alvin R. Dyer). Other counselors in the First Presidency were never ordained to the office of apostle (e.g., Charles W. Nibley; John R. Winder). Whether or not a counselor in the First Presidency is an ordained apostle, he is accepted by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. David Oman McKay (September 8, 1873 – January 18, 1970) was the ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormon), serving from 1951 until his death in 1970. ... See also, Brigham Young University Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... The current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church. ... The Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a priesthood calling with church-wide authority. ... In Mormonism, an Apostle is a special witness of the name of Christ who is sent to teach the principles of salvation to others. ... Joshua Reuben Clark, Jr. ... Alvin Rulon Dyer (1903-1977) was an Apostle and a General Authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Charles Wilson Nibley (February 5, 1849—December 11, 1931) was the fifth Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between 1907 and 1925 and a member of the Churchs First Presidency from 1925 until his death. ... First Presidency in 1901 L-R: John R. Winder, First Counselor; Joseph F. Smith, President; John Henry Smith, Second Counselor John Rex Winder (1821–1910) (commonly known as John R. Winder) was a leader and General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Prophet, seer, and revelator is an ecclesiastical title used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is applied to the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ...

Counselors are formally designated as "First Counselor in the First Presidency" and "Second Counselor in the First Presidency" based on the order they were selected by the president. Additional counselors have been designated in different ways, including "Third Counselor in the First Presidency" (e.g., Hugh B. Brown), "Assistant Counselor to the President" (e.g., John Willard Young), and simply "Counselor in the First Presidency" (e.g., Thorpe B. Isaacson). The president and all his counselors constitute the First Presidency, which is the presiding council of the church. The next senior apostle to the president of the church is set apart by the president to be the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Hugh Brown Brown (October 24, 1883 — December 2, 1975) was a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... John Willard Young (1844–1924) was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Henry Thorpe Beal Isaacson (September 6, 1898—November 9, 1970) was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a counselor in the First Presidency to Church President David O. McKay from 1965 to 1970. ... President Thomas S. Monson Acting President Boyd K. Packer In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the most senior Apostle in the church, aside from the church President. ...

Succession to the Presidency

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when a president of the church dies, the First Presidency is dissolved and the members of the First Presidency who were formerly members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles return to that quorum. The Quorum of the Twelve then becomes the presiding council of the church, with the senior apostle as its president.^[15] During this period of time, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve is the highest ranking official in the church. Traditionally, and so far without exception, this apostle becomes the next church president.^[16] This appointment is made official when the Quorum of the Twelve meets and selects their president as the next president of the church. Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the current members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ... The current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church. ... President Thomas S. Monson Acting President Boyd K. Packer In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the most senior Apostle in the church, aside from the church President. ...

In modern times, the Quorum of the Twelve has typically moved quickly to reconstitute the First Presidency by setting apart the President of the Quorum of the Twelve as the president of the church within days or weeks of the late church president's death. However, Brigham Young presided over the church for three years as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve before the First Presidency was reconstituted after the death of Joseph Smith. The tradition of waiting for two to three years before selecting a new president continued until the death of the fourth president of the church, Wilford Woodruff, in 1898. See also, Brigham Young University Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Wilford Woodruff (March 1, 1807 – September 2, 1898) was the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), from 1889 until his death in 1898. ... Year 1898 (MDCCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ...

Seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is important, in that the senior apostle becomes the president of the church upon the current president's passing. Specific rules have applied to special situations that have come up over time.

For instance, there have been cases where an apostle has been excommunicated or disfellowshipped, then later restored to the quorum. It was decided that in these cases, the excommunicated or disfellowshipped apostle loses his seniority in the quorum. For example, Brigham Young decided that John Taylor was to be President of the Twelve and Wilford Woodruff follow him in seniority due to the readmission to the quorum of Orson Hyde, who had been disfellowshipped in 1846, and Orson Pratt, who had been excommunicated in 1842. Young ruled in 1875 that when Hyde and Pratt rejoined the quorum, they became the newest junior members of the quorum and their previous service did not "count" when calculating quorum seniority. John Taylor (November 1, 1808 – July 25, 1887) was the third President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1880 to 1887. ... Wilford Woodruff (March 1, 1807 – September 2, 1898) was the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), from 1889 until his death in 1898. ... Orson Hyde Orson Hyde (January 8, 1805 – November 28, 1878) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and an original member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. ... 1846 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Orson Pratt Orson Pratt (September 19, 1811 – October 3, 1881) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and an original member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. ... 1842 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ...

In another instance, Ezra Taft Benson left active status in the quorum for a time when he was serving as the United States Secretary of Agriculture in the Eisenhower administration. In this case, Benson did not lose seniority in the quorum and he became the president of the church upon the passing of Spencer W. Kimball. Ezra Taft Benson (August 4, 1899 – May 30, 1994) was President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1985 until his death. ... The United States Secretary of Agriculture is the head of the United States Department of Agriculture concerned with land and food as well as agriculture and rural development. ... Dwight David Ike Eisenhower, born David Dwight Eisenhower (October 14, 1890 - March 28, 1969) was an American soldier and politician, who served as the thirty-fourth President of the United States (1953-1961). ... Spencer Woolley Kimball (March 28, 1895 – November 5, 1985) was the twelfth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1973-1985). ...

If the President of the Quorum of the Twelve has been called to be a counselor in the First Presidency, the most senior apostle not called to the First Presidency is set apart and referred to as the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At the death of the president of the church, the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve retains his position in the quorum's membership and the President of the Quorum of the Twelve takes his role as president of the quorum. The title Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve is a term used by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to refer to the most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve not serving in the First Presidency of the Church. ...

List of Presidents of the LDS Church

Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1000x1264, 178 KB) Summary Illustration of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ... December 23 is the 357th day of the year (358th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1805 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution 1830 (MDCCCXXX) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... June 27 is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... See also, Brigham Young University Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... President Thomas S. Monson Acting President Boyd K. Packer In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the most senior Apostle in the church, aside from the church President. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... See also, Brigham Young University Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... June 1 is the 152nd day of the year (153rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Union Jack, flag of the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. ... December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (362nd in leap years). ... 1847 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... August 29 is the 241st day of the year (242nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1877 (MDCCCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... John Taylor (November 1, 1808 – July 25, 1887) was the third President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1880 to 1887. ... President Thomas S. Monson Acting President Boyd K. Packer In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the most senior Apostle in the church, aside from the church President. ... Image File history File links Johntaylor. ... John Taylor (November 1, 1808 – July 25, 1887) was the third President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1880 to 1887. ... November 1 is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 60 days remaining. ... Year 1808 (MDCCCVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... October 10 is the 283rd day of the year (284th in leap years). ... Year 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar). ... July 25 is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1887 (MDCCCLXXXVII) is a common year starting on Saturday (click on link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. ... Wilford Woodruff (March 1, 1807 – September 2, 1898) was the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), from 1889 until his death in 1898. ... President Thomas S. Monson Acting President Boyd K. Packer In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the most senior Apostle in the church, aside from the church President. ... Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Wilford Woodruff (March 1, 1807 – September 2, 1898) was the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), from 1889 until his death in 1898. ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1807 (MDCCCVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar). ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... Year 1889 (MDCCCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... September 2 is the 245th day of the year (246th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1898 (MDCCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links Lorenzo_Snow. ... Lorenzo Snow (April 3, 1814 – October 10, 1901) was the fifth President (1898-1901) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the last president of the 19th century. ... is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1814 (MDCCCXIV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... September 13 is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years). ... Year 1898 (MDCCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... October 10 is the 283rd day of the year (284th in leap years). ... 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Image File history File links Ldspresidentjosephfsmith. ... Joseph Fielding Smith, Sr. ... is the 317th day of the year (318th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... | Jöns Jakob Berzelius, discoverer of protein 1838 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... October 17 is the 290th day of the year (291st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1901 (MCMI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... November 19 is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Image File history File links Hjgrant. ... Heber Jeddy Grant (November 22, 1856 – May 14, 1945) was the seventh President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ... November 22 is the 326th day (327th on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... November 23 is the 327th day of the year (328th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 38 days remaining. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... May 14 is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1945and died 2007 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... George Albert Smith (April 4, 1870 – April 4, 1951) was an influential religious leader and the eighth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... is the 94th day of the year (95th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1870 (MDCCCLXX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... May 21 is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1945and died 2007 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... is the 94th day of the year (95th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ... Image File history File links David-o-mckay. ... David Oman McKay (September 8, 1873 – January 18, 1970) was the ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormon), serving from 1951 until his death in 1970. ... September 8 is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1873 (MDCCCLXXIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... April 9 is the 99th day of the year (100th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ... January 18 is the 18th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... Image File history File links From http://www. ... Joseph Fielding Smith (July 19, 1876 – July 2, 1972) was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1970 to 1972. ... is the 200th day of the year (201st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1876 (MDCCCLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... January 23 is the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... July 2 is the 183rd day of the year (184th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Haroldlee. ... Harold Bingham Lee (March 28, 1899 – December 26, 1973) was born in Clifton, Idaho but spent the great bulk of his life in Utah where he rose to head The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... March 28 is the 87th day of the year (88th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1899 (MDCCCXCIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday [1] of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 177 days remaining. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 26 is the 360th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, 361st in leap years. ... Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... Spencer Woolley Kimball (March 28, 1895 – November 5, 1985) was the twelfth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1973-1985). ... March 28 is the 87th day of the year (88th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1895 (MDCCCXCV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... December 30 is the 364th day of the year (365th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 1 day remaining. ... Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... November 5 is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 56 days remaining. ... Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links Ezra_Taft_Benson. ... Ezra Taft Benson (August 4, 1899 – May 30, 1994) was President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1985 until his death. ... August 4 is the 216th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (217th in leap years), with 149 days remaining. ... Year 1899 (MDCCCXCIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday [1] of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... is the 314th day of the year (315th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 150th day of the year (151st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by United Nations. ... Image File history File links Howardwhunter. ... Howard William Hunter (November 14, 1907 – March 3, 1995) was the fourteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1994-1995), and served the shortest amount of time of any Church president to date (nine months). ... November 14 is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... June 5 is the 156th day of the year (157th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by United Nations. ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (63rd in leap years). ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... Gordon Bitner Hinckley (born June 23, 1910) has been the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since March 12, 1995. ... is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1910 (MCMX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Sunday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar. ... March 12 is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ...

Removal

Though there has never been a popular movement in the church to have a President removed or punished, he could theoretically be removed from his position or otherwise disciplined by the Common Council of the Church.

Presidents of the Community of Christ

In the Community of Christ, the president of the church is often referred to as the Prophet-President. The Prophet-President is the highest priesthood leader of this denomination of Latter Day Saints. The position is composed of several roles: (1) President of the Church, (2) President of the High Priesthood and (3) Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the church. It has been suggested that Community of Christ membership statistics be merged into this article or section. ... In Mormonism, priesthood is considered to be the power and authority to act in the name of God, including the performance of sacred rites and ordinances, and the performance of miracles. ... In Mormonism, priesthood is considered to be the power and authority to act in the name of God, including the performance of sacred rites and ordinances, and the performance of miracles. ... Prophet, seer, and revelator is an ecclesiastical title used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is applied to the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ...

As President of the Church, the prophet-president is the church's chief executive and is the leader of the First Presidency, the church's chief executive council. As President of the High Priesthood, the prophet-president is the church's leading priesthood official. (Since the initiation of the ordination of women in 1985, it is now possible for this position to be filled by a woman though all prophet-presidents to date have been men.) As Prophet, Seer and Revelator, the prophet-president is the Community of Christ's spiritual leader and can present revelations to the church to be added to the Doctrine and Covenants — an open canon of scripture, which stands with the Bible and the Book of Mormon as sacred text. In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes referred to as the D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of Mormonism. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library of Congress. ... The Book of Mormon[1] is one of the sacred texts of the Latter Day Saint movement, regarded by Latter Day Saints as divinely revealed, and named after the prophet-historian Mormon who, according to the text, compiled most of the book. ...

Succession to the Presidency

Generally, the prophet-president will name or ordain a successor prior to his death. Prior to 1995 these successors have been chosen according to the principle of lineal succession. Accordingly, the first six prophet-presidents following movement founder Joseph Smith, Jr. were his direct descendants. Lineal Succession is a doctrine in the Community of Christ, a faction of Mormonism, whereby certain church offices are held by right of inheritance. ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

In 1995, Wallace B. Smith broke with the precedent of lineal succession by naming W. Grant McMurray as his successor. In November 2004, McMurray resigned from the office of prophet-president without naming a successor, citing medical and personal issues. The First Presidency, composed of McMurray's two counselors, continued to function as the church's chief executive council. A Joint Council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles announced in March 2005 the name of Stephen M. Veazey as prophet-president designate. Veazey had been serving as president of the Council of Twelve. Delegates elected to a special World Conference of the church approved Veazey and he was ordained as the president of the High Priesthood, Prophet, and President of the Church on June 3, 2005. Wallace B. Smith (born 1929) was Prophet and President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ), from 1978–1996. ... W. Grant McMurray, (born 1945), Prophet and President of the Community of Christ 1996–2004. ... In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... The Joint Council of the Community of Christ is an executive committee made up of the First Presidency (Community of Christ), the Council of Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric. ... In Mormonism, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (also known as the Quorum of the Twelve, the Council of the Twelve, or the Twelve) is one of the governing bodies of the church hierarchy in many Latter Day Saint denominations, members of which are considered to be Apostles, and special... Stephen M. Veazey (born May 3, 1957) is the current Prophet-President of the Community of Christ headquartered in Independence, Missouri which has no affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. ... In Mormonism, General Conferences are church-wide meetings of individual Latter Day Saint denominations. ... June 3 is the 154th day of the year (155th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

List of Presidents of the Community of Christ

Joseph Smith, Jr. ... December 23 is the 357th day of the year (358th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1805 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution 1830 (MDCCCXXX) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... June 27 is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ... November 6 is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1832 (MDCCCXXXII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1860 is the leap year starting on Sunday. ... December 10 is the 344th day (345th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, 21 days before the next year. ... Year 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Frederick Madison Smith (January 21, 1874 - March 20, 1946) was an American religious leader and author, president of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (renamed in 2001 the Community of Christ) from 1915 until his death. ... January 21 is the 21st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1872 (MDCCCLXXII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 135th day of the year (136th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1915 (MCMXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar). ... March 20 is the 79th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (80th in leap years). ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Israel Alexander Smith (February 2, 1876 – June 14, 1958) was the third son of Joseph Smith III and a grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... February 2 is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1876 (MDCCCLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 14 is the 165th day of the year (166th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... W. Wallace Smith was Prophet and President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ), from 1958–1978. ... November 18 is the 322nd day of the year (323rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1900 (MCM) was an exceptional common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar, but a leap year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar. ... October 6 is the 279th day of the year (280th in leap years). ... Year 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... August 4 is the 216th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (217th in leap years), with 149 days remaining. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Wallace B. Smith (born 1929) was Prophet and President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ), from 1978–1996. ... July 29 is the 210th day of the year (211th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1929 (MCMXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... April 5 is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... W. Grant McMurray, (born 1945), Prophet and President of the Community of Christ 1996–2004. ... June 12 is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1947 calendar). ... April 15 is the 105th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (106th in leap years). ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... Stephen M. Veazey (born May 3, 1957) is the current Prophet-President of the Community of Christ headquartered in Independence, Missouri which has no affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. ... May 3 is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1957 (MCMLVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar). ... June 3 is the 154th day of the year (155th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ

In The Church of Jesus Christ, the President of the General Church is also a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Church of Jesus Christs historic chapel in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. ... The current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church. ...

List of Presidents

Joseph Smith, Jr. ... December 23 is the 357th day of the year (358th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1805 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... June 27 is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution 1830 (MDCCCXXX) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Jan. ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution 1830 (MDCCCXXX) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1793 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... July 14 is the 195th day of the year (196th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1876 (MDCCCLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... 1845 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... 1847 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1845 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... William Bickerton (January 15, 1815—February 17, 1905) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement after the 1844 succession crisis. ... January 15 is the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... April 5-12: Mount Tambora explodes, changing climate. ... February 17 is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1905 (MCMV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1862 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1862 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1907 (MCMVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... April 9 is the 99th day of the year (100th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1933 (MCMXXXIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• First Presidency
• Prophet, seer, and revelator
• Common Council of the Church

In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... Prophet, seer, and revelator is an ecclesiastical title used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is applied to the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ...

Notes

1. ^ Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ, June 9, 1830.
2. ^ LDS Church D&C 28:2
3. ^ Different accounts of this meeting give the date as June 3, 4, or 6. Bushman considers June 3 to be the "best guess" for the date.
4. ^ Minutes of June [3-6], 1831. Saints Without Halos. Retrieved on 2007-05-25.
5. ^ Bushman, Richard Lyman (2007). Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. New York: Vintage Books, 156-157, 595. ISBN 978-1-4000-7753-3. 
6. ^ Kirtland Revelation Book, p. 84,68; LDS Church D&C 107:64-65, 91-92
7. ^ Bushman, Richard Lyman (2007). Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. New York: Vintage Books, 202. ISBN 978-1-4000-7753-3. 
8. ^ Prophet Seer, and Revelator: Like Unto Moses. Joseph Smith: Life of the Prophet. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2007). Retrieved on 2007-05-25.
9. ^ LDS Church D&C 20:2
10. ^ LDS Church D&C 20:67
11. ^ See, for example, LDS Church D&C 28:2, 6-7
12. ^ Wilford Woodruff, The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff (G. Homer Durham, ed.), Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946, pp. 212-213.
13. ^ Ezra Taft Benson, "Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet", Feb. 26, 1980.
14. ^ See, e.g., Gordon B. Hinckley, “War and Peace”, Ensign, May 2003, 78, where church president Gordon B. Hinckley indicated that he was expressing his "personal feelings" and "personal loyalties" on the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq.
15. ^ Seniority is determined by elapsed time since first joining the Quorum, not by age.
16. ^ Brent L. Top and Lawrence R. Flake, [1] “ ‘The Kingdom of God Will Roll On’: Succession in the Presidency”], Ensign, Aug. 1996, 22.
17. ^ In 1995, Wallace B. Smith named his successor and retired to emeritus status in 1996
18. ^ On 29 November 2004, McMurray resigned as President of the Church. In March 2005, a joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles announced Stephen M. Veazey as Prophet-President designate