Boyd K. Packer

Boyd Kenneth Packer (born September 10, 1924) has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1970.

Related Topics:
September 10 - 1924 - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 1970

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When Howard W. Hunter, who had been President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, succeeded to the Presidency of the Church in 1994, he retained as his counselors in the First Presidency both Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson, the only two Apostles senior to Elder Packer, and accordingly Packer was named Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. When President Hunter died in 1995 and was succeeded by Hinckley, Monson was again retained in the First Presidency and Packer again sustained Acting President of the Twelve. Conforming to the seniority-based succession pattern, the death of either President Hinckley or President Monson would make President Packer the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, while if he should survive both of them he would become the President of the Church.

Related Topics:
Howard W. Hunter - President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - 1994 - First Presidency - Gordon B. Hinckley - Thomas S. Monson - Apostles - 1995

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A General Authority of the Church since 1961, President Packer is known for his powerful sermons. He stresses the divine inspiration of the organization of the Church. He has been a frequent advocate of streamlining the scheduling imposed by church-related activities in order to permit members more time with their families. His addresses often emphasize living the gospel in its simplicity. Packer's hardline interpretation of LDS doctrine, his emphasis on absolute loyalty to the church, and his alleged role in several high-profile excommunications (see September Six) have made him a somewhat controversial and polarizing figure, particularly among liberal Mormons and critics of the Church.

Related Topics:
General Authority - 1961 - Excommunication - September Six

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~