President of the Church (Mormonism)

In Mormonism, the President of the Church is the head of a Latter Day Saint denomination or church. Several other titles are 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 and Revelator (in a few cases Prophet, Seer and Translator, Prophet, Priest and King or King Priest and Ruler over Israel on Earth). The movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr., the first president of the church, was known by all of these titles in his lifetime.

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.

Related Topics:
Community of Christ - Priesthood - Latter Day Saints

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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.

Related Topics:
First Presidency - Doctrine and Covenants - Bible - Book of Mormon

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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 descendents.

Related Topics:
Lineal succession - Joseph Smith, Jr.

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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.

Related Topics:
Wallace B. Smith - W. Grant McMurray - First Presidency - Joint Council - Council of Twelve Apostles - World Conference - June 3 - 2005

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List of Presidents