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Quorum of the Twelve Apostles


 

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 church hierarchy in many Latter Day Saint denominations. Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are considered apostles, with a special calling to be evangelical ambassadors and witnesses to Jesus Christ.

Quorum in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles claims a leadership role second only to that of the First Presidency. After the death of Joseph Smith, Jr., the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was Brigham Young. Assuming control of the church, Young emphasized Joseph Smith's authorization that the Quorum of the Twelve should be the church's central governing body under the First Presidency. To date, there has never been a conflict between the Presidency, the Seventy, and the Quorum of the Twelve. Each has their separate responsibilities, and church policy decisions are made unanimously with consultation among the organizations. The Savior emphasized that the church should be unified in all things, and a great deal of effort is made to ensure that the organizations are united in purpose and policy.

Related Topics:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - First Presidency - Joseph Smith, Jr. - President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - Brigham Young

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Each member of the Quorum is sustained as an Apostle, as well as a "Prophet, Seer, and Revelator." Thus, each Apostle is considered to hold the rights ("keys of the Priesthood") to use all powers granted by God to the Church. Individually and collectively, the Twelve hold the keys and have confirmed the authority to exercise all of the keys upon the president of the Church, the one man who is to preside over the Church. Thus, as outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants, only the President of the Church is entitled to receive revelation or dictate policy for the entire Church.

Related Topics:
Apostle - Keys - Doctrine and Covenants - President of the Church

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A major role of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is to appoint a successor when the president of the Church passes away. When the prophet passes away, the apostles meet in a room of the Salt Lake temple, praying for revelation on who to appoint as successor. Invariably this has been the most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with seniority determined by the longest duration of service. The Apostles lay their hands on his head and give him the authority to exercise his keys and set him apart as the "prophet, seer, and revelator" for the entire church. The president then chooses two counselors, who are high priests (usually Apostles). The second most senior member of the quorum becomes the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In cases when he is simultaneously called to be a councilor in the First Presidency, an acting president of the quorum is called in his stead to temporarily fill the position. This has invariably been the most senior member of the quorum who is not a councilor in the First Presidency.

Related Topics:
Temple - High priests - President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

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As vacancies arise within the Quorum, the Twelve and First Presidency meet to pray and come to a unanimous decision as to whom will be called to fill the vacancy. The chosen man is generally ordained an Apostle by the President of the Church, Counselor in the First Presidency or President of the Twelve. Depending on circumstances, this may occur before or after a sustaining vote is held at a General Conference of the Church, which is traditionally the occasion for the new Apostle to be publicly announced and sustained by Church members. Any faithful Melchizedek priesthood holder is eligible to be called as an apostle. Generally, new apostles have considerable experience in church government and have served faithfully in positions as bishops, stake presidents, or seventies.

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As a matter of policy, apostles are asked to retire from their professional careers and devote themselves fulltime to church service. Even members of boards and professional organizations are asked to resign those positions. Those who are able, provide their own financial support. Those who are not, receive nominal support from the church. The calling of an apostle is typically a lifetime calling.

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Current members

Presently, the members of the quorum are as follows:

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1844 to present

:Main article: List of Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Latter-day Saint)

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This is a list of the members of the Quorum in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ordained after 1844, listed with the date of their ordinations. In some cases, the date of the calling is used instead as the actual date of ordination is unclear.

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◄ Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Members of the Original Quorum, Prior to 1844
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Council of Twelve Apostles in the Community of Christ ►

~ Table of Content ~

►Introduction
►Members of the Original Quorum, Prior to 1844
►Quorum in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
►Council of Twelve Apostles in the Community of Christ
►Councils/Quorums of Twelve Apostles in other Latter Day Saint denomintions
►External links

 

 

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