Quorums of the Seventy

In Mormonism, a Quorum of the Seventy is one of a group of up to seventy "traveling ministers" charged with the mission of preaching to the entire world, under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The office is based on the Seventy mentioned in the Gospel of Luke 10:1–20. Members of the Seventy are commonly referred to as seventies.

Related Topics:
Mormonism - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - Seventy - Gospel of Luke

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As originally envisioned by Joseph Smith, Jr. in the 1830s, the Seventy were to be a body composed of several separate quorums, and led by a group of seven presidents, of whom one of the seven presidents is the leader. These presidents, chosen from the first quorum, would appoint and direct the other quorums of seventy. (See LDS D&C 107:27)

Related Topics:
Joseph Smith, Jr. - 1830s

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Administratively, the Seventy are directed and supervised hierarchically by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are in turn directed by the First Presidency. As introduced by Joseph Smith, the Apostles and the Seventy had authority only outside the main body of Latter Day Saints in Zion and in the outlying stake (Mormonism)s. Members in Zion and the stakes were led by the High Council of Zion (under the direction of the First Presidency) and stake high councils.

Related Topics:
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - First Presidency - Latter Day Saint - Stake (Mormonism) - High Council of Zion

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As a body, the Seventy are considered to be equal in priesthood (Mormonism) authority with the Apostles. This presumably means that if the Apostles were killed or incapacitated, the Seventy could take over the function of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. However, in such circumstances, the Seventy would have to act unanimously. (See LDS D&C 107:27).

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