There seems to be a lot of confusion and misunderstanding, even among this community, as to how the next President of the church is chosen. It is entirely based on seniority in the Quorum of the 12. There is no politicking, or discussion, or voting on the part of the Q-12 (as there is for some other churches). The order of succession is a legal requirement, and is specified in the bylaws of the articles of incorporation. So the only way a man can become President is by being a member of the Q-12 the longest.

Too bad they don't do that with ward and stake quorum presidencies!

...unless the longest-serving member of the Q12 is "unable to serve."
Right? Don't they have that out in the bylaws?

Then the next most senior guy gets the spot. And his signature on the papers as the head of the "corporation sole."

Religion is only a small off shoot of the main purpose of the Church.

Too bad Mormons do not see it that way?

Choosing a prophet has nothing to do what God wants. It's what the "legal papers" say that counts. The Church is run by lawyers not prophets.

SEcular Priest Wrote:
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> The Church is run by lawyers not prophets.


Well now it is ran by a doctor.

Just saying.

ificouldhietokolob Wrote:
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> ...unless the longest-serving member of the Q12 is
> "unable to serve."
> Right? Don't they have that out in the bylaws?
>
> Then the next most senior guy gets the spot. And
> his signature on the papers as the head of the
> "corporation sole."

Where did you heard this? I have never heard of this. He would still be prophet.

Never heard of this when it comes to succession in the LDS church

I have been surprised that there are those here, ex-mo's, are confused over this.

It's always the most senior member of the 12. Always.

Snow did not want to be president and offered to be passed over.

There is always the possibility of an apostle walking away from the 12.

Plus they can put anyone in the first presidency they want. Even non apostles. This has happened in my lifetime.

Yes they haven't done these things in years but....one never knows with continuing revelation.

Yes, anyone can be called as counselor to the President, but the only way one of them can become actual President is via Q-12 seniority.

Yes. I like how they sometimes jockey around in the 12. What comes to mind is the sudden switching in seniority between Joseph F. Smith and Brigham Young Jr. Clearing the path for Joseph F. to be president.

continuing revelation???

I'd like to sell U the Brooklyn Bridge, Cheap!

This will come as news to my Mormon wife. When last we talked about succession, she told me that successors are chosen by the collective revelation of the Q. I didn't have the heart to tell her that they just look at the next name on the list of the Q12. No revelation whatsoever.

So a 93 year old man is set to succeed a 90 year old man as head of TSCC.

Makes so little sense really, why it's done that way other than it's an old boy's club where 'group think' has prevailed for eons.

Meet the new boss.
Same as the old boss.