The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently announced the calling of a new member to the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. On April 5, 2008, during the Sunday morning session of the 178th Annual General Conference of the church, D. Todd Christofferson became the newest member of the second highest governing body in the church.
Why a New Apostle?
The recent passing of church president Gordon B. Hinckley, and the subsequent reorganization of the Quorum of the First Presidency, necessitated the filling of the resulting vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Common Consent
By tradition, the entire membership of the Church attending or watching the General Conference was asked to indicate their support for the new Apostle by a raised hand, which represents a personal commitment of support. This principle, referred to as "common consent" in the Church, "is an agreement among the members and leaders of a congregation, local or worldwide, regarding proposed assignments given to people within that congregation. Individuals choose to accept an assignment, and fellow members then have the chance to show support for that decision."
What Is an Apostle?
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints view the role of the modern Apostleship as being the same as in the Biblical church established by Jesus Christ. Apostles of the Church are “called to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ in all the world” and to serve in the governance of the global Church. Church general officers, including members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, are customarily addressed by the title “Elder” in Mormon tradition.
Who Is the Newest Apostle?
Elder Christofferson has served in recent years as a general officer in the church in the United States and Mexico. His previous responsibilities also include service as executive director of the Family and Church History Department.
Born in Pleasant Grove, Utah, he graduated from high school in New Jersey and earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. He also earned a law degree from Duke University. He practiced law in Washington, D.C. and has been a senior vice president and associate general counsel for major banking institutions.
Other New Leadership Appointments
The church issued a press release containing details of the new leadership assignments even before the first conference session had concluded. In addition to announcing Elder Christofferson's new appointment, the church also called 15 new general authorities and 38 regional authorities into full-time church service. The church also reorganized the presidency of its organization for Young Women ages 12 through 18, calling Elaine S. Dalton as the new president.
The author of this article is not an official representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is a lifelong, practicing member thereof.
SOURCES:
lds.org
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