While the succession order has always been followed and to depart from it would be a major change, it is my understanding that it is not written in stone. I would imagine that there are many who wish that Urchdorf was an option because of his popularity, but he's so far down the chain that there would be some 'splanin' to do.
...and the illusion Jesus is in charge. So the last thing they want is a power struggle everytime a president dies. Powr struggles are what led to the current seniority system.
And special talents or qualifications have zero to do with who gets to be president.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2013 09:06AM by Stray Mutt.
The most senior apostle will preside until a new presidency is chosen. The most senior apostle "has" always been chosen. It doesn't say that he "must" be chosen. I think they have left themselves a little wiggle room just in case they need it someday.
Uchtdorf is a long way off unless they start dying like flies or they change the rules (quite possible).
Without a change of rules, my money is on Jeff Holland being the next prophet to make any significant contribution. There may be others before him, but they will be short term 'lame ducks' IMO except Oaks or Ballard.
Holland has now been an apostle for 19 years. When he was first called the buzz was he would likely be a Prophet due to his relative 'youth' (he was only 54 and a rising dynamo). This was also said of Oaks.
Holland now has clout. He is the chief proponent of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, is central to repositioning the church vis a vis the 13 articles to be published and the 'John Dehlin/NOM/Faith Crisis type movement. He was also prominent on the recent worldwide broadcast of an important announcement (damp squid).
Anyway, here are the ages and speculations where his name comes up consistently whether they live to 85 or 100.
Apostles Seniority
after Packer the seniority is
L. Tom Perry ordained an apostle April 11, 1974 born 1922 Russell M. Nelson ordained an apostle April 12, 1984 b. 1924 Dallin H. Oaks ordained apostle on May 3, 1984 b. 1932 M. Russell Ballard ordained an apostle Oct. 10, 1985 b.1928 Richard G. Scott ordained an apostle Oct. 6, 1988 b.1928 Robert D. Hales ordained an apostle April 7, 1994 b.1932 Jeffrey R. Holland ordained an apostle June 23, 1994 b.1940
Therefore if we assume death by age 93 JRH becomes prophet at age 85 and lasts 8 years after 8 years as President of 12
Prophets since David O. McKay - name, age at call and age at death
Joseph Fielding Smith 94 96 after 19 years as Pres of 12 Harold B. Lee 73 74 Spencer W. Kimball 78 90 Ezra Taft Benson 86 95 Howard W. Hunter 86 87 Gordon B. Hinckley 84 97 Thomas S. Monson 80 ?
So, only 3 long term Presidents Kimball, Benson and Hinckley. Monson is already seen as a 'lame duck' despite relative youth. Hinckley was the longest serving and in best health.
Only 3 lived beyond age 90 - Joseph Fielding Smith (less than 2 years) Benson (senile in later years) and Hinckley
If we assume death by age 90 JRH becomes prophet at age 82 and lasts 8 years after 8 years as President of 12
Oaks and Ballard are only ones ahead of Holland in seemingly good health and they are 8 and 12 years older than Holland who seems to be in good health apart from being over weight.
On similar criteria Oaks become president at age 85 (assuming 93 cut off) or 82 (assuming 90 cut off) - same as Holland but less time as Pres of 12
If they all live until 100 (including Monson and Packer) we get
Monson until 2027 Oaks at age 95 for 5 years Holland at age 92 for 8 years
So, there you have it, Oaks and Holland as favourites with Holland serving for longer.
If they were to die aged 85 (existing older ones in next 3 years) picture would be Oaks briefly (1 year) then Holland for 8 years.
The money must be on Jeff.
That is my prophesy in the name of Jesus Smith. If it happens, you will have further evidence that I am a prophet. If it doesn't it is because I am speaking as a man or God has changed His mind again.
Tom Phillips
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2013 08:10AM by anointedone.
As far as I understand it, within the legal articles of association for the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints it is a statute that the replacement for the President will be the longest serving Apostle.
That's right, that is the rule, both in the policy of the church and the rules of the corporate sole.
However, under corporate law you can usually change your rules by following certain procedures and documentation. Failing that, you can dissolve one corporation and form another with the rules you wish.
So they can change the rules if they wish and, with the 'epidemic' of Alzheimers maybe they should. Changing doctrine or policy is no problem for them, remember polygamy, the negro race being necessary for the devil to have representation on earth, blood atonement, Lamanites etc. etc. Members will accept it as a new revelation for 'these times' and will soon forget the old principle.
God should make Uchdorf the next president. All he has to do is order hits on 10 defenceless elderly men, which is much less effort than it took to make Noah ruler of the world. Some of us apostates might become active again if god shows that he really is in control of his own church.
Forget about guilt, good old fashioned fear is more effective. We need to see more of the god of the old testament. Imagine trying to drink a cup of coffee after god killed 10 apostles just so that apostle number 11 could be president! You don't want to mess with a god like that!