Secondly, I don't understand the following: The First Presidency announced in a letter to priesthood leaders that two new quorums of the Seventy had been created. The Seventh Quorum was organized from a division of the Fourth Quorum and the Eighth Quorum was created by dividing the Third Quorum. Perhaps one of you could explain to me what a "quorum" is, in this context, and what the significance of the different quorums are.
Also, perhaps you could explain the process of how a new LDS President is elected and the politics involved in the process.
My intent is not to flame, but just to understand...
God bless the gentleman! What a full life. And married over 60 years - what a good example!
First, thanks for your sincere condolences.
Second, every priesthood holder in the church (worhty male over the age of 12) belongs to a quorum. The quorum functions as a brotherhood and helps facilitate the performance of the duties relative to the priesthood office held. The quorums of the seventy refer to the priesthood office of seventy, which is designated as an especial witness of Christ to the world and also have regional or area adminstrative responsibilities throughout the world. The first two quorums are general authorities assignable by the First Presidency throughout the world as needed. Quorums 3-8 cover different geographic areas of the world and members of those quorums are from those areas.
The process of succession is very orderly and I know of no politics involved in it. The First Presidency is now disolved and the counselors return to their place in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The senior apostle, or president of that quorum leads what is referred to as an apostolic interregnum. Within, a few weeks a new president will be chosen by unanimous vote of the Quorum of the Twelve. The past 14 times this has been the president of the Quorum. The new president will then chose his counselors, usually from the 12, and then the First Presidency will be reorganized as the governing council of the Church. The new president will also chose a new member of the 12 from the general membership of the church.
Hope that was helpful.
The Quorum of the Seventies is a priesthood leadership office somewhere between the Stakes (local level) and the President and Apostles of the Church. In terms of Catholic hierarchy I believe Cardinal would be the closest in comparison.
Here is the Wikipedia article on the subject. Not to trust Wiki as absolutely correct but seems reliable.
The significant differences are First and Second Quorums are based in SLC. Third through eight (I guess 10 now) are based in other geographical areas around the world.
Also, perhaps you could explain the process of how a new LDS President is elected and the politics involved in the process.
The current presidency is dissolved and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles become the interim leaders of the church. From them a new president is chosen, customarily the longest serving Apostle which is Monson. This is not set in stone however and the Quorum must be unanimous in selection. It is possible, though unlikely, that one of the other Apostles would be called instead of Monson.
Then Monson chooses his two councilors. I believe these can be from the Apostles and the Quorum of the Seventies.
Once his councilors are chosen the a new Apostle to replace Monson and councilors is chosen most likely from somewhere in the Quorum of the Seventies.
That's my understanding but since it was 81(?) that this last happened and I was only 9 at the time I can't remember for sure.
Also, perhaps you could explain the process of how a new LDS President is elected and the politics involved in the process.
Historically, the longest-serving apostle has always been chosen to succeed the deceased prophet.
This link is to “Succession in the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” at the Churches web site.