DeclinetoState
02-04-2008, 02:44 PM
By JENNIFER DOBNER, Associated Press Writer
11 minutes ago
<!-- end storyhdr -->SALT LAKE CITY - Thomas S. Monson, a leader who became known for his folksy storytelling as he ascended through church ranks, was introduced Monday as the 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Monson, 80, succeeds Gordon B. Hinckley, who died last month at age 97. Out of respect for the deceased president, the Mormon church never names a successor until after funeral services. Hinckley was buried Saturday.
The church relies on a pattern of apostolic succession in selecting a new president. Since the early part of the 20th century, the position has always passed to the most-senior member of its Council of Twelve Apostles, the second-tier of church leadership. Monson was formally chosen Sunday and ordained in a private ceremony inside the Salt Lake Temple.
Monson said he was prepared to follow Hinckley, and intends to travel the world to be among church members and to continue Hinckley's legacy of building small temples in places where the church is growing.
More (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080204/ap_on_re_us/mormon_president;_ylt=AvXztHXOFmhJpIPUi3n9lGCs0NUE ) on Monson the Mormon. (Say that fast three times.)
11 minutes ago
<!-- end storyhdr -->SALT LAKE CITY - Thomas S. Monson, a leader who became known for his folksy storytelling as he ascended through church ranks, was introduced Monday as the 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Monson, 80, succeeds Gordon B. Hinckley, who died last month at age 97. Out of respect for the deceased president, the Mormon church never names a successor until after funeral services. Hinckley was buried Saturday.
The church relies on a pattern of apostolic succession in selecting a new president. Since the early part of the 20th century, the position has always passed to the most-senior member of its Council of Twelve Apostles, the second-tier of church leadership. Monson was formally chosen Sunday and ordained in a private ceremony inside the Salt Lake Temple.
Monson said he was prepared to follow Hinckley, and intends to travel the world to be among church members and to continue Hinckley's legacy of building small temples in places where the church is growing.
More (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080204/ap_on_re_us/mormon_president;_ylt=AvXztHXOFmhJpIPUi3n9lGCs0NUE ) on Monson the Mormon. (Say that fast three times.)