Within the structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the process by which a new prophet is chosen represents a cornerstone of belief, distinguishing the faith's understanding of modern revelation. While the organization operates with a clear hierarchy and administrative framework, the selection of the President of the Church is not a democratic election, a corporate appointment, or a random occurrence. Instead, Latter-day Saints believe the process is a divine directive, mirroring the biblical accounts of God calling prophets like Moses and Moses selecting his successor, Joshua. This system ensures continuity and direction for the faith, guided by the belief that God directs the affairs of the church through a living prophet.
The Scriptural Pattern of Succession
The theological foundation for choosing a prophet is rooted in the scriptures recognized by the LDS Church, which establish a pattern of lineal succession. Members point to instances in the Bible where authority was passed from a prophet to his designated successor, such as Elijah to Elisha. This principle is central to Latter-day Saint theology, which holds that the priesthood authority required to lead the church must be conferred through proper lineage. Consequently, the next prophet is always a man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and is considered to be the rightful successor within the established order, ensuring that the authority granted to the early apostles is believed to be unbroken.
The Role of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
While the pattern of succession is clear, the specific mechanism of selection involves the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. When a prophet passes away, the apostles, who are considered the second-highest governing body in the church, gather to determine the next leader. Their primary responsibility is to identify the member of the Twelve who is most likely to serve as the new prophet. This deliberation is not a political campaign but a spiritual seeking, where the apostles pray for guidance to recognize the individual whom the Lord has chosen to lead the entire church.
The Process of Sustaining and Proclamation
Once the apostles have reached a consensus regarding the new prophet, the process moves from a private council to a formal public declaration. The chosen individual is then presented to the general membership of the church for a sustaining vote. This vote, conducted through a show of hands, serves to unite the congregation behind their new leader and formally acknowledge the transition of authority. Following this global vote, the new prophet is officially sustained as the President of the Church, and the announcement is subsequently broadcast to the world through official channels and media.
Living Prophets and Continuous Revelation
The selection of a prophet is not merely a historical event but an active, ongoing process central to LDS belief. Latter-day Saints believe that their prophet receives personal revelation to guide the church in contemporary issues, adapting ancient principles to modern contexts. This living prophet is viewed as God's mouthpiece on the earth, providing direction, warning, and inspiration. Therefore, the act of choosing a new prophet is understood as a necessary step to maintain this channel of communication between God and His people, ensuring the church remains directed by divine wisdom rather than human intellect alone.
Distinguishing Characteristics of the Called
While there are no specific public criteria listed in the scriptures for selecting a prophet, certain characteristics are consistently emphasized within the faith. The individual is typically an experienced leader within the church, having served in various administrative roles that test their commitment and abilities. Age is often a factor, with new prophets usually being elderly men, reflecting a lifetime of spiritual maturity and dedication. Crucially, Latter-day Saints believe the calling is based on divine selection and grace, not on educational background, political acumen, or popularity, ensuring the focus remains on spiritual guidance.
