Letter of the Council of Twelve

Recommending Stephen M. Veazey to Be President of the Church

A joint council of the First Presidency, Council of Twelve Apostles, Council of Presidents of Seventy, Presiding Bishopric, presiding evangelist, and president of the Quorum of High Priests met on March 4, 2005, to receive a recommendation from the Council of Twelve regarding who is called to serve as the next president of the church. The joint council entered into a period of worship before considering the recommendation. Following discussion and the sharing of testimonies regarding the call, this council unanimously expressed support for the individual named as well as appreciation to the Council of Twelve for their leadership of the discernment process. The following communication from the Council of Twelve regarding this matter is offered for the prayerful consideration of the church.

—The First Presidency

March 4, 2005

To the Church,

As members of the Council of Twelve Apostles, we testify that we have felt your prayers as you have lifted us up to God during the discernment process to determine who is called by God to serve as the church’s prophet-president. This has been a joyful, and Spirit-filled time, marked by an unusual unity of purpose, a fervent spirit of prayer, and strong sense of mutual support. We believe your prayers have made a difference. God’s abiding grace and eternal presence have inspired and guided us as we’ve sought to know the mind and will of God. With praise and thanksgiving we acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence and direction, guiding the church during this leadership transition.

We also acknowledge that the prayers, support, and counsel of the joint council have blessed us during our journey of faithful discernment. Our expectations have been surpassed, our faith strengthened, and our hearts filled beyond measure with the assurance that God is with us and continues to lead the church into the future.

On March 2, 2005, the Council of Twelve Apostles met in fasting, fervent prayer, and reflection. God graced our efforts and gave to each of us a testimony that Stephen M. Veazey is called to lead the church as prophet-president. We offer his name to the church for consideration, not of our own accord, but through what we know to be the Holy Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. We know that our brother is divinely called by God to serve as the president of the high priesthood, prophet, and president of the church.

Brother Veazey senses that call as well. He shared with the council expressions of how the Holy Spirit has been working in his life, preparing him for this moment and supporting him as he prepares for the challenges of this role. He affirmed his faith and trust in God, saying that when he has answered Christ’s call, God has always been there to sustain and direct him. If delegates at the special World Conference, June 2–5, 2005, support this call, Brother Veazey will serve faithfully, working closely with the World Church Leadership Council to ensure that God’s purposes are lived out in the church’s mission.

As Brother Veazey’s friends and colleagues, we affirm his gifts of visionary leadership, prophetic insight, humility, integrity, compassion, missionary passion, and commitment to Jesus Christ. These spiritual gifts are accompanied by the wisdom he has gained through many years of experience, serving and witnessing in many nations. Brother Veazey loves God and the people he is called to serve. He has the unique ability to hold all ministries of the church in his awareness while giving specific attention to the church’s broader vision. We recognize that no one person has all the qualities of leadership needed in this role. We believe, however, that God has blessed him with the gifts that are needed at this time.

As a Council, we will continue to support Brother Veazey as he prepares to serve the church. Because of the spiritual power we experienced as people throughout the world joined in prayer on our behalf, we encourage the church to pray for the World Conference delegates, Brother Veazey, World Church leaders, and one another. It is our fervent prayer that the encounter we have had with the Holy Spirit will be experienced by and confirmed to all our brothers and sisters in the Community of Christ.

Your sisters and brothers in Christ,

James E. Slauter, secretary
Linda L. Booth
David Brock
Bunda C. Chibwe
Mary Jacks Dynes
John P. Kirkpatrick
Dale E. Luffman
Kenneth L. McLaughlin
Gail E. Mengel
David C. Schaal
Leonard M. Young