The following statement from W. Grant McMurray was read to the 2005 World
Conference on the evening of Thursday, June 2, as part of a report from the
First Presidency. There has been considerable interest expressed in having this
statement more available, and it is provided here for the information of the
church and the public.
June 2, 2005
To the World Conference:
It is with understandably mixed feelings that I send greetings and best
wishes to this special World Conference convened to approve a new president and
prophet for the church. It is always a joyous occasion when our people come
together from the far corners of the globe. These gatherings have been a
significant part of my life since my youth. This will be the first conference in
45 years that I have not attended in person and I will miss the fellowship
immensely.
However, my prayers and my heart will be with you as you consider this
transition to new leadership and a new chapter in the life of the church. I want
to express my full support for Apostle Veazey in the call that has come to him,
assured that God’s blessings will attend him in his leadership of the church. I
know of the many gifts he brings to this task and the lifetime of ministry that
has prepared him for this moment. Likewise, I have served with all of those
being called to new responsibilities, along with those continuing in their
present roles. I rejoice in the strong leadership team that will guide the
church into the future.
On a personal note, I am saddened that my life circumstances were such that I
needed to relinquish a calling that I had embraced with my entire being. I know
I have disappointed many of you and I ask for your understanding and
forgiveness. Your words and letters of support have overwhelmed me and instilled
within my soul a gratitude that I will carry all my days.
I want you to know that I am doing well, both physically and spiritually. The
healing process continues and I have had opportunity to reflect on those things
truly important to me. Sometimes I have been surprised at what I have
discovered. I have been blessed in immeasurable ways with the unconditional love
of my wife, Joyce, our sons Jeff and Brian and daughter-in-law Lyda. They, along
with my mother and my sister Donna and her family, have sustained me in the most
difficult days. I hope the time will come when each of them understands how
redemptive their support has been.
My love for this community of God’s people is nested within me, never to be
dispelled. I believe in the divine calling that is ours and that transcends
human weaknesses and shortcomings. As you assemble in conference do not lose
sight of our call to be a people of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the
spirit. Today I know more profoundly and personally than ever before how vital
that mission is.
Prior to the 2004 World Conference I was led to pen words that have new
meaning to me in this time of transition in my life and the life of the church.
I affirm these words even more fervently now: “Continue your journey, O people
of the Restoration. You have been blessed thus far but there is so much yet to
see, so much yet to do.” (Doctrine and Covenants 162:8c)
May God’s richest blessings be with each of you during this World Conference.
May we always strive to be the peaceful, loving, and prophetic people embodied
in the life and ministry of Jesus and embedded in the history and the mission of
the Community of Christ.
With gratitude and love,
W. Grant McMurray
