These statements of affirmation were shared by members of the Council of Twelve Apostles during a meeting of the Joint Council held on 7 January 2024.
Apostle Janné Grover
Some time ago, in my personal discernment, I experienced a revelation that God was preparing a woman to serve as prophet-president of Community of Christ. As the events of Steve’s announced retirement and our collective discernment unfolded, I remained open and faithful to the process as I tested, resisted, and leaned into what the Holy Spirit had revealed. What I discovered was an even greater revelation, and response to a question raised to me during our discernment, “Can the church even function without Stassi?” The diligence of sifting and sorting through all that was revealed through the process was a wonderful discovery that “Yes!” The church’s call and purpose are beyond any one person’s call. In fact, there is a breadth and depth of giftedness in and beyond this group of leaders, and there are a number of gifted leaders who could faithfully serve as prophet-president. It is affirmation of the prophetic embodied in each of us and through all of us. Steve, I thank you for nurturing that in all of us.
Nevertheless, as we journeyed toward clarity, confirmation, and oneness, it was made abundantly clear that Stassi was the one called to serve in this important role in this momentous time in the life of the church. Yes, she is uniquely experienced through her service in the Presiding Bishopric, the Council of Twelve, as Presiding Bishop, and as a member of the First Presidency; but that alone is not what brings her to this call. It is the way she has grown in and through each call, and the way she has served in each call with humility, compassion, wisdom, competence, and unmatched courage. As Presiding Bishop, she courageously helped the church navigate from the brink of financial collapse. She would be the first to admit she did not do so alone, which is a characteristic of her leadership style that nurtures and empowers others. Since she has been liberated from the responsibility of Presiding Bishop, I have seen a shift and continued growth as the Spirit continued preparing her to respond faithfully to this call. It is my humble privilege to confirm this call is Divine and Stassi is uniquely gifted, called, and chosen to serve as prophet-president at THIS time in the life of THIS beloved movement dedicated to the pursuit of Christ’s peace on and for the Earth.
Stassi, thank you for your sacred "Yes!"
Apostle Catherine Mambwe
In the retreat I could sense we were of one heart, so connected. We had tasks within ourselves, we cared for each other. We collected and took ourselves to and back to the airports, in the night and early hours.
During our selection period we each spoke from our own experience and the care of each of our own choices. I personally experienced how true and genuine we were in our sharing. We laughed, cried, and prayed together.
I saw the pattern of the numbers which led us to refine our choice to the very end. I could sense and experience of God Leading us in our choices.
When we finally said the name of the new prophet President Stassi Cramm. I sensed the holy spirit dwell amongst us all. We all became calm and there was peace. The name came up so easily as our choice from God. All the council were confident and happy of the choice. It was so touching, everyone was supportive of the call.
Coming to Sister Katie, she led us very well. She was excellent, it was the excellent choice the Church made, because she led us calmly, she did an excellent job, to lead us in tough times of decision making, we had a very calm and empowering process.
Personally, I was convinced the Holy Spirit was with us. I saw the unity in our decision-making. It was a profound experience. I wish we could do this in our other decision-making. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to share this experience.
Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia
Blessings. May the peace of Christ be upon each one of you. Happy New Year 2024 to you and your families. It is good to meet again in a special, spiritual, and historical moment for the Church.
The time we have experienced during this discernment process has been challenging. There were many thoughts. Sometimes there were confusing thoughts but, above all, there was always an affirming and confirming spirit that gave us peace and assurance in our hearts that God knew and was preparing who He would call as the new Prophet President, in this case, Stassi.
We all know Sister Stassi. I remember our time together in the C12. We shared ministry in the field, and it was there where I could see her pastoral heart and the respect to share with the simple and poor people in the field, eating their food with joy and gratitude. This was something that people appreciated very much, and it was engraved on their hearts. Many times, we have seen her as an administrator of resources, but in her, there is a sensitive and pastoral heart.
During the previous months that we spoke and shared with different people in the field, several mentioned her name to me. They gave me testimony of the ministry they had received from her.
There is no doubt that the Spirit has acted and will continue to do so throughout the Church. During our retreat last December, it was wonderful to feel the unity in this call.
On behalf of the entire field in which I serve, I affirm her calling as prophet president.
Apostle Angela Ramirez
It is with a feeling of joy and joy that we receive the name of Stassi with this calling. The Holy Spirit has worked with the council and the church throughout the world in an extraordinary way.
The church has come together and we have seen God at work before, during, and in the times to come. We know that the road is sometimes not so smooth, but we are confident that his presence goes with us.
Sister Stassi possesses a number of gifts and talents; which he has put into service for a long time. In this role I am certain that God will continue to work in her, to guide His Mission.
I can imagine the 2025 conference, welcoming this sister with joy. My heart leaps for joy, and the Holy Spirit continues to guide us.
Apostle Art Smith
I have had the privilege of serving alongside Stassi in several different roles and relationships. In those collaborations, I have been able to witness Stassi’s amazing skills, capacity, intelligence, and such. I think all of us could talk for a long time about those abilities that she has.
But today I’m remembering sitting next to Stassi on one occasion as we traveled. I think it was on a long flight to Kenya. As I recall, Stassi already knew that she was going to be moving into the PB/FP role, but couldn’t really tell me directly about that, or say anything specific. But something was going to happen.
What I remember about our conversations on that trip, with all specific content stripped away, was Stassi’s passionate enthusiasm about this work, her pure and dedicated desire to serve the church, and her giddy excitement about the future.
As I think about what I am most excited about, as Stassi prepares for THIS new role, certainly I’m excited about all of Stassi’s wonderful skills. But most of all, it is how those will be used along with her exuberant enthusiasm and overwhelming love and dedication to this community.
Stassi has my full support, and I am giddy with excitement about the possibilities for the future, as we get to work with her as prophet president.