Reader comments: Elder D. Todd Christofferson named new apostle; other leaders called
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Nola | 10:23 a.m. April 5, 2008
Hurrah for Israel!
Georgia Gathering | 10:26 a.m. April 5, 2008
Sending our support for the First Presidency and the Twelve from Georgia. Thanks to God for his tender guidance and notice of us. May we all be guided by his Spirit daily, yield to no temptation, and return home one day.
SNE, AKEM, JPR, KCS, MAM, SJCM, CJEM, EDNM
SNE, AKEM, JPR, KCS, MAM, SJCM, CJEM, EDNM
Relocated Southerner | 10:27 a.m. April 5, 2008
I had the privilege of working with Elder Christofferson very closely several years ago when I worked as a Director of Public Affairs on a regional level in the South for many, many years. He was my regional representative for three years, and we talked on the phone on Sunday nights for those three years. He is a wonderful, kind, intelligent, spiritual and delightful man, and I have been thinking for some time that he would be called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I wholeheartedly support this wonderful man in this new calling and will keep him and his family in my prayers as they begin this new chapter in their lives.
Comments continue below
Tuxtleco | 10:29 a.m. April 5, 2008
What about Natan E. Tanner, Was he Canadian? Please somebody enlighten me. Thank You!
WOW | 10:32 a.m. April 5, 2008
How powerfully spiritually uplifting that was to particpate in the Solemn Assembly and feel the power of the Lord being present. To stand with my fellow quorum members and sustain our prophet and apostles was wonderful.
alex | 10:33 a.m. April 5, 2008
I sustain!
DAVE | 10:45 a.m. April 5, 2008
WOW
Ryguy | 10:58 a.m. April 5, 2008
Awesome!!! The Church is so amazing.
Hap Cluff | 11:04 a.m. April 5, 2008
Elder Christofferson is truly a great man. I've known him since we attended BYU together. His contribution as an Apostle will be one of significance for the future of the Gospel.
Hap
Hap
NYC | 11:08 a.m. April 5, 2008
Great choice.
Re: Tuxtleco | 11:45 a.m. April 5, 2008
The story observed that "President Uchtdorf is the first non-American in the First Presidency in nearly a century," to which Tuxtleco replied, "What about Natan (sic) E. Tanner, Was he Canadian? Please somebody enlighten me." Yes, N. Eldon Tanner was from Canada. Last time I checked, Canada was in North America. Thus, he was an American ... just as are all people born in North America, Central America and South America. We in the United States would do well to cease thinking of ourselves as the only people who can be called "Americans."
No-nola | 11:57 a.m. April 5, 2008
Huzzah for Zion.
osmir andrade | 11:58 a.m. April 5, 2008
i knew elder Christofferson in my mission, in brazil .
i like then.
i am so gratefull for this
i like then.
i am so gratefull for this
Gabriel M. Gargano | 12:12 p.m. April 5, 2008
It was so nice to see my kids sustaining the new prophets. What a privilege!
Kind regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Kind regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
LafayetteLDS | 12:15 p.m. April 5, 2008
N. Eldon Tanner was born in Salt Lake then his family moved to Utah.
Scott | 12:27 p.m. April 5, 2008
Is there a list of those who were released as Area Seventies. I can only find the ones who were sustained.
Amazed | 12:37 p.m. April 5, 2008
That solemn assembly was awesome. The church is so true!
Mahendra | 12:46 p.m. April 5, 2008
It was nice to have my former Bishop from the La Trinidad Ward,Caracas, Venezuela, Elder Rafael Pino called to the First Quorum of the Seventy's. He is a great person and will triumph in Israel. Hope to see you soon at Church Headquarters. Best of luk.
I Miss Pres. Hinckley | 12:46 p.m. April 5, 2008
That was awesome! What a powerful experience. Hurrah for Israel!
Salt Lake where? | 12:47 p.m. April 5, 2008
Huh? Gee, I thought Salt Lake City was in Utah.
ich dien
ich dien
Correction | 12:51 p.m. April 5, 2008
LafayetteLDS---oops! You MUST mean that N. Eldon Tanner was born in SLC and then his family moved to Canada. (Just looked it up on Wikipedia!)
lucas | 12:56 p.m. April 5, 2008
"We are representatives of him."
Elder Uchtdorf said that, but I think it is spelled:
" We are representatives of Him"
last line
Elder Uchtdorf said that, but I think it is spelled:
" We are representatives of Him"
last line
LafayetteLDS | 1:06 p.m. April 5, 2008
Thanks for the correction! I don't know anything about Elder Christofferson but from some of these posts sounds like a good man. I look forward to learning more about him and hearing his testimony this weekend.
AL | 1:38 p.m. April 5, 2008
New Jersey IS a wonderful place, as our new apostle stated, to experience the spirituality and steadfastness of its Church members in the Church and in their personal applications of the correct doctrines of the Restored Gospel. Yes, our family grew deeply there and we love all our dear friends in NJ, those who are not LDS and those who are and who in both groups greatly enriched our lives. Yes, it is holy ground in our memories also.
Jeff | 2:31 p.m. April 5, 2008
Does anybody know what role Elder Christofferson played in the "high profile" negotiations involving temple work for Jewish holocaust victims? Was he supporting the Jewish League who opposed the idea of converting Jews, who died for their faith, to Mormonism? Or was he supporting the Church?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Americans? | 2:41 p.m. April 5, 2008
Okay, then what do we call people from the United States? United Statesians?
"American" is the generally accepted demonym for identifying citizens of the USA. Nothing wrong with that, is there?
"American" is the generally accepted demonym for identifying citizens of the USA. Nothing wrong with that, is there?
Ephesians 4:12 | 3:05 p.m. April 5, 2008
Congratulations. I'm very grateful for a church that moves forward so smoothly.
Yes | 3:24 p.m. April 5, 2008
That is correct. Elder Tanner was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, then the moved to Canada.
This site has some serious problems. I was the first to comment on this and it listed my positive comment and now it doesn't show at all.
This site has some serious problems. I was the first to comment on this and it listed my positive comment and now it doesn't show at all.
To Jeff | 3:26 p.m. April 5, 2008
Jeff, I believe the LDS Church and Jewish leaders in 1995 were on the same side when it came to respecting the sensitivities of Jews towards proxy baptism of Holocaust victims. Once the Church was made aware of the request not to perform proxy baptisms for Holocaust victims, it willingly complied, and removed such names from the IGI.
Gary Motokoff, publisher of the International Review of Jewish Genealogy, said in 2003 that the agreement between Jews and the LDS Church was reached through mutual understanding, and that reports to the contrary were misleading. This would suggest that Elder Christofferson supported both the Jews and the LDS Church on this issue, and was a pivotal figure in strengthening the understanding between the two groups. He is a good man.
Gary Motokoff, publisher of the International Review of Jewish Genealogy, said in 2003 that the agreement between Jews and the LDS Church was reached through mutual understanding, and that reports to the contrary were misleading. This would suggest that Elder Christofferson supported both the Jews and the LDS Church on this issue, and was a pivotal figure in strengthening the understanding between the two groups. He is a good man.
non member | 3:36 p.m. April 5, 2008
happy trails and no concern of mine just stay fine!
RogerDodger | 4:06 p.m. April 5, 2008
I believe, that US Americans, if we had maps, and knew how to read them, would know that South Africa, and the Iraq and Asian countries, such as, and so forth... if individuals have joined the Church, they are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Does it really matter to God as to which country we come from? I don't think so. The Church is already global and will become even more so.
Lori | 4:31 p.m. April 5, 2008
OOOOOPssss.
What about Faustino Lopez of Madrid, Spain???
Having lived in Madrid, I have seen the admiration of the young adults in our stake. I hope you make your correction soon and add Elder Lopez.
What about Faustino Lopez of Madrid, Spain???
Having lived in Madrid, I have seen the admiration of the young adults in our stake. I hope you make your correction soon and add Elder Lopez.
Americans | 4:35 p.m. April 5, 2008
We're called Americans because we're from the United States of America. Canadians are called Canadians because they're from Canada; Brazilians from Brazil and so forth. It's designating someone by their country and not their continent that people refer to when they call us Americans.
maza | 4:53 p.m. April 5, 2008
Thank you for lowering the tone.
What a wonderful occasion to see organisation,love and truth on the earth
What a wonderful occasion to see organisation,love and truth on the earth
Anonymous | 5:09 p.m. April 5, 2008
Who???
John Lambert | 5:19 p.m. April 5, 2008
N. Eldon Tanner was born in the United States. If this does not make him American than what does.
Wrong | 5:30 p.m. April 5, 2008
According to Essentials in Church History and the latest Church Almanac, Tanner was born in Utah. Therefore he is a United States Citizen. Period.
Gloria K | 5:33 p.m. April 5, 2008
I was hoping that the new GA would be someone from black Africa or brown South America. The Church leaders still remain white bread. What an opportunity missed.
OmahaMan | 7:23 p.m. April 5, 2008
As for what to call citizens of the United States, I propose United Statesmen. Let Canadians be Canadians, etc. We really all belong to the same flock anyway. Regardless, I am pleased to see the work of the Lord pressing on in the absence of President Hinkley, a wonderful servant.
Never??? | 7:34 p.m. April 5, 2008
I feel sad for those of you who believe something will "never" happen. As for the ones that are called to ANY position....don't you realize that these people are called by our Savior? He does not sit down with a chart and go through the list to fulfill ethnic quotas. All of us are children of the same God. We just can't all live in the same place at the same time and have the same heritage. However,don't forget that we are all adopted into the same "house" when we are baptized. Also, Sis. Dibbs was selected by the YW President, not Pres. Monson. He only has to confirm the call, like the rest of the church organization, correct? She shouldn't be excluded because of who her father is either. I would like to believe that the churchwide decisions are based on the entire church, not just the brown, black or white members.
GC | 7:34 p.m. April 5, 2008
I saw the nonAmerican comment and checked to verify that Marion G Romney was born in Mexico (look on Wikipedia). I was just curious. I'm sure some of you will probably see that as a giant conspiracy coverup by the Church leaders. Used to be that I would have been mad about some of the comments made by some of you about a church that encourages its members to be honorable members of society. Now I just kind of smile and don't worry about it. I'll let the Lord do the judging. Some of you might want to check out the old Saul of Tarsus and "why persecutest thou me" scriptures. Look for the positives in everyone's religions and praise the good instead of wasting so much time and being bitter in trying to look for the bad, real or imagined. Wow. Ask yourselves if you are truly happy. Life's too short for such bitterness and frankly I'd rather have my judgment at the end of it be based on kindness and charity, not bitterness and hatred. Try and enjoy your evening and weekend.
Look at the Service | 9:18 p.m. April 5, 2008
The Mormon church is a wonderful church. Look at the level of Humanitarian service that they give to every needfull place that they are allowed to enter. Even many that we have not been allowed to enter like North Korea. The Mormon Church does not discriminate in who they serve and bless through so many humanitarian ways i.e. Food, clothing, housing, medical treatment and training, optometry, wheelchairs, water supplies, educational advancement, welfare programs, Wildland fire, flooding, tornado and hurricane assistance and many more areas. Not to mention they help people of all different religions and combine their efforts with other religions.
Very qualified men and women trained in the government of the church and in so many other pertinent areas of worldwide government, business and industry are in positions of the church to help it grow. The Mormon church growth subsequently expands the Mormon church's ability to serve in humanitarian ways and improve the lives of people throughout the world.
I am confident the Lord leads this church because the Mormon church is "about the Lord's business" all over the world. The Mormon church is true collectively not individually. The Mormon church leadership serves all diverse people of the world.
Very qualified men and women trained in the government of the church and in so many other pertinent areas of worldwide government, business and industry are in positions of the church to help it grow. The Mormon church growth subsequently expands the Mormon church's ability to serve in humanitarian ways and improve the lives of people throughout the world.
I am confident the Lord leads this church because the Mormon church is "about the Lord's business" all over the world. The Mormon church is true collectively not individually. The Mormon church leadership serves all diverse people of the world.
Jos?rancisco Funes | 9:29 p.m. April 5, 2008
Estimados hermanos:
Yo he sido miembro de la Iglesia desde mi niñez y mi fe ha sido sencilla y me ha sosteniso en todos los momentos fáciles y difíciles de mi vida. Pienso que debemos apoyar a las Autoridades Generales de la Iglesia y confiar en que Dios hará los cambios que su obra necesite.
Yo he sido miembro de la Iglesia desde mi niñez y mi fe ha sido sencilla y me ha sosteniso en todos los momentos fáciles y difíciles de mi vida. Pienso que debemos apoyar a las Autoridades Generales de la Iglesia y confiar en que Dios hará los cambios que su obra necesite.
Testimony, Anyone? | 9:34 p.m. April 5, 2008
Mine was sure strengthened as I witnessed and participated in the solemn assembly today. Despite what may appear to some to be shortcomings in LDS Church leadership, I cannot bring myself to criticize those whom I sustain, and have a personal witness of their divine calling. All are invited to receive the same witness for themselves. It is possible. You can do it.
Rodrigo Macedo | 9:39 p.m. April 5, 2008
I´m happy!! Elder Carlos A. Godoy was my mission president!! uhuhu
Jesse | 10:13 p.m. April 5, 2008
It is amazing to feel the light and Spirit associated with the testimonies borne in many of these comments, and, on the other hand, to feel the greyness and absence of light from those comments that seek to tear down the Lord's church. Do you feel the difference?
Minnesota observer | 10:14 p.m. April 5, 2008
With every vacancy in the Quorum of the 12, I think it would be pretty great if a Peruvian, or Italian, or Nigerian, etc., would get called into the 12. On a personal level, I would have been much more enthusiastic about a non-American being the new apostle. That said, Elder Christofferson appears to be a
For those who are critical of this, take note of a couple of things. First, those called into the 12 are generally in their 50s or 60s when called, and have been members for most of their lives. It doesn't have to be that way, but usually is. So the pool of candidates is primarily male members who were either born members between about 1940 and 1955, or were converts prior to about 1975, probably in the late 60s. In fact, 8 of the 12 members of the Quorum were born prior to 1940. So we shouldn't be surprised that the 12 reflect the membership demographics of 60 years ago, when 90% or more of the members were from the United States.
For those who are critical of this, take note of a couple of things. First, those called into the 12 are generally in their 50s or 60s when called, and have been members for most of their lives. It doesn't have to be that way, but usually is. So the pool of candidates is primarily male members who were either born members between about 1940 and 1955, or were converts prior to about 1975, probably in the late 60s. In fact, 8 of the 12 members of the Quorum were born prior to 1940. So we shouldn't be surprised that the 12 reflect the membership demographics of 60 years ago, when 90% or more of the members were from the United States.
Re: MN Observer | 10:38 p.m. April 5, 2008
I'm with you! I would never consider it a "favor" to be called as a leader in a general auxillary for the church. I'm the nursery leader in my ward and find it exhausting! High profile positions in the church are consuming and not for show. People are not called into these positions because they are "popular" or are related to the right person. They are called of God to be streched personally and to add to the kingdom.
Rank and File | 12:28 a.m. April 6, 2008
One thing that we often forget is that church headquarters is in Salt Lake City. The Apostles of the Church are required to be in Utah on almost a weekly basis, and then go out from there across the world. Logically, it is more difficult for someone from Europe, Asia, South America etc to be able to relocate themselves and family to Salt Lake to serve as an Apostle. President Uchtdorf for example has said several times that he realizes that he and his wife will probably spend the remainder of their lives in Utah, while their children and grandchildren are residing in Germany. When the Lord calls a "foreign" citizen into the twelve, it will of course happen, and the way will be provided for that family to relocate to Utah. But I'm sure there has to be consideration given to giving these callings to individuals who are close to church headquarters and able to serve easily. But regardless, the Lord calls who the Lord wants. I sustain President Monson and all the wonderful brethren would do so much for all of us.
To All Negative Commenters | 12:32 a.m. April 6, 2008
Wow. Pretty intense comments here! If only your passion for tearing someone else's faith down were used in a positive way to worship within YOUR religion in your own way... What are you hoping to accomplish by stirring up contention here? What Christian religion teaches that it is right to cause contention rather than bear testimony and foster love and peace? It has been a beautiful day during which I have felt the Spirit and had my testimony of the divinity of the Savior strengthened. No negative, hurtful on-line comments will ever change what we believe or what we all felt today as we sustained the Lord's living prophet. I am so grateful for the truth that was so strongly re-affirmed to me today!
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