Thomas S. Monson is now the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In a press conference this morning, February 4, President Monson announced his counselors, Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The meeting was held at 11:00 MST in the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City, appropriately close to the beckoning mural of the Savior on the lobby wall.
President Monson, in response to a reporter’s question about his immediate feelings about his call, indicated that he went to his knees as his new responsibilities as Prophet began to distill on him, asking the Lord to go before him, to be on his right hand, on his left, and for angels to go before him.
President Monson spoke of his newly-called counselors as “tireless and innovative workers, completely dedicated to the Lord.” He indicated that there would be no abrupt changes in direction for the Church; he added that “although procedures and programs may be adjusted from time to time, the doctrines remain constant.” He spoke of our focus as a people on following the Savior, who always went about doing good.
President Eyring shared his feelings of humility and honor in responding to the call to serve as First Counselor in the new First Presidency. Elder Uchtdorf described his sentiments as a result of his call to serve as Second Counselor: In a couplet, he responded: I’m “joyfully overwhelmed,” acknowledging that the call had come from God. Witnessing of President Monson’s capacities, Elder Uchtdorf remarked, “I’ve seen him focusing on the one and bridging continents.” Both counselors pledged their support of President Monson, and shared their desire to further the work of the Lord on the earth.
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