Like most people, I celebrated with the naming of two new apostles on Saturday morning. Unlike some people, I would have celebrated no matter who was named an apostle.

Many people seem obsessed with the race of the new apostles. Can I please point out that God is no respecter of persons and that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin?

I have seen commenters call the two new apostles “people of color” and “minorities.” Elder Soares is a white Brazilian of mostly European descent. Most white Brazilians do not consider themselves “people of color” or “minorities.” Brazil is a proud country larger than the continental United States. It has a long and brutal history of racism, just like the United States. It was the last country in the Western Hemisphere to outlaw slavery (in 1888). Europeans conquered and mistreated the indigenous population in Brazil just as they did in the United States.

Elder Soares is, by all accounts, a wonderful, humble man who went on a mission and has served in the Church most of his adult life. He has three children and three grandchildren. I am sure these facts are much more relevant to his life than being designated a “person of color” by virtue signalers in the United States. Important point: Elder Soares is also not “Hispanic.”

Meanwhile, Elder Gong has been a GA for eight years. He also went on a mission and has served in the Church most of his adult life. Continue reading →

In PH meeting, Pres Nelson, and Elders Christofferson  and Rasband are announcing a big priesthood quorum change.

The high priest quorum now consists of active stake presidencies, high councils, bishoprics and patriarchs. The stake president is president of this quorum.

All other brethren will be in one Elders/Melchizedek PH Quorum. Stake presidents will call new presidencies as soon as it is convenient.

This will bless the members by strengthening one another with their experience, talents and skills.

No more PEC meetings. All will work within the Ward Council. Where needed, a bishop can call a special meeting with only those needed, to handle sensitive issues.

President Dallin H. Oaks will be conducting this meeting. President Russell M. Nelson presides.

Choir: Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice

Opening Prayer:

Changes in Church Leadership: President Dallin H. Oaks – Many members of the Presidency of the Seventy and the Leadership of the Young Woman General Board are released. Sister Bonnie H. Cordon is also released from the Primary Presidency.

New Members of the Presidency Carl B. Cook and Robert C. Gay to begin serving immediately. The following will begin to serve in August, when the other members of the Seventy whose release was announced depart service: Terence M. Vinson, José A. Teixeira, and Carlos A. Godoy. Numerous other General Authorities called.

Bonnie H.Cordon to be Young Women General President. Lisa Renee Harkness called to replace Bonnie Cordon’s place in the Primary Presidency. Other organizations as currently constituted.

There are now 116 general authorities, with 40% born outside the United States.

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Choir: Where Can I Turn for Peace?

Continue reading →

President Henry B. Eyring will be conducting this meeting. President Russel M. Nelson presides.

President Eyring : We offer condolences to the family of Thomas S. Monson, who passed away earlier this year. The Music will be provided by the Tabernacle Choir

Choir: We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

Opening Prayer: Elder Mervyn B. Arnold

Solemn Assembly: President Eyring led the Solemn Assembly. Since the time John Taylor was sustained to succeed Brigham Young, each occasion of approving the new Prophet is expressed as a formal solemn assembly. You will be asked to stand and should vote only when asked to stand. If anyone casts a contrary vote, those individuals are asked to contact their respective Stake Presidents. Elder Gong and Elder Soares were announced as new members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong is an American of Asian descent, previously of the Presidency of the Seventy and Asia Area President.

Elder Ulisses Soares is a native of Brazil, previously of the Presidency of the Seventy, counselor in the Africa Southeast Area, and President of the Brazil Area.

First voting is by the First Presidency. The voting was unanimous.

Next voting is by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The voting was unanimous.

General Authority Seventies and the Presiding Bishopric. The voting was unanimous.

Next all High Priests and Elders throughout the world.

Next all women of Relief Society (all women 18 and older).

Next all holders of the Aaronic Priesthoood.

Next all Young Women (12-17).

Finally the entire memership voted, including any not part of the prior sustaining actions. There were no vocal indications of disagreement during any stage of the Solemn Assembly.

Choir: We Listen to a Prophet’s Voice

Continue reading →