W. Grant McMurray
W. Grant McMurray | |
---|---|
Prophet–President of the Church | |
April 15, 1996 | – November 29, 2004|
Predecessor | Wallace B. Smith |
Successor | Stephen M. Veazey |
Reason | designated successor by Wallace B. Smith |
End reason | resigned for personal and family matters |
Counselor in the First Presidency | |
April 5, 1992 | – April 15, 1996|
Called by | Wallace B. Smith |
Predecessor | Alan D. Tyree |
Successor | Kenneth N. Robinson |
Reason | release of Alan D. Tyree |
End reason | became Prophet–President of the Church |
Personal details | |
Born | William Grant McMurray |
Education | Bachelor of arts Master of divinity |
Alma mater | Graceland University University of Missouri–Kansas City Saint Paul School of Theology |
Spouse(s) | Joyce Lorance McMurray |
W. Grant McMurray (born July 12, 1947) was
Biography
William Grant McMurray
In 1973, McMurray began employment with the historical department of the RLDS Church.[3][4] In 1982, he became the church's World Church Secretary, and in 1992, he became a member of the First Presidency as a counselor to church president Wallace B. Smith.[3][4] In 1995, Smith announced his retirement and named McMurray as his successor. It was the first time that a non-descendant of church-founder Joseph Smith had been named to head the church.[3][4]
McMurray's presidency and legacy
McMurray became the president of the church in 1996.[4]
In 1997, McMurray called upon the RLDS Church to transform itself by articulating a Christ-centered theology of peace.[1] In 2001, the church changed its name to Community of Christ,[5] evoking the original name of the church "Church of Christ,"[6] affirming the centrality of Christ to the church, and commemorating the Latter Day Saint movement's long-held tradition of building up "Zionic communities".[1]
McMurray presided over the first ordination of a woman to the office of apostle in the Council of Twelve.[4] He also led the Community of Christ to a closer fraternal (but not doctrinal) relationship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, building both friendly relations and collaborative historical efforts.[7]
McMurray's resignation
On November 29, 2004, McMurray resigned as president of the church.[8][9][10][11] McMurray resignation letter stated, "However, along the way I have made some inappropriate choices, and the circumstances of my life are now such that I cannot continue to effectively lead the church. I deeply regret the difficulties that this causes for the church I love."[8] The letter also stated that he had recently been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease but his health was not a motivating factor to his resignation.[8]
When later interviewed regarding his resignation letter, McMurray stated "Beyond that, it's an entirely personal and family matter and the letter says what I felt I needed to say."[11]
A joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles announced in March 2005 the name of Stephen M. Veazey as Prophet-President designate.[12] Veazey had been serving as president of the Council of Twelve. Delegates elected to a special World Conference of the church approved Veazey and he was ordained to the presidency on June 3, 2005.[13]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Our History - W. Grant McMurray". Community of Christ. Archived from the original on 14 April 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2009.
- ^ "McMURRAY, William "Grant"".
- ^ Salt Lake Tribune, 1996-06-29, p. D1.
- ^ a b c d e Niebuhr, Gustav (12 May 1996). "New Leader For Church That Shares Mormon Roots". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 June 2009.
- ^ Niebuhr, Gustav (31 July 2001). "Split-Off From Mormons Assumes a New Name". The New York Times. Retrieved 19 June 2009.
- History of the Church1:75–77
- ^ Stahle, Shaun D (29 June 2002). "'We share an important slice in history' Leaders, members of two faiths honor Joseph and Hyrum Smith". Salt Lake City, Utah: Church News (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Retrieved 19 June 2009.
- ^ a b c "Community Of Christ Leader Steps Down" (PDF). Sunstone Education Foundation, Inc. December 2004. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-26. Retrieved 2009-06-19.
- ^ McMurray, W. Grant (29 November 2004). "Letter of Resignation" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
- Salt Lake Tribune, December 3, 2004.
- ^ a b Carrie A. Moore, "Leader resigns presidency of ex-RLDS Church", Deseret News, December 3, 2004.
- ^ "Community of Christ selects new president". INDEPENDENCE, Mo. Associated Press. 7 March 2005. Retrieved 19 June 2009.
- ^ Stephen M. Veazey Archived 2008-05-13 at archive.today, cofchrist.org, accessed March 2, 2008.
External links