Changes in RLDS Succession

Last Spring, John Hamer gave a monumental address about RLDS succession at the JWHA Meetings that literally changed RLDS History. Pres-prophet Steven Veazey had announced his pending retirement in 2 years and said he would choose a successor. John argued in his address that if Veazey did so, it would make his presidency illegitimate as well as whoever he picked. So, the process was changed as a result of his address. He’ll give more details. Check out our conversation…

https://youtu.be/2rQnCWIYxqE

John is the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism.

Don’t miss our other episodes with John Hamer! https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-hamer/

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Gospel Tangents

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From Monarchical Tendencies to a “Prophetic People”

Historically, leadership in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), now Community of Christ, was heavily influenced by the Joseph Smith lineage. Joseph Smith III’s succession, recognized by the General Conference (World Conference), established two pillars of legitimacy: appointment by the predecessor and the “royal line” of Joseph Smith, which was seen as holy according to the Book of Mormon. William Smith, brother of Joseph Smith, actively promoted the idea of a Smith “royal seed,” drawing parallels to James, the brother of Jesus, leading the early Christian church.

However, this tradition soon saw shifts. Joseph III’s son, Frederick M. Smith, introduced the concept of “supreme directional control,” concentrating power in the First Presidency, which he led. This led to significant internal conflicts, including the resignation of the entire Presiding Bishopric and the departure of prominent figures like R.C. Evans, who felt sidelined despite his own aspirations for leadership.

The Smith lineage continued through Joseph III’s sons until Wallace B. Smith, a grandson, took the helm. He was a “progressive leader” who, in 1984, initiated the end of priesthood discrimination based on gender (D&C 156), a move that led to schism within the church as “restorationist” groups broke away. Importantly, Wallace B. Smith broke from the Smith lineage tradition by appointing a non-Smith, W. Grant McMurray, as his successor.

Grant McMurray’s tenure marked another pivotal shift. In D&C 162, he articulated a vision of the church as a “prophetic people, not just a people with a prophet,” introducing a new pillar of legitimacy that emphasized discernment and input from the wider church body. This concept challenged the previous monarchical tendencies and opened the door for more democratic forms of leadership.

Crisis and Controversy: The Kirtland Temple Sale and Succession Plans

Grant McMurray’s abrupt resignation in 2004, without appointing a successor, created a succession crisis, effectively breaking the chain of appointment. In response, a special World Conference was called, and the First Presidency assigned the Council of Twelve Apostles to choose the next prophet, who turned out to be Steve Veazey.

Steve Veazey’s 20-year presidency, however, was marked by significant financial struggles for the church, leading to an “unmitigated decline”. This culminated in the controversial sale of the historic Kirtland Temple for less than $200 million. Critics, including historian John Hamer, argued that the sale was conducted “in secret” and for “a pittance,” insufficient for the church’s long-term financial sustainability. The World Conference had previously required a revelation to sell the Kirtland Temple, highlighting the lack of transparency in the recent transaction.

Adding to the controversy, Steve Veazey announced a plan to personally select his successor. John Hamer publicly argued that this move would “retroactively completely delegitimize” Veazey’s tenure and render his chosen successor illegitimate, as it contradicted the principle of a “prophetic people” and the broken chain of appointment.

Stassi Cramm: A New Path Forward with Potential for Term Limits

Fortunately, during an unexplained medical leave by Steve Veazey, his succession plan was suspended. The Council of Twelve once again stepped in to choose the next prophet, leading to the ordination of Stacy Cramm. This process, though not a direct popular vote, allowed her to emerge with greater legitimacy, aligning with the principle of a “prophetic people” rather than a sole appointment by a predecessor. Hamer sees her leadership as an opportunity for the church to finally establish a robust constitutional system of responsible governance.

A the Spring meeting of JWHA, John made a proposal of term limits for the prophet. A six-year term with the possibility of a second term is being suggested as a way to ensure accountability and responsiveness, moving away from indefinite tenure. This aligns with the long-standing practice within Community of Christ congregations, where pastors are chosen by their local congregations rather than being appointed from headquarters. Pastors can be removed by the congregation as well.

At the most recent World Conference, a resolution was approved to establish a constitutional/bylaw committee. This committee will explore these issues, with the hope of developing a system that allows for greater input from the church’s members while protecting minority rights from potential “tyranny of the majority”. President Cramm, possessing “supreme directional control,” has the authority to implement such changes and has expressed an openness to addressing the church’s challenges.

Don’t miss our other episodes with John Hamer! https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-hamer/

Copyright © 2025

Gospel Tangents

All Rights Reserved