SECTION
152
Provisions
in the document submitted to the 1976 World Conference set a new
precedent in the procedures for presidential succession in the
church. In respect to this matter President W. Wallace Smith wrote in
his transmittal letter as follows:
“In
spite of the precedent which up to now has seen the president of the
church remain in office until his death, the time has come for me to
name my successor and also to designate the time for him to succeed
me as the presiding officer of the church, to serve as Prophet, Seer,
and Revelator and President of the High Priesthood and the church,
subject to the will of the Conference (Doctrine and Covenants
43:2a).”
The
document names Wallace Bunnell Smith as prophet and president
designate and provides for the retirement of W. Wallace Smith after
approximately two years of “spiritual preparation and study” by
his successor.
Apostle
Russell F. Ralston is honorably released from the apostolic council
and commended for faithful service. The vacancy is filled by the
designation of C. Eugene Austin, Sr.
The
grace of God is recognized in that he loves us even when we turn from
him, and the call to repentance and reconciliation is accompanied by
the renewed assurance of divine blessing.
I
have given serious and sustained consideration over a long period of
time to the question of “who shall be my successor in office.”
Consequently, I have taken this matter to God in prayer repeatedly,
petitioning for light so I might know the will of my heavenly Father,
and knowing it have the wisdom and strength to do it.
Thus
having sought the mind and will of God in matters pertaining to
conduct and growth of the kingdom I am prepared to bring the
following message.
To
the Councils and Quorums and Orders of the Church and to the General
Conference:
1a. In
order that my church shall continue to be led by my spirit through
the heritage of its founder, my servant Elder Wallace Bunnell Smith
is called into the service of the church as an assistant to his
father and to the Quorum of the Presidency, with the title, prophet
and president designate.
1b. He
will serve in this capacity during a period of spiritual preparation
and study approximating two years, after which time, if he remain
faithful, through the process of common consent of the body of my
church, he is to be chosen as president to succeed his father.
1c. At
that time, if his life is extended, W. Wallace Smith, my servant who
will have served as the leader of my church for a period of twenty
years, shall retire and be given the title of president emeritus.
2a. My
servant, Elder Russell F. Ralston, having served in numerous
capacities during the period of his appointment as a full-time
minister in my church, the last twelve years of which as a member of
the Council of Twelve, is to be honorably released from his
responsibility as a member of that council.
2b. As
a faithful servant in my kingdom his reward is sure if he shall
continue to uphold those tenets of the gospel which he knows to be
true. His apostolic witness is to be extended through his high
priestly ordination and the spirit of testimony which has motivated
his ministry for so many years.
2c. As
a special representative under the direction of the president of the
Council of Twelve he will be given opportunities to expound the
gospel through preaching and teaching assignments as time and
strength are available and circumstances permit, but without the
burden of administrative responsibility or extensive travel in a
specific geographic jurisdiction. If he continues in faith I the Lord
will bless him and his family with a degree of health and strength
and peace of mind equal to their needs.
3. To
fill the vacancy thus created, Elder C. Eugene Austin, Sr., is called
to be an apostle in my church. The consummation of this call by
ordination as a member of the Council of Twelve should be
accomplished as expeditiously as possible to ensure continuity of
leadership in the various jurisdictions where members of the Council
of Twelve serve as directed by the Presidency of the High Priesthood.
4a.
The Spirit saith further: I, God, have not forsaken you nor have I
changed in regard to the great and important work of the Restoration
which I have called you to do. Neither have I turned from you my
people. This is true in spite of the fact that some of you have
turned away from me and my purposes.
4b.
Some have been led to inactivity, yea and even lulled to sleep by the
spirit of carelessness and indifference. Some have been overcome by
the grosser sins of the world—the spirit of revelry, wanton living,
use of drugs, drinking, and fornication—and have fallen away. And
still others have turned away for personal aggrandizement, rejecting
my leadership because of trivial offenses.
4c.
All who have done any of these things are counseled to repent with a
contrite heart and heaviness of spirit while there is yet time. You
are further admonished to covenant with me anew that you may again be
clean men and women, and find peace.
4d. My
promises are sure; my yoke is easy and my burden is light for those
who love me and walk in the light of my Spirit.
W.
Wallace Smith
President
of the Church
Independence
Missouri
March 29, 1976
