The man designated as the next prophet-president of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints said the fact he is not a descendant of Joseph Smith Jr. does not mean his church is taking another step into mainstream Protestantism.
W. Grant McMurray, whose ordination is scheduled to take place during a public service in The Auditorium in Independence, Mo., on Monday, said this break with tradition is consistent with church doctrine but marks an era when priesthood leadership is being broadened. If approved by top priesthood leaders and delegates at a weeklong world conference, President McMurray's presidency will end a line of five church presidents who are direct descendants of Joseph Smith Jr.Along with the change in president, voting delegates are scheduled to discuss policies about whether homosexuals may hold the priesthood and a new informal name for the church - The Church of Jesus Christ (RLDS). After finding division among members, the church's first presidency withdrew a proposal to change the name of the church to the "Community of Christ."
Conference delegates, like Sidney Troyer, the Intermountain RLDS District president from Salt Lake City, said they are excited about the prophetic transition.
"The idea of a non-Smith in prophetic leadership is certainly one of the most significant things to happen in the modern-day church. It reflects considerable changes doctrinally and administratively. This is really part of a much larger evolution in church identity,' according to RLDS Church historian Mark Scherer.
Although there is no formal rule requiring those of Smith lineage to lead the church, it has been tradition since the 248,000-member Reorganized Church emerged during the 1850s from a schism over leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the death of church founder and prophet Joseph Smith Jr. While Brigham Young lead the largest group to the Salt Lake Valley, other groups remained dispersed in the Midwest.
Joseph Smith's son, Joseph Smith III, assumed leadership of the RLDS Church in 1860, bringing together the Midwestern groups. Three of his sons served as prophet-presidents. Joseph Smith III's grandson, Wallace B. Smith, took over leadership in 1978.
"It's a significant change in our tradition. We have had a long history of the Smith family leadership. The church has been effectively led by members of the Smith family. Throughout time this was a clear tradition but not one mandated," President McMurray said in a Deseret News interview.
According to Tim Miller, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Kansas, there has long been the possibility for someone outside the Smith family to take over leadership. There had also been speculation that with the ordination of women that Wallace B. Smith, who only has daughters, would choose one of them for the presidency. There was also opportunity for ordination of other Smith family members, including nephews.
"They (the RLDS) have said that the Smith family is not necessary for their validity. In that sense there has been a possibility for a long time. I think now there has been adequate preparation," Miller said.
President McMurray, 48, who was named a member of the church's first presidency in 1992, was designated by President Wallace B. Smith as his successor in September. Smith, 66, plans to retire. Observers, including Miller, view the move as consistent with the church's continuing shift into mainstream Protestantism.
Included in that shift is allowing priesthood ordination of women, opening its communion service to nonmembers, increasing its work with interfaith and ecumenical organizations and considering proposals to change the church's name.
"I am a strong supporter of interfaith movements. We have something to contribute including experience and opportunities . . . I don't think (participation in the interfaith activities) in any way diminishes our mission," President McMurray said.
He said the 20th century has brought changed emphasis from the early days of its history when Latter Day Saints established relatively closed communities.
"We are building Christ-centered communities in a global society rather than on the frontiers of America. We are highly pluralistic, valuing diversity. We are journeying together as a people of faith, trying to express religious values and commitment to Christ in a world in which we live," he said.
President McMurray plans to continue the church's efforts to expand, including missionaries in many developing countries. The church, which is active in 36 countries, is expected to have more members outside North America sometime early in the next century.
"Essentially we have flat growth in the U.S. and Canada. We have greater growth in the developing countries of the world," he said.
He also wants to decentralize authority from church headquarters in suburban Kansas City, President McMurray said.
"I believe in a participatory form of leadership. It presses out a lot of decisionmaking to other levels. It is not highly authoritarian and centralized. I want members to take the life of the church to where they live,' he said.
Observers say that means more will be expected at the church's grass roots.
"Many of the churches don't understand the influence and potential of small congregations. I've seen a lot of congregations in holding patterns . . . They don't have a real sense of vision of what they can really accomplish," McMurray said.
Utah members of the RLDS Church are excited as they anticipate the ordination of a new prophet-president.
Troyer, one of 2,800 conference delegates, is enthusiastic about the leadership McMurray will bring to the church.
"What is exciting is his (President McMurray's) youth . . . He still has a lot of energy. He has the vision as a young person. Young people risk more than others," said President Troyer.
Utah RLDS members who won't be going to Missouri plan to meet at members' homes to watch the ordination service via satellite.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Headquarters: At The Auditorium and The Temple in Independence, Mo.
Seal: Lamb, lion and child with word "Peace." The symbol refers to Isaiah 11:6.
Church officials: The church is headed by a president-prophet, Wallace B. Smith, who with two counselors compose the First Presidency. The Council of Twelve Apostles is responsible for field administration and is the chief missionary quorum of the church. The members of the Presiding Bishopric are the chief financial and fiscal officers of the church. The presiding evangelist is the president of the order of patriarch evangelists.
Scriptures: Bible (Inspired Version), Book of Mormon and RLDS Doctrine and Covenants.
Membership: 248,415, as of July 31, in 38 nations.
BELIEFS
Nature of God: Belief in the Trinity.
Sacraments: Blessing of children, baptism by immersion, confirmation, communion of Lord's supper, marriage, healing of sick, evangelist blessing, priesthood ordination. (Evangelist blessing was formerly patriarchal blessing. Office title was adapted to allow women to give blessings.)
Temples: The church owns the Kirtland, Ohio, temple and new 1,600-seat temple in Independence, Mo., which is dedicated to peace.
Dietary law: The church prohibits church officials from using tobacco or alcoholic drinks. Church members generally abstain also.
Tithing: Members pay tithing on their yearly increase or money left over after housing and food expenses are paid.