W. Grant McMurray, (born July 12, 1947), Prophet and President of the Community of Christ 1996–2004. McMurray has been heralded as one of the most influential and knowledgeable church presidents and is respected as a gifted writer and an articulate speaker.

McMurray's Presidency and Legacy

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In the 170 years of its history, President McMurray was the first president of the church who was not a member of the family of church founder, Joseph Smith, Jr. McMurray was designated as successor to President Wallace B. Smith in 1995, and became Prophet-President when Smith retired to "emeritus" status in 1996. Prior to his calling, McMurray had been a historian and had held several positions in the church hierarchy, including serving as a Counselor in the First Presidency.

In 1997, President McMurray called upon the church, then named the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," to transform itself by articulating a Christ-centered theology of Peace.

In 2000, the church changed its name to Community of Christ — evoking the original name of the church "Church of Christ," affirming the centrality of Christ to the church, and commemorating the Latter Day Saint movement's long-held tradition of building up Zionic communities.

President McMurray presided over the first ordination of a woman to the office of Apostle in the Council of Twelve. He also led the Community of Christ to a closer relationship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, building both friendly relations and collaborative historical efforts.

McMurray's Resignation

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On November 29, 2004, McMurray resigned as President of the Church and asked to be released from the Priesthood as well as his calling — citing personal issues and "inappropriate choices" he has made ("I have made some inappropriate choices, and the circumstances of my life are now such that I cannot continue to effectively lead the church.") He also broke with tradition by not naming his successor ("On the matter of succession in presidency, our tradition anticipates that I would designate a successor. In my present situation, I do not feel it is appropriate to do so.") According to a statement, from the First Presidency, "a process is firmly in place that will lead to the designation of a successor in the office of president."

McMurray later stated that he has "recently been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease," and that his health was also a motivating factor to his resignation. "Beyond that, it's an entirely personal and family matter and the letter says what I felt I needed to say."

President Kenneth N. Robinson of the First Presidency stated that this type of release from the Priesthood is not uncommon and "'happens without prejudice' just as it would with another church member. 'At a later point when they feel they have the energy and have life in balance, it's not uncommon to request reinstatement, which means to have their priesthood office back in an active way.'"

According to the Deseret News, President Robinson "said McMurray's 'call to priesthood isn't gone and hasn't been nullified. It's a request to not be functioning in any ministerial capacity' with no judgment or punishment from the church attached."

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. 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.

Preceded by: Wallace B. Smith

President of the Community of Christ 1996–2004

Succeeded by: Stephen M. Veazey Ordained 3 June 2005

1947 births | Living people | Community of Christ