Independence, USA - The Community of Christ has a new president-designate.
After days of discernment, the Council of Twelve Apostles emerged Monday to name Stephen M. Veazey as the church's prophet-president.
Community of Christ has about 250,000 members worldwide and is based in Independence.
Veazey, an Independence resident, has been a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles since 1992 and is its current president. He addressed a congregation of 1,000 on Monday afternoon at the Community of Christ Temple. The address also went to thousands more through a live Internet broadcast.
"Suffice to say, I am deeply humbled by that which is unfolding in my life and my ministry at this time," Veazey said, following prayer and testimony from church members.
Veazey's designation by the apostles and a joint council of church leadership is subject to approval of the church's 2,800 delegates. The church has called a special world conference to take place June 2-5 in Independence.
The church presidency has been vacant since W. Grant McMurray resigned for personal reasons on Dec. 1, 2004.
The church kept McMurray's reasons quiet. The former president cited "inappropriate actions" as part of his resignation, but went no further.
Veazey, 47, is 10 years McMurray's junior.
The Council of Twelve Apostles met, fasted and prayed for guidance in choosing Veazey.
"God graced our efforts and gave to each of us a testimony that Stephen M. Veazey is called to lead the church as prophet-president," council secretary James E. Slauter said.
"We recognize that no one person has all the qualities of leadership needed in this role," Slauter said later in his speech. "We believe, however, that God has blessed him with the gifts that are needed at this time."
While the church maintains a steady membership in the United States and Canada, it has grown internationally to 45 other nations.
The church has been progressive in its mission statement of joy, hope, love and peace.
Veazey, a family man with a wife, Cathleen Henson Cackler-Veazey, and three children ages 27, 24 and 17, hopes to carry on with his role of international relations.
He travels strategically around the world to aid new ministries, teach, and further the mission of the church.
"Growth is a priority, but not just for the sake of numbers," he said.
If accepted at the 2005 World Conference, Veazey will inherit some of the growing pains associated with an international church, including budget struggles.
"A lot of churches are facing financial constraints," Veazey said, "with the economy and people's ability to give, and world tithes coming in under projections."
Veazey is the second president-designate in church history not to be a descendent of founder Joseph Smith Jr. or the Smith family.
That doesn't bother the First Presidency of the church, which includes two other leaders, Peter Judd and Ken Robinson, who endorsed Veazey's designation.
Veazey spoke of what he can bring to the church with his new responsibilities.
"My strongest quality is my willingness to trust and rely on the spirit of God, to help shape vision and understanding for the good of the church," he said.
Linda Booth, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, agreed with Veazey's assessment.
"That's the quality I look for in a president," she said.