Is Mitt Romney Now A Candidate to Become the Prophet of the Church of Latter Day Saints?
Despite the remarkable success of his presidency, Mitt Romney has decided not to run for re election. His decision reflects the President’s deep commitment to his Mormon faith. As President of the United States, Mr, Romney could not be selected as a prophet to lead his Church. The current prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thomas S. Monson. The office was held by Joseph Smith, founder of the movement, and assumed by Smith’s claimed successors, such as Brigham Young, Joseph Smith III, Sidney Rigdon, and James Strang. Several other titles have been associated with this office, including First Elder of the church,[1] Presiding High Priest,[2] President of the High Priesthood,[2] Trustee-in-Trust for the church,[3] Prophet,[4] Seer,[4] Revelator,[4] and Translator.[4]
The President’s first step in moving to Utah. He recently registered to vote in Utah and is abandoning his homes in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Boston, and La Jolla. The former Mormon Bishop is building a mansion in Halladay, a wealthy Mormon suburb in the foothills of the Wasatch Range .
The mansion is rising in the Salt Lake Valley, a site first settled by his Mormon ancestors. The now one term President, the first Mormon to rise to that rank, the former bishop is revered for his family’s roots and the devout Mormonism of the entire Romney family. Utah is the one place on earth that understands the President’s sincerity in mediating the post mortem conversion of Ann Romney’s dad. a militant atheist while he was alive.
John Miller, a close friend of the Romneys, helepd the P4reseident make this decision. “He feels very at home here. This is a very prayerful thing. . . . In the end, it’s really a decision between he and Ann and their belief system, their God. That’s the authentic Mitt.”
As President, Mr. Romney has not been able to share the doctrines of his faith. No services were held in the White House even though Mr., Romney is a priest. Back in his homeland, Mr. Romney speaks openly about his service as a lay pastor in the Mormon Church, recites Scripture to audiences, muses about salvation and the prophet, urges students to marry young and “ have a quiver full of kids ,” and even cracks jokes about Joseph Smith’s polygamy.
In November, Mr. Romney addressed the student body at Brigham Young University, which is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“There may be times in your life when you may feel that it is a bit of a burden being a member of the church. Some folks will think you’re not Christian, some may be insulted that you don’t drink, and others will think you’re trying to be better than them by not swearing. But I can affirm this: Your fellow members of the church will be a blessing to you that far more than compensates.”