The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: A Central Governing Body within the Latter Day Saint Movement

Origins and Role in the Latter Day Saint Hierarchy

In the expansive and diverse Latter Day Saint movement, the Quorum of the Twelve, often referred to by several names including the Council of the Twelve, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Council of the Twelve Apostles, or simply the Twelve, stands as a pivotal governing body. This unique quorum, or group of leaders, was meticulously organized by the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, in 1835. Its structure and function were expressly patterned after the ancient Apostles of Jesus Christ, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of the Commissioning of the Twelve Apostles.

Members of this esteemed body are formally called Apostles, a title that carries with it a profound and special calling: to serve as evangelistic ambassadors to the entire world. Their commission extends to preaching the gospel, bearing witness of Jesus Christ, and overseeing the growth and spiritual welfare of the church globally, reaching out to diverse populations across continents.

Jurisdiction and Authority within the Church Hierarchy

Historically, the Twelve were specifically designated as a body of "traveling councillors." This distinctive role meant their jurisdiction primarily extended to areas where the church was not yet formally organized into established stakes or where local leadership was less mature. These areas were understood to be regions of the world outside of Zion, a concept referring to gathering places for the Saints or the pure in heart, or its outlying Stakes, which are regional administrative units akin to dioceses in other Christian denominations, each presided over by a Stake President and High Council.

Within the church's comprehensive hierarchical structure, the Quorum of the Twelve was designated as being equal in authority to other high-level quorums. This included the First Presidency, which typically comprises the President of the Church and two counselors as the highest governing body; the Seventy, another body of general authorities primarily focused on evangelism and administration; the standing presiding high council; and the High Councils of the various stakes. This system of checks and balances underscores a shared, yet distinct, distribution of ecclesiastical power.

The Quorum of the Twelve After Joseph Smith's Death

The year 1844 marked a significant turning point for the Latter Day Saint movement. Following the tragic death of its founder, Joseph Smith, a period of profound disagreement over leadership succession ensued, often referred to as the Succession Crisis. This period led to permanent schisms, resulting in the formation of numerous independent churches and denominations. Remarkably, many of these emergent churches, despite their theological and organizational divergences, chose to retain some version of the Quorum of the Twelve, reflecting the enduring significance of this apostolic model within their respective frameworks.

Understanding the Latter Day Saint Movement

Defining the Movement and its Restorationist Roots

The Latter Day Saint movement, also widely known as the LDS movement, the LDS restorationist movement, or sometimes the Smith-Rigdon movement, is a collective term for a group of independent Christian church bodies. All these groups trace their foundational origins to a distinct Christian Restorationist movement that emerged in the late 1820s under the leadership of Joseph Smith in upstate New York. Christian Restorationism posits that the original Christian church, as established by Jesus and his Apostles, fell into a state of apostasy—a loss of divine authority and true doctrine—and needed to be "restored" to its pure, original form through new revelations and inspired leadership. Joseph Smith claimed to be called by God to initiate this restoration, culminating in the formal organization of the Church of Christ (now The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) on April 6, 1830, and the publication of the Book of Mormon earlier that year.

Membership, Dominant Theology, and Key Beliefs

Collectively, the various churches within the Latter Day Saint movement boast a global membership exceeding 16 million individuals. However, the vast majority, approximately 98%, belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which is the largest and most widely recognized denomination. The predominant theology embraced by the churches within this movement is commonly referred to as Mormonism. This theological framework views itself as a restoration of the early Christian church, enriched and clarified by additional revelations. These revelations are found in scriptures beyond the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, which adherents believe provide further insights into God's plan and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Diversity Within the Latter Day Saint Movement

While the LDS Church represents the dominant branch, the Latter Day Saint movement is characterized by a rich tapestry of independent groups, each with its unique interpretations and practices. A notable minority of Latter Day Saint adherents, such as members of the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), have been influenced by Protestant theology. While maintaining core distinctive beliefs and practices, including a belief in continuing revelation (that God still speaks to prophets), an open canon of scripture (meaning new scripture can be added), and the building of temples for sacred ordinances, the Community of Christ has adopted more progressive stances on various social and theological issues, such as women's ordination.

Other groups further illustrate this diversity. The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for instance, distinguishes itself by supporting a lineal succession of leadership, believing that the presidency of the church should be inherited by descendants of Joseph Smith. On the more controversial end of the spectrum is the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), which separated from the mainstream church largely due to its commitment to defending and practicing polygamy, a practice that the LDS Church officially discontinued in the early 20th century and which remains illegal in most parts of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Common Queries About the Quorum of the Twelve and the Latter Day Saint Movement

What is the primary role of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?

Their primary role is to serve as evangelistic ambassadors to the world, overseeing the church's global growth and spiritual welfare, and acting as "traveling councillors" with jurisdiction beyond formally organized areas or stakes.

How does the Quorum of the Twelve relate to other governing bodies in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is designated as equal in authority to the First Presidency, the Seventy, and other high councils within the church's hierarchical structure, collectively guiding the global church under the direction of the President of the Church.

What caused the different churches within the Latter Day Saint movement to form?

Permanent schisms formed after the death of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, in 1844. These divisions primarily arose from disagreements over leadership succession and differing interpretations of doctrine and practice, leading to the establishment of various independent denominations.

What does "Christian Restorationist movement" mean in the context of Latter Day Saints?

A Christian Restorationist movement believes that the original Christian church, as established by Jesus and his Apostles, fell into apostasy and needed to be "restored" to its original form and doctrines, often through new revelations, prophets, and inspired leadership, as taught by Joseph Smith.

Are all members of the Latter Day Saint movement the same?

No, while approximately 98% belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the movement encompasses a diverse collection of independent church groups with varying theological interpretations, practices, and organizational structures, such as the Community of Christ and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.