Quorum Of The Twelve ApostlesEdit
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is a central, enduring institution in the governance and doctrinal life of the church commonly abbreviated as the church of Jesus christ. Founded in the early years of the church’s history, the Quorum serves as a body of senior leaders who hold the priesthood and are regarded as special witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. The Twelve are responsible for guiding the church between general conferences and for expanding its reach through missionary work, education, and leadership development. They operate alongside the First Presidency, and when the presidency of the church is vacant or reorganized, the senior apostles play a crucial role in maintaining continuity and applying revelation in decision-making. Joseph Smith The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints First Presidency Priesthood Revelation
History and formation
Origins and early duties
The Twelve Apostles were organized as a formal body in the 1830s under the direction of Joseph Smith and quickly assumed a central role in church governance and mission. The Twelve’s authority is rooted in the belief that they are called to bear testimony of Christ and to oversee the church’s growth and doctrinal integrity as the church expands beyond its original communities. Over time, the Twelve became the main channel through which revelation and policy were communicated when conference leadership was unavailable or in transition. Joseph Smith Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Migration, expansion, and permanence
During the church’s westward movement and its early development in the Utah Territory, the Twelve remained a stabilizing force, guiding the church through periods of transition and rapid expansion. Their leadership helped navigate major episodes in church history, including tensions between evolving doctrine, communal practice, and public policy in a growing American and global church. The Twelve’s work broadened the church’s reach by sending missionaries, establishing churches, and mentoring future presidents of the church through successive generations. Brigham Young Utah Polygamy
Modern era
In the modern era, the Quorum continues to function as a key governing and doctrinal body within the church, with members who are sustained as apostles and who, through long service, help shape the direction of church policy, education, and worldwide stewardship. The group remains closely linked to the First Presidency, and the seniority of members influences leadership responsibilities and the order of succession. Russell M. Nelson Thomas S. Monson David O. McKay
Organization and governance
Relationship to the First Presidency
The First Presidency is the highest earthly governing body in the church, with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles acting in concert with the First Presidency to maintain doctrinal continuity and church discipline. In times when the First Presidency is not functioning, or during transitions, the Twelve provide stability and continuity, often guiding the church’s missionary and administrative efforts. This organizational structure is intended to balance inspired revelation with orderly governance, and it is understood within the church as part of a divinely guided system rather than a purely human hierarchy. First Presidency Revelation
Succession, membership, and authority
Apostles are selected through a combination of sustained admission and ordination in a manner that reflects longstanding tradition and the church’s belief in continuing revelation. Membership in the Quorum is typically a lifelong appointment, with succession occurring when the current apostles elect or call new members to fill vacancies. The Twelve are identified as senior leaders who bear strong witness of Christ and who steward the church’s mission, doctrine, and global administration. Priesthood Joseph Smith
Notable members
Historical and contemporary members of the Quorum have included some of the church’s most influential leaders. Notable figures associated with the Twelve include Brigham Young, who helped shepherd the church through a formative period in the American West; David O. McKay, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and Russell M. Nelson, among others. Each member has contributed to shaping church doctrine, practice, and outreach, while maintaining a continuity of leadership that spans generations. Brigham Young David O. McKay Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson Russell M. Nelson
Controversies and debates
Race, priesthood, and policy
A major historical controversy centers on the church’s past policies regarding priesthood and race. For many decades, Black members faced restrictions on priesthood eligibility, a policy tied to broader debates about race and religion in American society. Critics argue this stance reflected discrimination and inconsistent application of church doctrine. Proponents from a traditional perspective have emphasized the church’s autonomy to determine religious practices through revelation and doctrinal development, arguing that external political or social pressures should not dictate sacred ordinances. The eventual reversal in 1978—often discussed under the banner of a revelation extending the priesthood to all worthy male members—is widely debated: some view it as a genuine doctrinal shift reflecting divine guidance, while others see it as a pragmatic response to changing social norms. The controversy illustrates the tension between religious authority, historical practice, and evolving civil rights expectations. Race and the priesthood 1978 Revelation
Polygamy and historical practice
The church’s early practice of polygamy remains a sensitive and contested topic. In the 19th century, the Twelve played a key role in managing and interpreting this practice within the broader context of the church’s growing community, while later leadership formally discontinued polygamy in public church practice. Critics often frame this history as a conflict between modern ethical standards and an institution seeking to reconcile faith with changing social norms. Defenders contend that historical actions must be understood within their time and framed by ongoing revelation and doctrinal development, rather than judged solely by contemporary standards. Polygamy
Governance, transparency, and religious liberty
Another area of debate concerns how the church balances scriptural authority with accountability, particularly in matters of governance and policy formation. Supporters of a traditional, rights-protective stance emphasize religious liberty and the autonomy of faith communities to govern themselves without external coercion. Critics sometimes call for greater transparency or reevaluation of church practices on public policy issues. From a conventional, conservative frame, the emphasis is on safeguarding constitutional freedoms, the integrity of religious institutions, and the right of communities to interpret doctrine in light of their deepest convictions. Religious liberty First Amendment
Controversies in cultural critique
Like many long-standing institutions, the Quorum and the church have faced contemporary critiques tied to broader social movements. Advocates for rapid reform may call for changes in leadership structures, gender roles, or doctrinal positions, sometimes arguing that religious institutions should align quickly with evolving norms. A traditional perspective generally argues for measured reform guided by long-standing principle and the belief that divine guidance operates on a timetable distinct from political cycles. In discussing these debates, the emphasis for a conservative viewpoint tends to be on the protection of religious liberty, the independence of conscience, and the primacy of doctrinal continuity in the face of external pressure. Gender-integrated priesthood Religious reform