LDS church members concerned about prophet following apparent near-collapse

Church leaders stand and sing with the congregation the hymn “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” during the Saturday morning session of general conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 3, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Intellectual Reserve Inc., St. George News

SALT LAKE CITY — During the Sunday morning session of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 185th semiannual general conference, broadcast worldwide from Salt Lake City, President Thomas S. Monson rose to address those gathered at the conference and those watching at various places throughout the world. Following Monson’s address, church members have become very concerned — not about their prophet’s remarks, but about his health.

During the broadcast, Monson started his speech strong and clear-eyed, but toward the end of his address he slowed, began repeating some words and seemed to have difficulty standing. He was slumped, leaning on the pulpit to support himself, and at the end of his speech he needed help to return to his seat.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Thomas S. Monson speaks at the Sunday morning session of general conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 4, 2015. | Courtesy of Intellectual Reserve, Inc., St. George News
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Thomas S. Monson speaks at the Sunday morning session of general conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 4, 2015. | Courtesy of Intellectual Reserve Inc., St. George News

Later in the conference, however, Monson stood during the congregational hymn and appeared to be feeling better.

No official statement on Monson’s condition has been issued by the LDS Church as this report is published. A church representative did offer that Monson is weary but well.

Monson had attended six sessions of conference, called three apostles and attended the funeral of Elder Richard Scott this week, among other duties.

Various speakers at the conference discussed the prophet’s inspiration in leading the church and calling three new apostles and that Monson is able to carry out his prophetic duties.

In the closing session of conference Sunday afternoon, Elder David A. Bednar of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

Some people have suggested younger, more vigorous leaders are needed in the church to address effectively the serious challenges of our modern world. But the Lord does not use contemporary philosophies and practices of leadership to accomplish his purposes. We can expect the president and other senior leaders of the church will be older and spiritually seasoned men. The Lord’s revealed pattern of governance by councils in his church provides for and attenuates the impact of human frailties.

“These ordinary men have undergone a most extraordinary developmental process that has sharpened their vision, informed their insight, engendered love for people from all nations and circumstances, and affirmed the reality of the restoration (of the Gospel),” Bednar went on to say. “I have witnessed repeatedly my brethren striving diligently to fulfill and magnify their responsibilities while struggling with serious physical problems. These men are not spared from affliction. They are blessed and strengthened to press forward valiantly while suffering in and with affliction.”

St. George News Assistant Editor Cami Cox Jim contributed to this story.

Ed. note: UPDATED FOR CLARITY Oct. 5: This report has been revised to clarify that no official statement on Monson’s condition has been issued by the church.  Statements included from a church representative were offered for the readership’s edification, the representative said, but do not represent official church statements.

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11 Comments

  • 42214 October 4, 2015 at 5:36 pm

    Trump for Prophet

    • Real Life October 5, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      LOL!

    • .... October 5, 2015 at 10:43 pm

      Good one 422.! and he can use his position with the church to deport all illegals. and claim religious freedom

  • munchie October 4, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    I hope he is feeling better. Having an old man with dementia in charge must bring back good memories of President Reagan for the church membership.

  • beentheredonethat October 4, 2015 at 10:11 pm

    Maybe he was on pain killers and anti depressants as so many of his followers are. He too has Utah doctors. ” Pill em and bill em”

    • mesaman October 5, 2015 at 6:21 pm

      Bite me!!

      • fun bag October 5, 2015 at 7:36 pm

        why does MM keeping asking people to bite him?

        • radioviking October 5, 2015 at 9:24 pm

          He’s kinky like that. Ew!

        • .... October 5, 2015 at 10:37 pm

          He likes weird stuff….. Yuck.!!!

  • Your Mother October 6, 2015 at 8:46 am

    Now gentlemen, you are commenting in a most juvenile way about a person who has done more good on this earth in any one of his last 50 years than you will in your lifetime. He is a prophet of God. He has worn out his life in the service of others, even for those like you who do not appreciate it. Some day you will see him in full health when you pass beyond this life and you will not likely be so casual in your remarks. You may feel you are witty now, but if not today, some day you will be more somber and humble in the presence of this great man. Now run along and do something good today before the sun sets. I still love you.

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