Mormon Leader, Described as “Frail” Scales Back His Presence

By Brian Tibbets [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
By Brian Tibbets [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Despite earlier reports of being in good health, latest update reveals the President’s health is deteriorating.

Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is said to have cut back on the number of duties he oversees as the leader of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which leads the LDS Church. This latest update is a sign the LDS President’s health has further deteriorated, following earlier speculation.[/tweetit]

Mormon Leader, Described as “Frail” Scales Back His Presence[/tweetthis]

The president had been hospitalized following serious medical issues after the Mormon General Conference that was held last month. Monson’s physical condition, however, is nothing new to the Mormons, who have been seeing his health deteriorate for quite some time now.

Do to his failing health, he has been taking on lesser responsibilities each time he falls severely ill. Although he is said to have recovered from his latest health issue, his health is still frail according to sources from the church, because of which he will only be involving himself in matters related to the church when it is necessary.

Last fall, Mormon church members brushed away speculations about the president's failing health, insisting he still attended the office every day. However, in Tuesday, spokespersons for the Church revealed the president would no longer be attending the meetings regularly because of his failing health. In fact, the president has even been cutting back on the amount of time he appears before the public, addressing them for only a few minutes.

Eric Hawkins, the spokesperson for the Church, said the president was very thankful for all the prayers and good wishes he was receiving from the Mormon community. He also revealed that the president was satisfied with the efficient way in which the Quorum was carrying out its functions even in his absence. The President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is a position that is held until death. However, once the president becomes too old or sick to fully carry out his functions, two counselors come together to form what is known as the First Presidency, which carries out the president’s functions.

Monson had himself previously written about old age, saying “Age eventually takes its toll on all of us. … Despite any health challenges that may come to us, despite any weakness in body or mind, we serve to the best of our ability. I assure you that the church is in good hands. The system set up for the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve (Apostles) assures that it will always be in good hands and that, come what may, there is no need to worry or to fear. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, whom we follow, whom we worship, and whom we serve, is ever at the helm.”

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