Community of Christ Announces New Leader Stephen M. Veazey

Steven M. Veazey, a 47-year-old father of three and youth minister, has been designated as the new president of the Community of Christ, a 250,000-member faith based in Independence, Mo. Veazey’s appointment follows the resignation of previous president W. Grant McMurray, who stepped down in December due to health problems and undisclosed personal issues. In his resignation letter, McMurray stated he had “made some inappropriate choices” and could no longer effectively lead the church.

McMurray had the right to choose his successor but opted not to, leaving the selection to the church’s top leaders. Since his resignation, the faith has been led by his counselors in the First Presidency — Kenneth N. Robinson and Peter A. Judd — along with the Council of Twelve. Veazey, currently president of the Council of Twelve, was chosen through a discernment process involving “a period of prayer and reflection.”

The decision to appoint Veazey as their next president and prophet was made after consultation with counselors in the First Presidency, the Presiding Bishopric, High Priests Quorum, and Presidents of Seventy. All involved engaged in prayer and reflection to discern God’s will. The announcement was made before about 1,000 church leaders, members, and friends at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence and broadcast to members worldwide.

Veazey’s role as prophet must be ratified by a majority of 2,800 church member delegates, who will gather in Independence for the 2005 World Conference from June 2-5. The process reflects the church’s emphasis on communal discernment and spiritual guidance in leadership decisions.

The Community of Christ, previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has a history of emphasizing community, service, and spiritual growth. Veazey’s background as a youth minister, foreign church planter, and fly fisherman is seen as bringing a unique vision to the church’s future. His appointment underscores the importance of prayer, reflection, and collective decision-making in the church’s leadership structure.

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