Demotion from First Presidency?

[SilentDawning]

Personality issues aside, Elder Oaks is the most likely next president, so it made sense to move him into the FP as the 1st Counselor. That wasn't a historical given, by any stretch, but it made sense. Likewise, Elder Eyring was the 1st Counselor, so it made sense to drop him to 2nd Counselor. Uchtdorf was the 2nd Counselor (and the "junior apostle" of the FP), so it made sense to move him out of the FP.

As usual you come out with reasonable explanations that make us think. Looking at it from our own narrow perspective, we see Uchdorft as an advocate for the disenfranchised, so any hit to his position in the church would be seen as an affront to us somewhat, and a demotion for him in speaking up.

But I see from your comments there are other considerations.

[kate5]

It didn't seem to matter to President Monson who was next in line to be the prophet when he selected his counselors. What they did to Uchtdorf and those who desperately needed a beacon of light to look toward was disrespectful and cold. I also want to mention that many, many women loved Pres. Uchtdorf and please don't tell me it was because of his looks. He acted like he understood us; as if he just "got" us. Inactive people loved him. My husband once had a nonmember tell him that if Uchtdorf became prophet he might consider being baptized. Many going through a faith crisis were drawn to him.

It doesn't matter how you slice it to me, as Silent Dawning said, he DID represent the disenfranchised, those without a voice in this church. My heart felt empty today. I miss seeing him. It really doesn't matter that he gets to talk once. Him being in the First Presidency made some of us feel like we were somewhat represented. Now that is gone.

I really don't care about their snails pace, micro changes for the better. I will never have a voice in this church because of my gender and my different viewpoints. I don't matter and I know it.

This post sounds very "poor me" but I do feel sorry for myself.

I

[mom3]

He acted like he understood us; as if he just "got" us.

Any man who can talk to girls from 8 to 80, again and again, did get us. I believe even if he didn't fully "get" someone/something, he was willing to bridge a gap, open a space, something.

Like you - this is going to hurt for a long time. He really did make room for everyone.

[Roy]

Also, I believe the church would like to avoid having any particularly popular church leaders that are not the prophet. It can place the church in uncomfortable situations if a particular apostle (or other church leader) develops a strong following. The church has a long history and institutional memory of schisms.

[mom3]

It can place the church in uncomfortable situations if a particular apostle (or other church leader) develops a strong following. The church has a long history and institutional memory of schisms.

True Roy. In this situation it would have been easy to create a schism.

[nibbler]

Hey, we can all come up with reasons as to why it was or wasn't a demotion.

[SamBee]

Hey, we can all come up with reasons as to why it was or wasn't a demotion.

* He wasn't next in line.
* He's younger.

Erm, that's it.

[dande48]

I just thought of a big reason why it wasn't a demotion:
It would absolutely SUCK to be one of the Q12. You've got the weight of the world, everyone is always watching and scrutinizing everything you say or do... and being in the first presidency makes it even worse. Adding to it, I suspect Uchtdorf might disagree in a few key areas with RMN on how to lead the Church, which would make it even more difficult if he remained in the FP. I like Uchtford enough, that I almost don't want him to have to deal with that added struggle.

[Katzpur]

While I was really sad to see Uchtdorf moved back to the Q12, I really didn't see it as a demotion. Obviously the President of the Church is going to want counselors he "clicks" with. I can't think of anyone who is more like Nelson than Oaks. They're like twins separated at birth. Nelson probably just didn't see himself working with Uchtdorf as easily. He'd want someone who sees things like he does. I think that's only human. I'm just holding my breath that we will someday see Uchtdorf at the helm. He will be the best thing that ever happened to the Church.