Mormon Conservative Ezra Taft Benson, 86, Named to Head Church

Ezra Taft Benson, a former U.S. agriculture secretary whose conservative politics made him the most controversial modern Mormon apostle, is the faith’s 13th president and prophet, it was announced today.

Benson, 86, appeared at a news conference one day after fellow members of the Council of the Twelve meeting in the Salt Lake Temple confirmed him as the successor to Spencer W. Kimball, who died last Tuesday at 90. The succession had been expected because Benson was senior member of the Twelve, and that member is first in line for the presidency.

Benson appeared at the news conference with his choices as his counselors in the governing First Presidency--Gordon B. Hinckley, 75, and Thomas S. Monson, 58.

“This is a day I have not anticipated,” Benson said. “Now that the Lord has spoken, we will do our best. . . . “

Benson also announced that Marion G. Romney, 88, would serve as president of the Twelve. Romney is the next in line of apostolic authority to replace Benson on the latter’s death.

However, because Romney has been ill for years and confined to his home, Benson appointed Howard W. Hunter, 76, next-most-senior apostle, as acting president of the Twelve.

Benson, speaking in a voice high with emotion, said he was committed to his new role and said, “I love all our Father’s children of every creed, color and political persuasion.”

“Some have expectantly inquired about the direction the church will take in the future,” Benson said. “May we suggest that the Lord, through President Kimball, has sharply forcused on the threefold mission of the church: to preach the Gospel, to perfect the saints and to redeem the dead. We shall continue every effort to carry out this mission.”

Rituals for the Dead

Mormons perform rituals in their temples on behalf of everyone who ever lived, believing that everyone will eventually be given an opportunity to embrace the faith.

Deeply involved in conservative political affairs for many years, Benson spoke throughout the country for decades on the threats of socialism, communism and big government, although in the 1980s he has been less vocal about his politicial views.

He was closely identified with the John Birch Society and other right-wing political groups, activities that dismayed church liberals concerned that a Benson presidency would bring a shift to the right in the already-conservative church hierarchy.

Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Earl L. Butz, an assistant secretary under Benson for three years in the 1950s, describes him as “a man who was not very adept politically,” but only because “Ezra was not one to rise above principle.”

“I greatly admire him,” Butz said, “and I think the church has made a great selection.”

Relative Moderate

If Benson’s choices for the First Presidency had not included Hinckley, known as a relative moderate in the conservative hierarchy, it probably would have alarmed Mormon liberals even more.

Hinckley served in the First Presidency under Kimball, and in recent years, because of Kimball and Romney’s frail health, administered the day-to-day affairs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Monson, formerly general manager of Deseret Press, is president and board chairman of Deseret News Publishing Co.