The guidance and information in this letter of counsel follows prayerful consideration of individual circumstances and the needs of the church during challenging times. I am grateful for the companionship of the Holy Spirit, which provides insight and assurance in these matters. The transitions presented in this letter do not require any action by the World Conference.
To the church:
Jeffrey A. Naylor, in harmony with his request, will be released as a member of the Presiding Bishopric on September 30, 2020. His request is in response “to professional, personal, and family responsibilities that he must prioritize.” Jeff has been serving as a self-sustaining member of the Presiding Bishopric. However, in evaluating current demands and future needs, he will not be able to serve the church as he had hoped or expected. Fortunately, Jeff will continue to be available to provide support to the Presiding Bishopric through professional consultation and special assignments. The church is grateful for Jeff’s self-sustaining service in the Presiding Bishopric during a challenging time. The Presiding Bishopric looks forward to Jeff’s continued support and ministry.
The resulting vacancy in the Presiding Bishopric will not be filled at this time. It may be filled in the future as circumstances permit.
Additional Information
David N. Anderson has decided to retire from full-time World Church employment effective June 1, 2020. However, at the request of the First Presidency, Dave will continue to serve as president of the High Priests Quorum and, in that role, as a member of the World Church Leadership Council. The Presidency is grateful for Dave’s willingness to serve in these important leadership roles as a self-sustaining minister. Reimbursement for official expenses related to his continuing leadership responsibilities will be provided.
John S. Wight has decided to retire from full-time World Church employment effective January 1, 2021. However, at the request of the First Presidency, John will continue to serve as a president of seventy assigned to a quorum and as the senior president of seventy. As senior president of seventy, John will serve as a member of the World Church Leadership Council. The Presidency is grateful for John’s willingness to serve in these important leadership roles as a self-sustaining minister. Reimbursement for official expenses related to his continuing leadership responsibilities will be provided.
The church deeply appreciates all those who express their discipleship through servantleadership roles as volunteers, self-sustaining ministers, and employees throughout our worldwide faith community. Thank you for your devoted service in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
In the peace of Christ,
Stephen M. Veazey,
president of the church
NOTE: On June 9th, 2020 the First Presidency released this statement:
As stated in the May 2020 letter of counsel, Jeffrey A. Naylor was to be released from the Presiding Bishopric at his request at the end of September. In working to balance and prioritize his “professional, personal, and family responsibilities” Jeff has realized this action needs to occur now. Therefore, Jeff is released from the Presiding Bishopric effective June 8, 2020. The church continues to be grateful for Jeff’s self-sustaining service during this challenging time.