Mormons install new leader

SALT LAKE CITY -- Faithful Mormons stood by the thousands with upraised hands Saturday, officially installing their first new leader in 13 years.

Thomas S. Monson took over The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February after the death of Gordon B. Hinckley, but the faith traditionally calls for a sustaining vote by members in a ceremony known as the solemn assembly.

Each church organization took its turn -- from its top leaders down to youth groups -- standing when called to cast votes in the packed conference center, which holds 21,000 people. The ceremony has been practiced since 1880, when John Taylor was named president of the church.

Mormons last held an assembly in April 1995, when Hinckley was named president. He was remembered Saturday by church apostle Russell M. Nelson, who said all Latter-day Saints felt a deep sense of loss with the 97-year-old Hinckley's Jan. 27 passing.

"However, we have felt our mood shift from grief to gratitude," Nelson said. "We are very grateful for what we have learned from this great prophet of God."

Monson, 80, is the youngest church president since 1973 and the 16th president of the American-born denomination, which claims 13 million members worldwide.

Since the early 20th century, the church has followed a system of apostolic succession in selecting its president. The position passes automatically to the next most-senior member of the church's Quorum of Twelve Apostles, the second-highest leadership circle.

A church elder for more than 40 years, Monson is a familiar face, but many people are wondering what differences he will bring in his new role. He said in February that there would be "no abrupt changes."

Monson has long been a featured speaker at twice-yearly conferences and served as a Salt Lake City emissary at church gatherings around the world.

Church members gather in April and October to hear words of inspiration and guidance from leaders. More than 100,000 will attend the two days of conference sessions, which are also broadcast in more than 80 languages on radio, television, closed-circuit satellite and the Internet.

Monson was expected to make his first address as president during a Saturday night gathering that is limited to male members of the church who hold the priesthood, a church spokesperson said. He is expected to speak to the full membership Sunday morning.