W. Grant McMurray (born July 12, 1947) is an American religious leader who served as Prophet-President of Community of Christ from 1996 until 2004. He was the first non-descendant of Joseph Smith to head the church and first Canadian to lead the denomination. Under McMurray's administration, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church) changed its name to Community of Christ.
Biography
William Grant McMurray was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to parents who were members of the RLDS Church. He attended Graceland College and St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, where he earned a master's degree in theology, making McMurray the first president of the RLDS Church who was trained at a seminary.
In 1997, McMurray called upon the RLDS Church to transform itself by articulating a Christ-centered theology of peace. evoking the original name of the church "Church of Christ," affirming the centrality of Christ to the church, and commemorating the Latter Day Saint movement's long-held tradition of building up "Zionic communities".
McMurray's resignation
On November 29, 2004, McMurray resigned as president of the church. McMurray's resignation letter stated, "However, along the way I have made some inappropriate choices, and the circumstances of my life are now such that I cannot continue to effectively lead the church. I deeply regret the difficulties that this causes for the church I love." Veazey had been serving as president of the Council of Twelve. Delegates elected to a special World Conference of the church approved Veazey and he was ordained to the presidency on June 3, 2005.
See also
- Kenneth N. Robinson