LDS Freedom Forum

What is to be understood about Joseph F. Smith’s answers in the congressional hearings?

McComas: I should like to ask one question. You say that the councilors are appointed by the president of the church. How are the apostles selected?
Smith: In the first place they were chosen by revelation. The council of the apostles have had a voice ever since in the selection of their successors.
…
McComas: When vacancies occurred thereafter, by what body were the vacancies in the twelve apostles filled?
Smith: Perhaps I may say in this way: Chosen by the body, the twelve themselves, by and with the consent and approval of the first presidency.
Hoar: Was there a revelation in regard to each of them?
Smith: No, sir; not in regard to each of them. Do you mean in the beginning?
Hoar: I understand you to say that the original twelve apostles were selected by revelation?
Smith: Yes, sir.
Hoar: Through Joseph Smith?
Smith: Yes, sir; that is right.
Hoar: Is there any revelation in regard to the subsequent ones?
Smith: No, sir; it has been the choice of the body.
McComas: Then the apostles are perpetuated in succession by their own act and the approval of the first presidency?
Smith: That is right.

This is typical in early church history. They always referred to Joseph as the prophet not themselves. It evolved over time until today's leaders consider themselves Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.

Mindfields wrote: ↑January 24th, 2020, 2:07 pm This is typical in early church history. They always referred to Joseph as the prophet not themselves. It evolved over time until today's leaders consider themselves Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.

According to the church newspeak wokist agenda, we must also remember that Joseph Smith is a dead prophet.