The successors
This man claimed to be the guardian of the Church after Joseph’s death and relied heavily on his longtime relationship with Joseph.
Sidney Rigdon
Many leaders pointed to this book of scripture to argue Joseph had set clear patterns for authority.
The Doctrine and Covenants
After Joseph’s death, members felt this growing sense that a crisis was unfolding. (What emotions were they feeling?)
Uncertainty or confusion
They argued that they held all the keys and should lead collectively in Joseph’s absence.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
This “council” had jurisdiction in Nauvoo and influenced Marks’ claim over local leadership.
Nauvoo High Council
The competing claims eventually led to this major long-term outcome.
Multiple denominations/schisms
This man produced a “letter of appointment” and claimed Joseph designated him his successor.
James Strang
Brigham Young later taught that Joseph had given the Twelve all the keys — a claim based on which idea?
The Twelve collectively held fullness of authority
This dramatic meeting on August 8, 1844, produced conflicting later accounts about Brigham Young.
The “Transfiguration” event
Joseph’s brother, who presided over the Nauvoo High Council and was supported by many local members.
William Marks
James Strang’s followers claimed his “letter of appointment” fulfilled which idea from early Church history?
Prophets appointing successors (e.g., Moses → Joshua)
Because Joseph left no written, explicit succession plan, the Church experienced what structural problem?
Conflicting lines of authority
This future leader later formed the Reorganized Church (Community of Christ) and was supported by many Smith family members.
Joseph Smith III
Rigdon’s claim rested partly on his being the last surviving member of this presidency.
The First Presidency
Brigham Young’s later teachings about the Twelve’s authority expanded their role beyond what earlier revelations primarily assigned, which was:
Missionary work/traveling ministry