News Release — 6 June 2012

Apostle Creates First Stake in India

Hyderabad, India —

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) is a global faith with more members outside the United States than inside.

Another sign of the Church’s worldwide reach came 27 May as Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles organized the Hyderabad India Stake — India’s first stake.

At the conclusion of the stake conference, Elder Oaks expressed gratitude to the nation of India for allowing Latter-day Saints “to meet and speak of the principles of our faith.”

Related Topics

Stake

Congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are organized geographically and members attend worship services near their home. Each member belongs to a stake, which is similar to a Catholic diocese. The leader of a stake is called the stake president.

Organizational Structure of the Church

The Church is led by 15 apostles. The most senior apostle is the president of the Church, and he selects two other apostles as counselors. These three function as the First Presidency, which is the highest governing body of the Church. Twelve others form the Quorum of the Twelve — the second-highest governing body of the Church. Together, the First Presidency and the Twelve oversee the entire Church. Church members trace this organizational structure to the New Testament.

Apostle

The highest priesthood office in the Church. Apostles serve for life and are “special witnesses” of Jesus Christ to the world. They fill the highest governing bodies of the Church. Three apostles form the First Presidency. Twelve more make up the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

One of the dozen men was a tax collector, and several others were fishermen who plied their trade on the waters of Galilee. When they were called to serve, they devoted themselves to being witnesses to the world of the one who called them.

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