Changes Announced for Area Presidencies
Contributed By Ryan Morgenegg, Church News staff writer
The image reflects several changes made to three Area Presidencies including Africa West, Asia, and South America Northwest.
The First Presidency has announced changes to three Area Presidencies: the Africa West, Asia, and South America Northwest Areas. All members of Area Presidencies are General Authority Seventies or Area Seventies.
Filling a vacancy created when Elder Ronald A. Rasband was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder L. Whitney Clayton was called as the senior President of the Quorums of the Seventy. Elder Gerrit W. Gong was called as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy.
Members of the Presidency of the Seventy have responsibilities for the areas in the United States and Canada. The Church now has 15 areas outside the United States and Canada and 10 areas inside the United States and Canada for a total of 25.
Africa West Area Presidency
Elder David F. Evans has been released as Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency and has received a new assignment at Church headquarters. Elder Vern P. Stanfill now serves as Second Counselor in the Area Presidency.
Elder Stanfill joins Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr., who continues as President and Elder Terence M. Vinson, who continues as First Counselor. The changes were effective October 6.
Asia Area Presidency
In connection with his call to serve in the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Gong will be released as President of the Asia Area. Elder Randy D. Funk will serve as President of the area, with Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong as First Counselor and Elder Siu Hong Pon, an Area Seventy, as Second Counselor. The changes will be effective January 4.
South America Northwest Area Presidency
In connection with his call to serve in the Presiding Bishopric, Elder W. Christopher Waddell has been released as First Counselor in the South American Northwest Area Presidency. Elder Juan A. Uceda continues as President of the area, with Carlos A. Godoy as First Counselor and Elder Hugo Montoya as Second Counselor. The changes were effective October 20.
