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‘Mormon Land’: After a ‘modern-day Pentecost,’ a history-making prophet-president takes reins of a church ‘reborn’

The first woman to lead this faith with ties to Joseph Smith says Community of Christ is in a “strong” financial position after selling the Kirtland Temple.

(Lyle R. Anderson II via Community of Christ) Prophet-President Stassi Cramm, center, is ordained Sunday, June 1,2025, to lead Community of Christ by President Emeritus Steve Veazey, left, and Mareva Arnaud Tchong, president of the Council of Twelve Apostles.

(Lyle R. Anderson II via Community of Christ) Prophet-President Stassi Cramm, center, is ordained Sunday, June 1,2025, to lead Community of Christ by President Emeritus Steve Veazey, left, and Mareva Arnaud Tchong, president of the Council of Twelve Apostles.

Stassi D. Cramm did not spend her childhood fantasizing about becoming the first female prophet-president in the Community of Christ’s 165-year history.

Indeed, Cramm did not originally plan for a life of ministry in the church, which, like the much-larger Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, traces its origins to Joseph Smith.

But sometimes, Cramm says, God has other plans for you.

Earlier this month, Cramm was ordained to the highest office in the Community of Christ after nearly a quarter century of full-time ministry.

She is ready to help the faith, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, move forward boldly into an even more inclusive, global church.

On this week’s show, Cramm discusses her background; the challenges her church faces; its position on a number of issues, including gun violence and climate change; the faith’s finances and its relationship with the Utah-based religion, especially after selling the historic Kirtland Temple; and her hopes for the future.

Listen to the podcast:

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