SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 4, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) –There are renewed concerns about the health of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, 88, after the church leader appeared to falter during the morning session of Sunday’s General Conference.
Monson was about ten minutes into his opening remarks when his words became slurred. The leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints suddenly appeared weak, his voice trailing off as he leaned against the podium and gently repeated himself.
Those watching inside the LDS Conference Center, as well as at home, began to express their concerns on almost immediately on social media.
A tweet attributed to the user “LDS Mormon” said, “It seems like Thomas A. Monson is losing strength at the pulpit. Maybe he needs more prayers than we realize.”
Another Twitter posting attributed to the “Mormon Tab Choir” said, “Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid.”
KUTV news anchor Heidi Hatch echoed the concerns, posting a message on her Twitter account which said, “President Monson does not look well this morning. He appeared in pain and struggling to speak.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, joined in helping Monson to his seat after the address. Through the course of the day, Monson appeared to regain strength, and later stood through parts of the morning session.
An LDS spokesperson speaking in an unofficial capacity told a local media outlet Monson was weary, but OK.
This is not the first time there have been public concerns about Monson’s health.
Back in April, the church leader made headlines when he bowed out of a Salt Lake City meeting with President Barack Obama.
At the time, the LDS Church said Monson was saving his strength for the spring General Conference weekend, scheduled to begin the next day.
Church spokesperson Eric Hawkins later released a statement addressing Monson’s health with a Salt Lake radio station.
“President Monson is 87. It’s natural that he and others in the Church leadership are feeling the effects of advancing age,” the statement said. “However, he spoke publicly at General Conference earlier this month and attended all meetings. He comes to the office every day, attends all First Presidency and committee meetings, leads the discussion, and makes decisions. The workload of the First Presidency is up to date. President Monson has always been private about his health, but appreciates the prayers and sustaining support of Church members, as do all of the First Presidency and the Twelve.”
I want to express my love for President Monson and I sustain him and pray for him. My heart broke as I saw how frail he was. I wanted to hold him up as tears came to my eyes. He wanted to finish his talk to demonstrate his love for us and our Heavenly Father! A remarkable wonderful amazing faithful prophet of God! I dearly love u President Monson.