The church president has his defenders, and they say he can speak out on any issue he chooses.

He served as church president for 19 years, before his death in 1970.

When individuals decide to marry, they "turn themselves in" to the church president.

As church president, Smith's was what his biographer has called a "pragmatic prophet."

By the time he became church president only one of his wives, Augusta, was still alive.

At 73, Lee was the youngest church president in 40 years.

As such, when speaking in his official capacity, the words of the church president are never considered "infallible".

Smith was the first church president to visit Mexico while in office.

The pragmatic church president responded, "If there is water for thirty families, you have my permission."

Either way, the church president's personal beliefs do not constitute the doctrine of the church.