Religion: Awaiting the 13th Prophet

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Editor Peggy Fletcher of Sunstone, a magazine for liberal Mormons, fears that Benson might take steps "against intellectuals and anybody who questions or disagrees." Benson is known to have played a part in a limited toughening of doctrinal discipline during the Kimball era, forcing a discontinuation of a church history that he considered too liberal and helping to dismantle the church historical department, with an ensuing restriction on access to old church documents. No one knows how the Prophet's powers will be used by the self-portrayed "dirt farmer," who is in remarkably good health despite his age. The only certainty is that the Mormon church once again has a resolute leader at the helm. --By Richard N. Ostling. Reported by Christine Arrington/San Francisco

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