succession crisis

When Joseph Smith was killed in 1844, he had not clearly designated a successor, leading to a succession crisis. Multiple leaders claimed authority, including Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith III. The main church followed Brigham Young to Utah, while other groups formed separate churches. This crisis raises questions about prophetic planning and whether the current LDS Church is the legitimate continuation of Smith's original church.

Profiles with succession crisis on their "shelf":