The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints mourns the loss of President Hinkley, but the faithful look to the ordination of a new president.

Rick Taylor is director of the Institute of Religion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He said God won’t leave the church without a leader.

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“It’s a unique time in the church to see this doctrinal aspect of sucession in the presidency unfold,” Taylor said. “And it truly is a faith promoting experience to see how that operates.”

The identity of the new president won’t come a surprise to the members of the church. He’s been in line to be president long before Hinkley’s passing.

Thomas Monson is the eldest apostle of a group who oversees the administration and organization of the church. According to tradition, he will become the next president.

Taylor said an aposotle becomes the president through personal worthiness, not aspirations of greatness.

“It’s viewed by members of the church as a divinely revealed process, and it’s devoid of electioneering whether behind the scenes or in public,” Taylor said.

Monson will have to be approved by a council of apostles. If he is, Monson will become president, prophet and revealer for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

In this position he is the primary authority of the church and can act out God’s will on earth.