William Grant McMurray[2] was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to parents who were members of the RLDS Church.

[4] In 1997, McMurray called upon the RLDS Church to transform itself by articulating a Christ-centered theology of peace.

[8][9][10][11] McMurray resignation letter stated, "However, along the way I have made some inappropriate choices, and the circumstances of my life are now such that I cannot continue to effectively lead the church.

"[8] The letter also stated that he had recently been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease but his health was not a motivating factor to his resignation.

Delegates elected to a special World Conference of the church approved Veazey and he was ordained to the presidency on June 3, 2005.