In Mormonism, an Apostle is a person ordained to be a traveling councilor bearing witness of Jesus Christ. In many Latter Day Saint denominations, an Apostle is also a priesthood office of high authority within the church hierarchy, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, although not all apostles have been part of the Quorum. In Mormon theology, modern-day apostles have the same status and authority as the Biblical apostles.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the President and Prophet is also always an Apostle, as often are his counselors in the First Presidency. Some Apostles have been ordained outside of these positions. Alvin R. Dyer, for example, was ordained an Apostle in 1967. Although he served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1968 - 1970, upon the death of David O. McKay he returned to his previous position as an assistant to the Twelve.
See also