I have been a member of the church my whole life and for 30+ years assumed that a first councilor was in some way higher or more senior than a second councilor. Is there any validity to this? is there any stratification between the two counselors in any way officially specified by the church? In this case I am particularly wondering about the Elders Quorum Counselors but it raises the question to any priesthood (or perhaps auxiliary) presidency.
Background Story (optional):
I serve as 2nd counselor in an Elders Quorum Presidency where the president is exceptionally busy and the 1st counselor is disengaged (not complaining, they're great guys!). In cases where the president is completely unavailable I wondered if I first need to consult with the first counselor before I take the lead and go to ward council, plan our lessons, etc. If so things might be much more complicated as we don't hear from him much. but I want to make sure I function appropriately in my role. I know we (counselors) do not have the keys which the EQ president does and this situation should be remedied and I always work under the direction of the bishop and try to keep the rest of the presidency involved and informed. but with that in mind should I defer decisions and initiatives to the 2nd counselor or should I just go and do.
