SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prepares for a significant change in leadership following the death of longtime President Russell M. Nelson. Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice, is expected to be named Nelson's successor. This transition is largely procedural, as the church has a clear hierarchy for leadership transitions that has remained unchanged for decades.
The church is governed by a president and his two counselors, collectively known as the First Presidency. The new president is typically the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This process has been in place since 1889, ensuring a seamless leadership transition and preventing any internal or external lobbying. Following Nelson's passing, his two counselors have automatically returned to the Quorum, increasing its members to 14.
Leading up to Oaks' formal announcement as president, the church is gearing up for its upcoming general conference, set to take place in Salt Lake City.
The president's role is significant, regarded as a prophet and seer who leads through divine revelation and oversees the church's policies and programs. Each president serves until death, which creates a wide variance in terms of tenure lengths.
When a new president takes office, he typically selects his counselors from the Quorum of the Twelve. Oaks, who has been part of the Quorum since 1984, may also have the opportunity to make significant appointments to the Quorum as he settles into his role as president.
While the church’s leadership remains all-male, there has been movement towards including more diversity at the highest levels, resonating with the growing membership that spans globally, with over half of its 17 million members living outside the United States.
The church is governed by a president and his two counselors, collectively known as the First Presidency. The new president is typically the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This process has been in place since 1889, ensuring a seamless leadership transition and preventing any internal or external lobbying. Following Nelson's passing, his two counselors have automatically returned to the Quorum, increasing its members to 14.
Leading up to Oaks' formal announcement as president, the church is gearing up for its upcoming general conference, set to take place in Salt Lake City.
The president's role is significant, regarded as a prophet and seer who leads through divine revelation and oversees the church's policies and programs. Each president serves until death, which creates a wide variance in terms of tenure lengths.
When a new president takes office, he typically selects his counselors from the Quorum of the Twelve. Oaks, who has been part of the Quorum since 1984, may also have the opportunity to make significant appointments to the Quorum as he settles into his role as president.
While the church’s leadership remains all-male, there has been movement towards including more diversity at the highest levels, resonating with the growing membership that spans globally, with over half of its 17 million members living outside the United States.
