In brief
Russell M. Nelson, who served as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2018 until his passing on Saturday at age 101, is remembered for transformative leadership, including a notable shift away from the church's previous branding as 'Mormon' and policies impacting LGBTQ+ individuals. His administration faced both praise for inclusivity and criticism for maintaining traditional stances on marriage and gender identity. As the church prepares for a new president, speculation points to Dallin H. Oaks, the next longest-serving member of its governing body.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died at the age of 101, church officials announced late Saturday night. Nelson died at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesperson Candice Madsen.The former heart surgeon had a vibrant and transformative tenure, particularly in 2018, during which he made a surprising announcement urging members to refrain from using the shorthand names “Mormon” and “LDS” and to prefer the full name of the church. This marked a significant departure from previous branding strategies upheld by former leaders.In 2019, Nelson also drew attention by repealing rules banning baptisms for children of same-sex parents, though he maintained that the church's position on same-sex marriage remained unchanged, leading to mixed reactions among members and advocates.Despite efforts to create a gentler approach towards LGBTQ+ individuals, Nelson's policies drew criticism for their strict rules regarding participation in certain activities for transgender members, reinforcing the church's doctrinal positions. His approach was characterized by a stated intention of balancing the love of the Lord with adherence to church laws.Speculation about who will succeed Nelson has begun, with Dallin H. Oaks expected to take the reins as he is the longest-tenured member of the church’s governing Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.During his leadership, Nelson was a well-known figure amid challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where he guided the church's response and severed ties with the Boy Scouts of America to create a distinct youth program tailored for its global membership. He also faced scrutiny for the church's sexual abuse reporting practices, with investigations highlighting potential misuses of internal reporting systems.Born in 1924 in Salt Lake City, Nelson was an accomplished surgeon who devoted four decades to church leadership after being called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of the church upon the passing of Thomas S. Monson in January 2018 and made history by reaching the age of 101.Nelson was known for promoting the "covenant path" and introduced numerous reforms, such as more inclusive regional hymnbooks, an international focus in leadership appointments, and shorter Sunday services, alongside the construction of new temples worldwide.He is survived by his second wife, Wendy Watson, and their combined family, providing a legacy of leadership focused on obedience and the church's mission.
