In brief
Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at age 101 at his Salt Lake City home. Serving since January 2018, his tenure saw transformative changes, including a call to use the full name of the church instead of 'Mormon'. He also took steps towards inclusivity for LGBTQ+ members, albeit with ongoing restrictions. Nelson was known for leading the church through the COVID-19 pandemic and for promoting diversity in church leadership. His passing leaves the church preparing for a new leader, likely Dallin H. Oaks.
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. He passed away in his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesperson Candice Madsen. Nelson was a vibrant leader whose tenure included key initiatives like encouraging church members to embrace the full name of the faith instead of using 'Mormon.' His administration also aimed for a friendlier approach towards LGBTQ+ individuals, though the church’s stance against same-sex marriage remained unchanged.In a noteworthy shift, Nelson repealed previous restrictions on baptisms for children of gay parents, a move that stood in contrast to past policies and triggered both support and criticism. He was known for overseeing the church's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ending a long-standing affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America. Instead, he launched a custom youth program more suited to the church's global following.Among his most significant actions, Nelson tightened rules affecting members pursuing gender-affirming medical procedures but aimed for a balance of love and law regarding LGBTQ+ issues. The next president is anticipated to be Dallin H. Oaks, the next longest-serving member of the church’s governing body, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.Nelson, a former heart surgeon, brought decades of medical expertise and a commitment to precision to his religious leadership, emphasizing adherence to church laws and principles throughout his tenure.
