What's happened
Russell Nelson, the long-serving president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at age 101. His death follows a well-established leadership hierarchy, with Dallin H. Oaks expected to succeed him after Nelson's funeral scheduled for October 7. The church's leadership structure ensures a smooth transition despite Nelson's passing during a major conference.
What's behind the headline?
The church's succession process is highly structured, with the longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in this case Oaks, automatically becoming the next president. This protocol has been in place since 1889, ensuring stability and continuity. Nelson's death during a major conference underscores the importance of this hierarchy, as the church continues to operate smoothly without a sitting president. The upcoming conference will likely focus on honoring Nelson's legacy, with Oaks potentially addressing political and social issues, given his history of outspoken positions on religious freedom and civil discourse. The church's leadership model, rooted in tradition, minimizes disruption and maintains the church's global influence, even amid significant leadership changes.
What the papers say
The Independent and AP News provide detailed insights into the church's leadership hierarchy and the historical context of succession. The Independent emphasizes the well-defined structure and the protocol for announcing a new president, highlighting the stability of the church's governance. AP News adds perspective on the church's global influence and the significance of Nelson's long tenure, noting that the church has not held a conference without a president for over a century. Both sources agree that Oaks is the likely successor, with the process designed to prevent leadership vacuums and ensure continuity.
How we got here
Russell Nelson led the Mormon church for over seven years, guiding its global growth and influence. His death marks the end of an era, but the church's hierarchy, including top counselors like Dallin H. Oaks, is designed to facilitate seamless leadership succession. Nelson's leadership was characterized by long tenures, with his death occurring just before the church's twice-annual general conference, a key event for policy and doctrinal announcements.
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often informally known as the LDS Church or Mormon Church, is a nontrinitarian, Christian restorationist church that considers itself to be the restoration of the original church founded by Jesus Christ.
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Russell Marion Nelson Sr. is an American religious leader and retired surgeon who is the 17th and current president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Dallin Harris Oaks is an American religious leader and former jurist and academic who served as the first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2018 to 2025.
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Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous municipality of the U.S. state of Utah, as well as the seat of Salt Lake County, the most populous county in Utah.