SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A former Utah Supreme Court justice is expected to be named the next president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the death of President Russell M. Nelson over the weekend.
The selection process for a new president — Dallin H. Oaks — is straightforward due to the church's well-defined leadership hierarchy that has guided it for years. There will be no changes in the leadership until after Nelson’s funeral, which is scheduled for October 7.
### Who leads the church?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, is governed by a president and two counselors, forming the First Presidency. This group works alongside the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are responsible for church policy and business interests.
### How are the presidents chosen?
Traditionally, the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve becomes the new president, a protocol established over a century ago to ensure a seamless transition. The current succession plan was set after the death of the church’s third president, John Taylor, in 1889 and has been consistently followed since then.
At 101, Nelson was the oldest president in church history, passing away on Saturday. His death has automatically dissolved the First Presidency, prompting his two counselors to revert back to the Quorum, leaving it with 14 members.
In the interim, the Quorum, led by Oaks, is managing the church affairs as the community prepares for its general conference this weekend.
### What does the president do?
As the leader, the president is regarded as a prophet who governs the church through divine revelation. He has the authority to set policies, interpret church doctrines, and supervise various church programs and businesses, which include significant assets valued at approximately $58 billion.
### How long do the presidents serve?
Presidents serve until their deaths, leading to varying lengths of tenure, ranging from just nine months to nearly 30 years. Nelson served as president for more than seven years.
### How are the president’s two counselors chosen?
Typically, new counselors are selected from the Quorum of the Twelve. Oaks, who has been part of the Quorum since May 1984 alongside Nelson, is next in line to become president.
### How are new Quorum members chosen?
New members can be selected from any area within the church, often from lower-tier leadership positions. Recent appointments have introduced diversity to the traditionally homogeneous leadership.
### What about women?
While the leadership structure of the church remains male-dominated, the highest-ranking women oversee significant programs for women and girls, although they remain below the primary leadership hierarchy.
The selection process for a new president — Dallin H. Oaks — is straightforward due to the church's well-defined leadership hierarchy that has guided it for years. There will be no changes in the leadership until after Nelson’s funeral, which is scheduled for October 7.
### Who leads the church?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, is governed by a president and two counselors, forming the First Presidency. This group works alongside the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are responsible for church policy and business interests.
### How are the presidents chosen?
Traditionally, the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve becomes the new president, a protocol established over a century ago to ensure a seamless transition. The current succession plan was set after the death of the church’s third president, John Taylor, in 1889 and has been consistently followed since then.
At 101, Nelson was the oldest president in church history, passing away on Saturday. His death has automatically dissolved the First Presidency, prompting his two counselors to revert back to the Quorum, leaving it with 14 members.
In the interim, the Quorum, led by Oaks, is managing the church affairs as the community prepares for its general conference this weekend.
### What does the president do?
As the leader, the president is regarded as a prophet who governs the church through divine revelation. He has the authority to set policies, interpret church doctrines, and supervise various church programs and businesses, which include significant assets valued at approximately $58 billion.
### How long do the presidents serve?
Presidents serve until their deaths, leading to varying lengths of tenure, ranging from just nine months to nearly 30 years. Nelson served as president for more than seven years.
### How are the president’s two counselors chosen?
Typically, new counselors are selected from the Quorum of the Twelve. Oaks, who has been part of the Quorum since May 1984 alongside Nelson, is next in line to become president.
### How are new Quorum members chosen?
New members can be selected from any area within the church, often from lower-tier leadership positions. Recent appointments have introduced diversity to the traditionally homogeneous leadership.
### What about women?
While the leadership structure of the church remains male-dominated, the highest-ranking women oversee significant programs for women and girls, although they remain below the primary leadership hierarchy.
