In brief
Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at 101. His presidency, beginning in 2018, was marked by a call to abandon shorthand names for the church, a more welcoming stance towards LGBTQ+ individuals, yet continued restrictions on same-sex marriage and gender identity issues. His leadership faced scrutiny over sexual abuse handling, while he also fostered inclusivity initiatives within the church. Nelson's lifetime of service as a heart surgeon turned spiritual leader was pivotal for the faith amidst cultural shifts. His successor is anticipated to be Dallin H. Oaks.
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. He passed away at his home in Salt Lake City. Known for his vibrant and transformative leadership, Nelson, a former heart surgeon, spearheaded significant changes for the church during his tenure that began in 2018. One of the notable early actions was to encourage the abandonment of shorthand names, ‘Mormon’ and ‘LDS’, which had been promoted for decades. He also made headlines by repealing previous regulations that barred baptisms for children of gay parents, though he maintained traditional church views on same-sex marriage.Throughout his presidency, while Nelson sought to create a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, he faced criticism for strict policies that marginalized transgender individuals. Church leadership described their approach as balancing 'the love of the Lord and the law of the Lord.' Nelson's administration further solidified its stance on cultural issues, especially regarding gender identity and sexual orientation.The announcement of Nelson’s passing raised discussions about the future of the church's leadership, with Dallin H. Oaks, the next longest-tenured member of the church’s governing Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, expected to succeed him.Nelson's leadership was not without controversy. He oversaw the church's response during the COVID-19 pandemic and severed ties with the Boy Scouts of America, creating a church-affiliated youth program to better serve its global membership. His administration also faced scrutiny on handling sexual abuse allegations and the church's policies on member interviews concerning personal identity and sexuality.Despite challenges, Nelson emphasized obedience to the church's teachings and sought to diversify church leadership and practices, including partnerships with the NAACP. His tenure highlighted the church's evolving dynamics amidst societal changes. Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, Nelson had a distinguished career in medicine before ascending to notable church leadership roles, culminating in presidency in 2018. He is survived by his wife, Wendy Watson, and several children.
