In brief
Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at 101 in Salt Lake City. Known for his pivotal changes in church policy, including a softened stance on LGBTQ+ issues and efforts to improve the church's approach to sexual abuse reporting, Nelson led the church for over five years after becoming president in 2018. His tenure was marked by significant organizational shifts, including the severance from the Boy Scouts of America and new leadership practices aimed at inclusivity. His legacy may influence the next leadership phase for the church.
SALT LAKE CITY — Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), passed away at his home in Salt Lake City at the age of 101. The church announced his death late Saturday night, noting that his leadership left a significant imprint on the faith.
Nelson, a former heart surgeon, rose to the presidency in January 2018. He embarked on a transformative path for the church, notably initiating a campaign to discontinue the use of shorthand names like 'Mormon' and 'LDS,' emphasizing a return to the church's full name.
In his administration's early days, he garnered attention for repealing exclusionary policies that prevented the baptism of children with same-sex parents. Although some welcomed this change, the church's official stance on same-sex marriage and participation for transgender members remained contentious, leading to criticism regarding continued marginalization of these communities.
Despite these complexities, Nelson's tenure was seen as more amicable towards LGBTQ+ people compared to his predecessors. He described the church's approach as striving to balance loving affirmation with adherence to doctrine.
As a leading figure during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson emphasized health and safety, while also redesigning church programs to better serve a global membership. He disassociated the church from the Boy Scouts of America, forming an independent youth program to inclusively reach its 17 million members worldwide.
His administration faced scrutiny regarding how it handled sexual abuse allegations among local church leadership, prompting investigations into church practices that some feared prioritized institutional confidentiality over victim protection. Church leaders defended their methods, asserting they were designed to protect minors.
Prior to his presidency, Nelson spent decades in church leadership, having been appointed to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984. His passing raises questions about the future leadership of the church; Dallin H. Oaks, the next longest-tenured apostle, is anticipated to succeed him.
Nelson is remembered not just for his leadership but for his deep commitment to the church's principles. Born in Salt Lake City, he balanced a successful medical career with his ecclesiastical responsibilities, maintaining a focus on the 'covenant path,' a doctrine central to Mormon spiritual life. He leaves behind a complex legacy intertwined with the evolving landscape of faith and social issues.
