Russell M. Nelson, Longest-Serving LDS President, Dies at 101

Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), passed away at the age of 101. Church officials confirmed his death on Saturday night, stating that he died peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City. The announcement was made by church spokesperson Candice Madsen.

Nelson, a former heart surgeon, led the church through a period of significant change and transformation. His presidency, which began in January 2018 following the death of Thomas S. Monson, was marked by a series of notable decisions. One of his first major actions was to call for the discontinuation of using the shorthand terms “Mormon” and “LDS” in favor of the church’s full name. This marked a dramatic shift from previous leadership, which had invested heavily in promoting the shorter names.

In 2019, Nelson repealed controversial policies that banned baptisms for children of same-sex couples, acknowledging the widespread criticism that had arisen from the earlier rules. While his administration adopted a more welcoming tone towards LGBTQ+ individuals compared to previous leaders, the church’s official stance on same-sex marriage remained unchanged. Additionally, policies restricting participation for members pursuing gender-affirming medical procedures drew criticism for potentially marginalizing transgender individuals within the faith.

Church leaders, including Nelson and one of his top counselors, emphasized their approach as an effort to balance the “love of the Lord and the law of the Lord.” As the church moves forward, many anticipate that Dallin H. Oaks, a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will succeed Nelson as president, following established church protocol.

Nelson’s tenure included significant milestones, such as leading the church through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and severing ties with the Boy Scouts of America after the organization began admitting LGBTQ+ members. In response, the church created its own youth program to better serve its global membership, which exceeds 17 million individuals.

His administration faced increasing scrutiny regarding the church’s handling of sexual abuse allegations within its ranks. An investigation by the Associated Press revealed that the church’s sexual abuse reporting hotline may have been misused to redirect accusations from law enforcement to church attorneys. Despite this, church leaders defended the hotline, stating it was designed to protect children.

Nelson also made moves to reform the church’s practices regarding youth interviews with local leaders, allowing children to bring trusted adults to these meetings. These changes aimed to enhance the safety of young members and to ensure that abuse reports were taken seriously.

In addition to addressing internal issues, Nelson pushed for the inclusion of non-American leaders within the church’s top governing body, which has historically been dominated by American leaders. He promoted the publication of regional hymnbooks that celebrate local music and culture, further expanding the church’s global reach.

Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, Nelson exhibited a passion for medicine early in life, becoming a doctor at the age of 22. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before embarking on a successful medical career, which included being the director of thoracic surgery residency at the University of Utah. His precision and dedication to his craft carried over into his leadership within the church.

Throughout his life, Nelson was married twice. He and his first wife, Dantzel White, had ten children before her passing in 2005. Nelson later married Wendy Watson in 2006.

Nelson’s presidency has been characterized by a commitment to the church’s teachings while navigating the complexities of modern society. His legacy will undoubtedly influence the future direction of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it continues to address contemporary issues while maintaining its core beliefs.