Russell M. Nelson Dies at 101: Oldest-Ever President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Russell M. Nelson, the oldest president in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on Saturday night at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 101. A distinguished heart surgeon and spiritual leader, Nelson guided the 17-million-member faith through sweeping reforms, global growth, and intense public scrutiny.
Early Life and Medical Career
Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, Nelson was baptized into the church as a young adult. A prodigy in medicine, he became a licensed doctor at just 22 and served a two-year medical tour during the Korean War. His precision and dedication made him a renowned heart surgeon and director of the thoracic surgery residency at the University of Utah. These qualities of discipline and exactness would later define his church leadership.
Rise to Church Leadership
Joining the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
In 1984, Nelson was selected to join the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, one of the church’s highest governing bodies. Over the next three decades, he built a reputation for steady guidance and deep faith.
Becoming Church President
After the death of President Thomas S. Monson in January 2018, Nelson ascended to the church’s presidency. In 2024, he became the first LDS president to reach the milestone age of 100, cementing his place in church history.
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Key Reforms and Global Initiatives
1. Name Restoration
One of Nelson’s first major actions in 2018 was urging members to stop using nicknames such as “Mormon” or “LDS,” emphasizing the full name—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—to honor the faith’s divine origins.
2. LGBTQ+ Policy Changes
In 2019, Nelson reversed controversial 2015 rules that banned baptisms for children of gay parents and labeled same-sex couples as apostates. While the church’s stance on same-sex marriage remained unchanged, Nelson promoted a tone of compassion, calling for a balance between “the love of the Lord and the law of the Lord.”
3. Expanding Global Reach
Nelson spearheaded a dramatic temple-building campaign, constructing dozens of new temples across the world. He encouraged the use of regional hymnbooks celebrating local music and appointed non-American leaders to the church’s top governing bodies to reflect its international membership.
4. Partnership with the NAACP
Under Nelson’s leadership, the church entered a historic partnership with the NAACP, a significant step given the church’s past restrictions on Black men holding the priesthood, a policy officially lifted in 1978.
Navigating Challenges and Controversies
COVID-19 Pandemic
Nelson guided the church through the global COVID-19 crisis, adapting worship practices and urging members to prioritize safety and vaccination.
Abuse Reporting Concerns
During his presidency, an Associated Press investigation highlighted concerns over how the church handled sexual abuse reports. Nelson defended the church’s hotline system, later strengthening guidelines to ensure leaders report abuse and allow parents to join youth interviews.
Personal Life and Legacy
Nelson married Dantzel White, with whom he had 10 children. After her passing in 2005, he married Wendy Watson in 2006. Known for his warm demeanor and unwavering faith, Nelson emphasized what he called the “covenant path”—a life of obedience, ordinances, and devotion.
His administration saw the church sever ties with the Boy Scouts of America, establish a worldwide youth program, and continue the mission of spiritual and humanitarian outreach.
Succession Plan
The next president of the church is expected to be Dallin H. Oaks, the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, following the established line of succession.
FAQs about Russell M. Nelson
Who was Russell M. Nelson?
Russell M. Nelson was a world-renowned heart surgeon and the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He became the church’s oldest-ever leader, serving until his death at 101.
What were his major contributions to the church?
Nelson emphasized using the church’s full name, reversed controversial LGBTQ+ policies, accelerated global temple construction, and built partnerships with organizations like the NAACP.
How did he handle challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic?
Nelson led the church through the pandemic by adapting worship practices, promoting safety measures, and encouraging members to get vaccinated.
Who will succeed him as church president?
According to church protocol, Dallin H. Oaks, the current first counselor in the First Presidency and senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is expected to become the next president.
What is Russell M. Nelson’s lasting legacy?
Nelson is remembered for modernizing church practices, expanding its global reach, and promoting compassion while upholding traditional beliefs, leaving a transformative mark on the faith.
