Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Was 101

Russell M. Nelson, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died. He was 101. 

Nelson died at his home in Salt Lake City around 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, Sept. 27, according to a statement from the church. 

The religious leader was the oldest-ever president of the church. He became an Apostle in April 1984 and was appointed to lead on Jan. 14, 2018. 

Nelson is survived by his wife, Wendy Watson and eight of his 10 children, as well as 57 grandchildren and 167 great-grandchildren.

Nelson worked as a heart surgeon prior to his time with the church. He performed the first open-heart surgery in Utah in 1955, and he served as president of the Society for Vascular Surgery.  

During his time with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the prophet was adamant that people should refer to the institution by its full name, rather than shortened forms, such as “Mormon Church.”

He was also known for his relationship with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which saw him speaking at the organization’s 2019 annual convention. 

Many changes were made to the church under Nelson’s leadership, including allowing children of LGBTQ+ parents to be baptized, plus the introduction of a global youth program. 

In introducing the new youth program, the church severed ties with the Boy Scouts of America after nearly a century, according to the Associated Press. The move, done in 2019, came after the organization allowed LGBTQ+ members and volunteers to join.

During his presidency, the church modified its policy to prohibit transgender people from being baptized, working with children or serving as priests or teachers, per the AP.

The policy also stated that individuals who transitioned could not stay at youth camps overnight and were only allowed to use single-occupancy restrooms within church grounds.

Nelson wrote an impassioned article for Time in September in recognition of his 101st birthday.

“Imagine how different our world could be if more of us were peacemakers — building bridges of understanding rather than walls of prejudice — especially with those who may see the world differently than we do,” he wrote.

“I have seen bitter divisions soften when neighbors chose to listen to one another with respect rather than suspicion. Even small acts — like reaching out across lines of faith, culture, or politics—can open doors to healing,” Nelson continued.

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Utah governor Spencer J. Cox paid tribute to the late leader on X, writing, “Today we mourn the passing of President Russell M. Nelson — a prophet of God, a gentle leader, and a voice for peacemaking.”

“He built bridges across faith traditions and cultures, serving God’s children throughout the world. Abby and I will forever treasure our moments with him,” Cox continued.

Nelson’s successor is not expected to be formally chosen until after his funeral, according to the church.