Summary
Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away at 101 years old in Salt Lake City. Nelson led the church through notable changes, including policies regarding the LGBTQ+ community, and guided the church during the COVID-19 pandemic. The next expected leader is Dallin H. Oaks, in line with church protocol.
Key Facts
- Russell M. Nelson was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and died at 101.
- He served in high church leadership since 1984 and became president in January 2018.
- Nelson made significant changes during his leadership, such as asking people to stop using "Mormon" or "LDS" as shorthand for the church’s name.
- He repealed a rule that banned baptisms for children of gay parents but the church’s stance on same-sex marriage remained unchanged.
- Nelson led the church through the COVID-19 pandemic and separated from the Boy Scouts of America.
- Concerns arose during his tenure about how the church handles sexual abuse reports.
- The next expected leader of the church is Dallin H. Oaks, based on church traditions.
- Church leaders, including Nelson, defended their practices regarding child protection and abuse reporting.
