Internewscast Journal
  • Home
  • US News
  • Local News
  • Health
  • People
  • Guest Post
  • Support Our Cause
Internewscast Journal
  • Home
  • US News
  • Local News
  • Health
  • People
  • Guest Post
  • Support Our Cause
Home Local news Clear Leadership Succession Leaves No Surprises for Next Mormon Church President
  • Local news

Clear Leadership Succession Leaves No Surprises for Next Mormon Church President

    A well-defined leadership hierarchy makes for no surprises in next president of Mormon church
    Up next
    The Prince of Wheels! Moment William cruises through Windsor Castle grounds on an e-scooter during appearance on Eugene Levy's travel show
    Royal Ride: Prince William Glides Through Windsor Castle on E-Scooter for Eugene Levy’s Travel Show
    Published on 02 October 2025
    Author
    Internewscast
    Tags
    • Brigham Young,
    • church,
    • Dallin H. Oaks,
    • David O. McKay,
    • for,
    • Gordon B. Hinckley,
    • Harold B. Lee,
    • Henry B. Eyring,
    • hierarchy,
    • Howard H. Hunter,
    • Jeffrey R. Holland,
    • John Taylor,
    • leadership,
    • makes,
    • mormon,
    • next,
    • president,
    • Religion,
    • Russell Nelson,
    • surprises,
    • Thomas S. Monson,
    • U.S. news,
    • welldefined
    Share this @internewscast.com
    FacebookXRedditPinterest

    SALT LAKE CITY – Following the recent passing of President Russell M. Nelson, a former Utah Supreme Court justice is anticipated to become the new leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

    This transition to Dallin H. Oaks as the next president is more of a ritual, as the church adheres to a long-established leadership hierarchy. No changes occur until after the funeral of Nelson, which is set for Oct. 7.

    Here’s a closer look at how the leadership structure is arranged and how new members are chosen:

    Who leads the church?

    Commonly referred to as the Mormon church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is helmed by a president and two senior counselors, forming what is known as the First Presidency. These leaders typically come from a group called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which supports the First Presidency in guiding church policies and managing its operational activities.

    Together, these 15 top officials are all men in accordance with the church’s all-male priesthood.

    How are the presidents chosen?

    The longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve traditionally becomes the new president, a practice created over a hundred years ago to ensure an orderly leadership transition and avoid internal or public influence peddling.

    The succession guideline came into effect in 1889 after nearly two years of discussions and political maneuvering among the apostles when John Taylor, the church’s third president, passed away. This procedure has been followed consistently ever since.

    Nelson, who was the oldest president of the church, passed away at age 101 on Saturday. Following tradition, the announcement of his successor will be delayed until sometime after the forthcoming funeral. With his passing, the First Presidency automatically disbanded, leading his two counselors to rejoin the Quorum, increasing its members to 14.

    Until a new president is announced, the Quorum, now led by Oaks, is in charge as the Utah-based faith prepares for its twice-annual general conference in Salt Lake City this weekend.

    What does the president do?

    He is considered a prophet, seer and revelator who leads the church through divine revelation from God along with two top counselors and members of the Quorum of the Twelve. He sets policy, interprets doctrine and manages church programs.

    The president also oversees the church’s businesses, which include real estate, farms, publishing, life insurance, nonprofits, universities, a Polynesian cultural center in Hawaii and an upscale open-air shopping mall in Salt Lake City.

    The church doesn’t disclose or discuss its finances, but the latest filings from its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, Inc., value its portfolio at $58 billion.

    How long do the presidents serve?

    Presidents serve until they die, which is why the length of their tenures vary widely.

    The longest was Brigham Young, who served nearly 30 years in the mid- to late 1800s. Other lengthy tenures include Heber J. Grant, with nearly 27 years from 1918 to 1945, and David O. McKay, with nearly 19 years from 1951 to 1970.

    The shortest tenure was Howard H. Hunter, who served only nine months from 1994 to 1995. He and three other church presidents served less than five years, including an 18-month stint by Harold B. Lee from 1972 to 1973.

    Nelson held the position for more than seven years. The two presidents before him, Thomas S. Monson and Gordon B. Hinckley, each had relatively long terms. Monson served nearly 10 years, and Hinckley was in the post for nearly 13.

    How are the president’s two counselors chosen?

    A new president usually chooses counselors from the Quorum of the Twelve. Sometimes, they are the same men who served the previous president. If they’re different, the previous counselors return to being members of the Quorum.

    Nelson kept Henry B. Eyring as a counselor and elevated Oaks as the other.

    Being counselors does not put them ahead in line to become the next president. It is still the longest-tenured Quorum member who takes that role.

    Oaks happens to be next in line. The 93-year-old joined the Quorum in May 1984, around the same time as Nelson.

    Jeffrey R. Holland, 84, has the next highest seniority after Oaks.

    How are new Quorum members chosen?

    They can come from anywhere. In modern history, most were already serving in lower-tier leadership councils.

    The apostles tend to be older men who have achieved success in occupations outside the church. The last three chosen for the Quorum were a U.S. State Department official, an accountant for multinational corporations, and a board member of charities, schools and an enterprise agency.

    Under Nelson, the church injected some diversity into the previously all-white leadership panel by selecting the first Latin American apostle and the first apostle of Asian ancestry. The appointments brought excitement to a contingent of members who for years had been hoping to see the top leadership become more representative of a religion with over half its more than 17 million members living outside the U.S.

    Once Oaks becomes president and selects his two counselors, the Quorum will likely be left with one vacancy for him to fill — one way church presidents can leave their imprint.

    What about women?

    Nine highest-ranking women in the church oversee three organizations that run programs for women and girls. These councils sit below several layers of leadership groups reserved for only men.

    The president and two counselors who oversee the Relief Society, which runs activities for women, are considered the top female leaders based on the organization’s historical cachet.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

    Share this @internewscast.com
    FacebookXRedditPinterest
    You May Also Like
    Woman accused of abuse at Central Florida home linked to viral TikTok
    • Local news

    Central Florida Woman Charged with Abuse in Case Involving Viral TikTok

    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman faces accusations of abusing her stepmother…
    • Internewscast
    • October 2, 2025
    STEAM Center exhibit arrives for installation
    • Local news

    New Exhibit Set to Be Installed at STEAM Center

    SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Coastal Heritage Society welcomed a special delivery over…
    • Internewscast
    • October 3, 2025

    Erwin Police Department: Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting a Child

    ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Erwin Police Department apprehended a man on…
    • Internewscast
    • October 2, 2025
    New incident report reveals Orange County Fire Rescue’s response to guest who died after riding Stardust Racers
    • Local news

    New Report Sheds Light on Orange County Fire Rescue’s Actions Following Stardust Racers Incident التعرض.

    ORLANDO, Fla. – A newly released incident report is providing insights into…
    • Internewscast
    • October 2, 2025
    Why Democrats are standing their ground in shutdown
    • Local news

    Why Democrats Remain Firm Amid Government Shutdown

    IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
    • Internewscast
    • October 2, 2025
    Luxembourg’s grand duke to abdicate after 25 years, passing throne to son
    • Local news

    Luxembourg’s Grand Duke to Step Down After 25 Years, Passing Throne to His Son

    Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg will step down from the throne after…
    • Internewscast
    • October 3, 2025
    Thune says talks with Schumer are ‘not going to accomplish a lot’
    • Local news

    Thune claims discussions with Schumer are unlikely to achieve much

    IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
    • Internewscast
    • October 3, 2025
    Can you get a passport during the government shutdown?
    • Local news

    How to Obtain a Passport During a Government Shutdown

    U.S. citizens seeking to obtain or renew a passport during the government…
    • Internewscast
    • October 2, 2025
    Israeli military intercept Gaza-bound aid flotilla
    • Local news

    Israeli Forces Stop Aid Flotilla Heading to Gaza

    Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit…
    • Internewscast
    • October 2, 2025
    Fundraising groups step up to help reopen national park sites and welcome visitors
    • Local news

    Organizations Rally to Reopen National Parks and Invite Visitors Back

    DENVER – Back in 2018, during a government shutdown, a Mississippi-based nonprofit…
    • Internewscast
    • October 2, 2025
    Hundreds attend candlelight vigil to raise awareness of domestic violence
    • Local news

    Candlelight Vigil Draws Hundreds to Highlight Domestic Violence Awareness

    SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Savannah residents gathered Thursday at Forsyth Park to…
    • Internewscast
    • October 3, 2025
    Mormons raise $300K for family of man accused of attacking Michigan church
    • Local news

    Mormon Community Raises $300K for Family of Michigan Church Attack Suspect

    Mormons raised nearly $300,000 for the family of the suspect in the…
    • Internewscast
    • October 2, 2025
    The highest Dutch court is ruling on government's appeal against ban on sending F-35 parts to Israel
    • Local news

    Top Dutch Court Decides on Appeal Against Blocking F-35 Parts Shipment to Israel

    THE HAGUE – On Friday, the top court in the Netherlands will…
    • Internewscast
    • October 3, 2025
    Taylor Swift's album RELEASED! The Life of a Showgirl drops
    • News

    Taylor Swift’s New Album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ Out Now!

    As Taylor Swift launches her 12th studio album, “The Life Of A…
    • Internewscast
    • October 3, 2025
    $20M Settlement Approved to Family After Torture, Murder of 4-Year-Old California Boy
    • Crime

    $20 Million Settlement Granted to Family of 4-Year-Old California Boy Following Torture and Murder

    On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors sanctioned a $20…
    • Internewscast
    • October 3, 2025
    Border Patrol arrest
    • Local news

    Trump’s Visible ‘Militarization’ Efforts in Chicago March On

    CHICAGO () For weeks, Operation Midway Blitz has been in progress throughout…
    • Internewscast
    • October 3, 2025
    Internewscast Journal
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • DMCA Notice
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Guest Post
    • Support Our Cause
    Copyright 2023. All Right Reserverd.