Clear Leadership Succession Leaves No Surprises for Next Mormon Church President

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.