On Sunday, January 14, 2018, President Russell M. Nelson, age 93, was sustained and set apart in the Salt Lake Temple as the 17th prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The new leader of more than 16 million members was full of smiles as he eagerly greeted journalists and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a live broadcast Tuesday.
President Dallin H. Oaks, age 85, has been called as 1st counselor with 84-year-old President Henry B. Eyring as 2nd counselor in the First Presidency. This is the Church’s highest governing body.
M. Russell Ballard, age 89, was also announced as the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“So grateful for these faithful men-their examples and service worldwide as our President and counselors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Living prophets and apostles are REAL and I know it!” says Angie Francom, member of the Church.
Having served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since April 7, 1984, President Russell M. Nelson also served as President of the Quorum from July 15, 2015, until his recent call as the Church’s new leader. Prior to his full-time service in the Church, President Nelson had a successful career as an internationally renowned surgeon and medical researcher.
Born on September 9, 1924, President Nelson is the son of Marion C. and Edna Anderson Nelson. He and is wife, Dantzel, had 10 children, including 9 girls and 1 boy. In February 2005, Sister Nelson passed away. In April 2006, President Nelson married Wendy L. Watson.
President Dallin H. Oaks has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since May 1984. He served as President of Brigham Young University and justice of the Utah Supreme Court until he resigned in 1984 to become an apostle.
Having served as a counselor to President Thomas S. Monson for 10 years, President Henry B. Eyring also served alongside President Gordon B. Hinckley for 1 year. President Eyring was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 1, 1995, and prior to that he was president of Rick’s College in Idaho. He was also on the faculty at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University.
M. Russell Ballard, acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has been an apostle since October 6, 1985. In 1976, he was called as a General Authority Seventy. Before his call as a full-time Church leader, President Ballard, enjoyed hobbies in automotive and investment businesses.
Local and international reporters gathered in the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City to answer questions from the new First Presidency of the Church.
Here are some of the remarks from the press conference:
“Though our world is filled with serious challenges, I am optimistic about the future and confident about the fundamental goodness of humankind.” President Russell M. Nelson
“The love of God for all is children is the polestar for our relationship to every living person on this planet.” President Dallin H. Oaks
“There is a power from this millennial generation and a greater faith than I remember in my youth.” President Henry B. Eyring
Amy Judd, posted on her Instagram account, “I am really excited about the new First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love these men and look forward to hearing from and being led by them. “
President Nelson extends his love to all and is thankful for the many prayers offered. He says, “Now whatever your concerns, whatever your challenges, I wish to assure you that there is a place for you in this, the Lord’s Church. Our Father in Heaven cherishes His children and wants each of us to return home to Him.”
