The Aging Leadership of the LDS Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a unique policy of having its top leaders serve until death, making aging authorities almost inevitable.
Historian Greg Prince discusses the implications of this policy, including the advantages and disadvantages of having aging church leaders.
- Leadership succession has evolved throughout Latter-day Saint history.
- The prospect of apostles and First Presidency members being granted emeritus status rather than serving until they die is considered.
President Dallin H. Oaks, at age 93, became the 18th prophet-president of the Utah-based faith, succeeding Russell M. Nelson.
Oaks will be expected to serve until the end of his life, following the example of Nelson and 16 others before him.
Autor's summary: LDS Church leaders age.