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Global Church of Jesus Christ Faces Defining Moment Amid Leadership Change and Temple Boom Salt Lake City – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith claiming over 17. 5 million adherents worldwide, is currently navigating one of its most significant institutional transitions in a generation following the death of its oldest-ever President, Russell M. Nelson, at the age of 101. The transition occurs against a backdrop of unprecedented global expansion, escalating humanitarian commitments, and increased scrutiny over its multi-billion-dollar finances. The leadership change is set to shape the organisation's public posture and rapid global development for the next decade. The customary, deliberate process for appointing a new president—considered by members to be a modern-day prophet—ensures institutional continuity, yet the moment provides a critical juncture for reflection on the direction of the faith. Per established protocol, the Church’s governing body, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is currently leading the global institution until the senior-most apostle, Dallin H. Oaks, is formally named as the new President. The Mechanics of Succession Unlike in many other global religious organisations, the succession of the Church of Jesus Christ is not determined by election or appointment but by longevity of service within the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This established hierarchy ensures a smooth and predictable transition, a tradition put in place in the late 19th century. With the death of President Nelson, the First Presidency—comprising the President and his two counsellors—is automatically dissolved, and the counsellors return to the Quorum of the Twelve. The expected incoming leader, President-Designate Dallin H.
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Oaks, 93, brings a distinct background to the role. A former professor of law and president of Brigham Young University, he served as a justice on the Utah Supreme Court for three years before his appointment as an apostle in 1984. His tenure has been marked by strong public advocacy for religious freedom and traditional, conservative stances on family structure and social issues, creating a point of anxiety for some progressive members and their allies. The Era of Temple Proliferation The most visible legacy of the outgoing leadership has been the accelerated campaign to construct sacred temples globally. Since 2018, President Nelson announced more than 150 new temple sites, bringing the total number of temples operating, under construction, or announced to over 335. This massive building programme has been described by one researcher as the "biggest building boom in the history of the faith. " Temples are central to the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where members perform sacred ordinances, including weddings that seal families for eternity and baptisms performed on behalf of deceased ancestors. This push to bring temples closer to members around the world reflects the faith's dramatically changing demographics, with the majority of its members now residing outside of the United States. New temples have recently been announced or dedicated in rapidly growing regions, including Mbuji-Mayi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. “This expansion is a direct reflection of a commitment to the global membership, ensuring that the covenant path is accessible to all, regardless of geography,” explained Doug Andersen, a spokesperson for the Church, regarding the temple building initiatives. “They are meant to be a beacon, drawing the faithful closer to God. ” Local Challenges and Financial Transparency However, this rapid proliferation has not been without complication.
The building projects, often designed as large, ornate structures with tall spires, have recently faced resistance from local governing bodies and communities, particularly in the United States. Disputes over height restrictions, architectural impact, and density have been seen in planning meetings in areas such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and parts of Wyoming. Critics argue the size and visual prominence of the structures clash with existing suburban zoning regulations. Furthermore, the Church’s financial structure continues to draw attention. While the faith reported a substantial humanitarian output, giving $1. 45 billion in 2024 to support various global programs including disaster relief, food security, and women’s health initiatives, its overall finances remain largely opaque to the public. Filings from the Church's main investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, Inc. , indicated a portfolio value of nearly $55 billion, according to recent regulatory disclosures. “The scale of the Church's investment holdings places it among the largest non-profit organisations in the world, yet it operates with a unique level of non-disclosure concerning its overall income and expenditures,” notes Dr. Patrick Mason, a professor of religious studies and history at Utah State University. “The transition in leadership will renew questions about whether the Church will embrace greater financial transparency to match its increasing public profile and global reach. ” The internal revenue, which primarily comes from tithing—a mandatory 10% donation of income from members—is not routinely published.
Humanitarian Reach and Future Outlook In addition to temple building, the Church of Jesus Christ maintains a significant global footprint through its humanitarian work, having implemented 3,836 humanitarian projects in 192 countries in the last year alone. This aid is often provided in partnership with major international organizations, reflecting a strategy of collaborative, impactful service. This commitment to service is anchored in scripture. As Dallin H. Oaks, the Church's expected new leader, has stated, “Our commitment to serving those in need is absolute, and it is also coupled with a commitment to cooperating with others in that effort. ” As the faith prepares for the formal announcement of its new president, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands at an institutional peak. The new leadership will inherit a global, wealthy, and rapidly expanding organisation. The central challenge for the incoming President will be to balance the strong theological imperatives for global expansion and temple building with the growing pressures for political engagement, social inclusion, and financial clarity in an increasingly interconnected and scrutinised world. The video Caring Starts with You: 2024 Summary of Humanitarian Efforts provides a visual summary of the humanitarian work mentioned in the article's context section.
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