SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Religious leaders typically remain in their positions long after the usual retirement age, but centenarians who lead major faiths are quite rare. As of Monday, however, this is the case for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as church president Russell M. Nelson celebrated his 100th birthday. Nelson had already made history three years earlier by becoming the oldest president of this Utah-based church and is now its first leader to reach the century mark.
“As people age, they often gain wisdom and spiritual authority,” shared Angie Hong, who directs a program for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School.
Other prominent religious figures of advanced age include Pope Francis, who is 87; the Dalai Lama, at 89; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who is 84; and Ali al-Sistani, the grand ayatollah for the world’s 200 million Shia Muslims, who is 94.
To honor Nelson’s milestone birthday, the church held a special broadcast celebration. Additionally, Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican and church member, proclaimed Monday as “President Russell M. Nelson Day” in the state. He stated, “President Nelson is a leader not only in Utah but throughout the world. He has tirelessly worked to foster understanding and kindness, living a life dedicated to family, faith, and service.”
The president of the church, known widely as the Mormon church, manages everything from its extensive financial assets to its teachings and policies. He is also considered a prophet and serves until death. Traditionally, the new president is selected from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the church’s senior governing body, specifically from its member with the longest tenure. Nelson has been part of the Quorum since 1984, giving him four decades of leadership experience.
Nelson became the church’s 17th president in 2018 at the age of 93, making him the second-oldest person to assume this role. According to scholars and those familiar with his leadership, he quickly initiated significant changes within the church, including revamping worship services and building new temples.
His advanced age has not raised significant concerns, largely due to his energetic leadership style, said Patrick Mason, a professor of religion and history at Utah State University. He noted that the church’s various service opportunities offer valuable roles for its older members. “There’s a general sense that age brings wisdom and stability,” Mason added.
While the church continues to grow, Nelson’s 100th birthday highlights the aging demographic of its leadership, which is predominantly older white males. His two top counselors, including the individual most likely to succeed him, are also in their 90s. Currently, six of the fifteen leaders in the church’s highest governing councils are aged 80 or older.
There has been ongoing debate within the church about the need for younger leadership in response to a changing world. Some argue for a transition to a younger leadership team, while others champion the advantages of having experienced, older leaders who provide wisdom and spiritual maturity.
According to Hong, good spiritual leaders should focus on mentoring younger individuals to prepare them for future leadership. This concept is common among many faiths. For instance, in Hinduism, seasoned leaders from various sects often select and guide their successors while remaining active in everyday governance.
In a ceremony at the church headquarters in Salt Lake City, family members, church leaders, and representatives from other faiths paid their respects to Nelson. Jeffrey Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, praised Nelson as both “the Lord’s mouthpiece” and someone who has been “unfailingly kind, composed, gentle, and forgiving.” He expressed, “We gather to celebrate your remarkable 100 years of life, expressing our love in the name of Jesus Christ.”
In the lead-up to his milestone birthday, Nelson encouraged church members to connect with someone in need, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of a shepherd who leaves behind 99 sheep to find the one that is lost.
Dallin H. Oaks, a senior church leader positioned to succeed Nelson, remarked in a pre-recorded video that “He’s a very loving leader and easy to admire.” In his own message, Nelson reflected on reaching 100 years old, expressing uncertainty about why God has allowed him to live so long. He stated, “The length of your life matters less than the quality of the life you lead. Time flies by for everyone, even for a 100-year-old man. I hope and pray that you will allow God’s influence to direct your life.”
Many church members expressed their admiration for Nelson’s ability to lead effectively at the age of 100. Mark Chavez, a member of the church, praised Nelson’s administration for initiating the construction of new temples globally and for promoting diversity in leadership roles, reflecting a more international perspective for this U.S.-based faith.
Nelson has been at the forefront of the church during critical moments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision to sever its century-long partnership with the Boy Scouts of America after the organization opted to include openly gay and transgender youth members and volunteers.
Under Nelson’s leadership, the church has voiced its acceptance of LGBTQ+ members while maintaining its position that same-sex relationships are sinful. Recently, the church announced new policies regarding transgender individuals, excluding them from roles such as serving as priests or teachers, working with children, or staying overnight at youth camps. While they were previously barred from baptism, they are now allowed to use single-occupancy restrooms at church facilities.
As one of his first acts as president, Nelson called on church members to discontinue shorthand terms like “Mormon” and “LDS” in favor of the church’s full name. Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, Nelson joined the church as a young adult. He served as a doctor during the Korean War at the age of 22 and later became the director of thoracic surgery residency at the University of Utah.
“He maintains a delicate balance between staying true to church doctrine while expressing love for everyone involved,” said Sheri Dew, Nelson’s biographer and executive vice president of the Deseret Management Corporation, which is owned by the church. “While you may not agree with all his beliefs, a fair evaluation of his life would acknowledge that he has genuinely strived to improve the lives of millions.”
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Bharath reported from Southern California, with contributions from Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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