By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at the age of 101 in Salt Lake City. Nelson, who served in the church’s highest levels of leadership for four decades, implemented significant changes, including discouraging the use of “Mormon” and “LDS” and modifying policies related to LGBTQ+ members. During his tenure, Nelson navigated scrutiny over the church’s handling of abuse reports while also expanding leadership and forging new partnerships, such as one with the NAACP. Nelson’s passing will likely result in Dallin H. Oaks, the next longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, becoming the next president of the faith.
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Russell M. Nelson, oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies, marking the end of a significant era for the church. At 101 years old, his passing generates a mix of reactions, from those who celebrated his life and leadership to those who held critical views. His tenure as president, commencing in January 2018, saw significant changes and developments that shaped the current landscape of the church.
One of the most notable shifts during his time was the emphasis on using the full name of the religion, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” rather than the shorthand “Mormon” or “LDS.” This was a deliberate move to distance the church from the popular vernacular it had previously used for decades, a stark change in branding, considering the money spent in the past to make the name familiar.
During his time, the church maintained its stance on same-sex marriage, and the administration took steps to limit participation of members who undergo gender-affirming medical procedures or change their names or pronouns, leading to criticism. The church’s leadership framed this approach as a balance between “the love of the Lord and the law of the Lord” in their interactions with LGBTQ+ members, though some found this balance difficult to reconcile.
Nelson’s presidency coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, and he publicly supported the medical and scientific communities’ guidance on safety measures and vaccinations, a move that earned him some credit during a difficult time. He also oversaw the end of the church’s ties with the Boy Scouts of America following the organization’s decision to allow LGBTQ+ youth members and adult volunteers, creating a new youth program.
A significant concern that arose during his leadership was the scrutiny of how the church handles reports of sexual abuse lodged with local leaders. Investigations revealed that the reporting hotline could potentially be used to divert abuse accusations away from law enforcement, directing them to church attorneys instead, which led to concerns about the safety of victims.
Those who were critical pointed out what they perceived as hypocrisy, such as allowing baptisms of children of same-sex couples while simultaneously not fully accepting them, expressing disapproval of practices and actions that did not align with the church’s traditional values. There were also critical comments about Nelson’s leadership style and the direction of the church under his guidance, especially regarding its stance on social issues.
The focus on the church’s handling of sexual abuse reports and the decision to sever ties with the Boy Scouts sparked further debate. Nelson’s actions and decisions, combined with the church’s approach to LGBTQ+ members and other social issues, divided opinions, reflecting broader societal divisions.
The upcoming change in church leadership is also a matter of interest. Dallin H. Oaks, known for his conservative views and history of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, is set to become the next church president. Observers note the advanced ages and health of the individuals in line to succeed Nelson, creating a sense of the church being led by elderly and infirm men.
Nelson’s death is a noteworthy event for many reasons. It signifies the end of a chapter in the history of the church, while those with strong criticisms of Nelson or the church’s policies and practices expressed their views openly. The various reactions to Nelson’s passing demonstrate the complexity of his legacy and the diverse perspectives on the church’s role in the modern world. The future direction of the church, as it now transitions to a new leader, will be a focal point of discussion and anticipation.