Russell M. Nelson became president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 14, 2018, when the First Presidency was reorganized after the death of President Thomas S. Monson earlier that day. He was ordained and set apart as the president and prophet, seer, and revelator of the church in a sacred ceremony conducted by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This marked the beginning of what church leaders refer to as the "Nelson era," with Nelson identified as the 17th president of the restored church. The following article provides a verified, evergreen explanation of the date, context, and implications of his call.
Background and Context of the Presidency
The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is considered by members to be a prophet, seer, and revelator called by God. The office has evolved through church history, with clear succession protocols established after periods of transition in the 19th century. By the early 20th century, procedures around the death or dissolution of the First Presidency were formalized, emphasizing continuity through the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Leading up to 2018, the church had navigated multiple transitions, with long-serving presidencies shaping Latter-day Saint institutions globally. Understanding this context helps clarify why the January 2018 transition drew significant attention from both members and external observers.
Timeline of Key Events Leading to Nelson's Presidency
The transition to Russell M. Nelson's presidency followed a precise sequence widely reported and documented by the church:
- January 1, 2018: Thomas S. Monson, the 16th president of the church, was actively serving as president.
- January 2, 2018: Nelson and other members of the Quorum of the Twelve met for weekly activities as part of their regular schedule.
- January 14, 2018, early morning: Church leadership learned that President Monson had passed away during the night.
- January 14, 2018, later that day: The First Presidency was dissolved, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles moved to reorganize the presidency.
- January 14, 2018: Russell M. Nelson was ordained and set apart as president of the church, with Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring called as counselors in the First Presidency.
Immediate Organizational Changes
Following Nelson's call, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles became the governing body again, with the senior apostle—Russell M. Nelson—assuming the role of president. Church administrative units continued to function, and global communication was issued to clarify the transition. This process reflected established plans for continuity in leadership, ensuring that ecclesiastical and administrative operations would proceed without disruption.
Details of Russell M. Nelson's Call
The calling of Nelson as president was conducted in accordance with the church's long-standing tradition of prophetic succession. Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles participated in prayer and formal deliberation before Nelson was presented as the choice of the Lord. The ordination included the laying on of hands by the senior members of the Quorum, affirming his role as the spiritual leader of the church. This event is recorded in official church history and is referenced in subsequent general conference addresses.
Official Church Statement on the Transition
Official statements released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasized continuity, unity, and the divine appointment of Nelson as president. These messages were disseminated through multiple channels, including official magazines, press resources, and broadcast updates to local congregations worldwide. The language used underscored the belief that the call was directed by God, consistent with the church's teachings on prophetic leadership.
Church Historical Precedents for Presidential Transitions
The church has a documented history of orderly transitions of presidential authority, particularly after the death of a sitting president. Notable precedents include the succession of leadership in 1844, 1880, 1898, 1918, 1951, 1970, and 2008. These transitions have consistently followed a pattern of Quorum-based reorganization, with the senior apostle typically called as president. The January 2018 transition adhered to this pattern, reinforcing what church members describe as a consistent process inspired by their understanding of scripture and history.
| President | Date Called as President | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Smith | April 6, 1830 (organization)Church formally organized; Smith sustained as first president. | |
| Brigham Young | August 8, 1844Succession after Joseph Smith’s death; sustained by Quorum of Twelve. | |
| Lorenzo Snow | April 5, 1898Called after Wilford Woodruff’s death. | |
| Heber J. Grant | December 7, 1918Called after Joseph F. Smith’s death. | |
| David O. McKay | April 9, 1951Called after George Albert Smith’s death. | |
| Spencer W. Kimball | December 30, 1973Called after Harold B. Lee’s death. | |
| Thomas S. Monson | February 3, 2008Called after Gordon B. Hinckley’s death. | |
| Russell M. Nelson | January 14, 2018Called after Thomas S. Monson’s death. |
The Presidency in the Modern Era
Since January 14, 2018, Russell M. Nelson has overseen a period characterized by accelerated changes in technology, media, and global expansion. Under his direction, the church has continued to prioritize missionary work, temple construction, and humanitarian initiatives. Nelson has issued multiple official statements on topics ranging from religious freedom to family life, framing these teachings within the context of modern challenges. His background as a medical doctor and longtime church leader informs a distinctive approach to church administration and public communication.
Administrative Focus Areas
Reports and official materials indicate that Nelson's administration has emphasized several priorities: strengthening local congregations, improving youth and young adult engagement, expanding digital outreach, and enhancing temple efficiency. These efforts are framed as part of a broader mission to help individuals and families live gospel principles in a rapidly changing world. The church's organizational structure has been periodically reviewed to support these goals while preserving core doctrinal and operational practices.
Doctrinal and Policy Implications
The transition to Nelson's presidency did not introduce abrupt doctrinal changes, as the church teaches that its core principles are unchanging. However, shifts in emphasis, communication tone, and administrative focus are evident in general conference addresses and policy guidance. Nelson has encouraged increased scriptural study, deeper family focus, and greater reliance on revelation in decision-making. Such directives are presented as continuations of longstanding LDS teachings, adapted to contemporary circumstances.
Global and Cultural Considerations
As the church has grown internationally, Nelson's leadership has addressed issues related to cultural adaptation, legal considerations, and interfaith relations. Official statements have urged members to be good citizens, respect local laws, and contribute positively to their communities. This global perspective reflects both the expanding reach of the church and the complexities of operating in diverse legal and cultural environments.