Aging Leadership in the LDS Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a unique policy where its top leaders serve until death, making aging authorities 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 is considered.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only major Western religious tradition in the US with a service-until-death policy for its top leader.
Notable examples include President Dallin H. Oaks, who at 93, became the 18th prophet-president, and is expected to serve until the end of his life, following the precedent set by Russell M. Nelson and 16 others before him.
Author's summary: Aging LDS leaders raise concerns about dementia and leadership succession.