Jeffrey R. Holland, Next in Line to Lead Mormon Church, Dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland, a high-ranking official in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and next in line to become the faith’s president, has passed away at the age of 85. According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Holland died early Saturday morning in Salt Lake City due to complications associated with kidney disease.
Holland held a significant position in the church, leading the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which plays a crucial role in setting church policy and overseeing the church’s various business interests. As the next longest-tenured member of the quorum after President Dallin H. Oaks, Holland was poised to become the church’s president under the church’s established succession plan.
Leadership and Legacy
Holland’s death creates a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which will be filled by President Oaks in the coming months. The new apostle will likely be chosen from a lower-tier leadership council, in accordance with the church’s all-male priesthood. Holland’s leadership and legacy extend beyond his role in the church, as he also served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University (BYU) from 1980-89 and was a commissioner of the church’s global education system.
During his tenure at BYU, Holland worked to improve interfaith relations and established a satellite campus in Jerusalem. His efforts were recognized by the Anti-Defamation League, which honored him with the Torch of Liberty Award for fostering greater understanding between Christian and Jewish communities. However, his 2021 speech, known as “the musket fire speech,” sparked controversy as he called on church members to defend the faith’s teachings against same-sex marriage.
Personal Life and Tributes
Holland is survived by his three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland. As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Mormon community, remembering Holland’s dedication to the church and his commitment to education and interfaith dialogue.
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