Russell M Nelson, head of Church of Latter-day Saints, dies aged 101

September 29, 2025

Russell M. Nelson, the 101-year-old president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Saturday in Salt Lake City. As a revered prophet and the oldest serving head of the church, Nelson implemented significant policy changes during his leadership, including rolling back anti-LGBT policies, severing ties with the Boy Scouts, and campaigning against nicknames like "Mormon" for the faith.

Who is affected

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
LGBTQ+ individuals and families connected to the church
Nelson's wife Wendy and his eight surviving children
The broader religious community that interacted with the church
Former Boy Scouts of America organization partnership

What action is being taken

The church is mourning Nelson's death alongside the recent tragedy of four attendees killed at a Michigan church
Church leadership is transitioning, with Dallin H. Oaks expected by many to become the next president
Various leaders including President Donald Trump are paying respects and issuing statements about Nelson's life and legacy

Why it matters

Nelson led sweeping policy changes that modernized aspects of the church, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ individuals
His leadership shifted the church's identity through changes like ending the Boy Scouts partnership and discouraging the "Mormon" nickname
Nelson's global ministry expanded the church's international presence through extensive travel and temple construction
As both a spiritual leader and pioneering surgeon, Nelson represented a rare combination of medical and religious accomplishment

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC