Russell M. Nelson, the most senior Mormon apostle, will announce changes to top church leadership Tuesday morning. Nelson is widely expected to assume the role of president but who he will choose as counselors is more of an unknown.
The announcement will be broadcast to Mormons worldwide followed by a press conference with Nelson. And while his call to preside over the church would be in keeping with long-standing tradition, there’s no clear indication of who he’ll pick to advise him.
The president of the LDS Church typically selects a first and second counselor. Those advisers make up the First Presidency, the church’s highest governing body. Thomas Monson’s counselors were Henry Eying and Dieter Uchtdorf, who, since his death, have resumed their roles in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Eyring has served in the First Presidency since the end of Gordon Hinckley’s tenure as president. Uchtdorf, a native of Germany and former pilot, was tapped by Monson and has become beloved by Mormons for his messages of acceptance.
It could be that Nelson asks both of them to resume their posts or he may opt for more senior apostles to join him. Whomever he chooses will help set the tone for his time at the head of church.
At 93 years old, Nelson will be the second oldest apostle to ever be called as president. Though a church spokesperson says he’s in fairly good health. Still skiing, as of last season, and sticking to a full schedule.
