A well-defined leadership hierarchy makes for no surprises in next president of Mormon church
October 2, 2025
The next president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn’t a surprise. That’s because the church has a well-defined leadership hierarchy that has governed it for decades. Former Utah Supreme Court Justice Dallin H. Oaks is expected to ascend to the presidency after the recent death of President Russell M. Nelson, who was 101. Oaks is currently the longest-tenured member of a top body of leaders called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, making him next in line. Religious studies experts say the succession plan was created in 1889 following two years of debate and some politicking. Since then, the plan has been carried out without exception.