President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101, marking the end of an era defined by sweeping change, global outreach, and a relentless focus on faith and unity.
A Century of Life, a Legacy of Change
President Nelson’s passing was confirmed by church officials late Saturday, with tributes pouring in from leaders and members worldwide. Elder Quentin L. Cook described him as “the most decisive leader I have ever worked with” and praised his humility and vision. Nelson’s leadership style was characterized by his willingness to ask hard questions, listen deeply, and encourage innovation within the church.
During his six-plus years as president, Nelson led the church through some of its most challenging and dynamic times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He traveled to 35 nations, met with world leaders, and addressed hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saints—often in their native languages.
Sweeping Reforms and Historic Firsts
President Nelson’s tenure was marked by a series of bold reforms that reshaped the church’s structure and policies:
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Ministering Replaced Home and Visiting Teaching: Nelson introduced a new approach to member care, emphasizing personal connection and spiritual support over formal visits.
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Sunday Meeting Adjustments: He shortened Sunday worship to better support home-centered gospel study, a move that became especially significant during the pandemic.
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Inclusivity Initiatives: Under his leadership, the church reversed a controversial policy, allowing children of LGBTQ parents to be blessed and baptized, and permitted women and youth to serve as witnesses in sacred ordinances.
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Temple Expansion: Perhaps most notably, Nelson announced 185 new temples—over half of all temples in church history—making temple worship more accessible to millions. His final public act was dedicating the 200th temple, the Deseret Peak Utah Temple, just weeks before his death.
A Global Vision and a Call for Unity
Nelson’s global vision was evident in his outreach to world leaders and his efforts to build bridges with organizations like the NAACP. He called for racial reform and greater understanding, famously writing, “solutions will come as we open our hearts”.
He repeatedly urged church members to “let God prevail” in their lives, emphasizing spiritual resilience and unity in times of division and uncertainty. In his final years, Nelson’s messages focused on healing, forgiveness, and the need to “bury your weapons of war”—a metaphor for ending personal and societal conflict.
What’s Next for the Church?
With Nelson’s passing, the church faces a pivotal moment. His sweeping changes and accelerated temple building have set a new course, but questions remain about how his successors will build on his legacy. Church members and leaders are now reflecting on his call to strengthen spiritual foundations and embrace unprecedented measures for unprecedented times.
Takeaways and Future Implications
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President Nelson’s leadership will be remembered for its bold reforms, global outreach, and focus on unity and faith.-
His death marks a significant transition for the church, with members looking to the future while honoring his transformative legacy.-
The next church president will inherit both the momentum and the challenges of Nelson’s ambitious vision.President Nelson’s life and leadership have left an indelible mark—not just on the church, but on millions around the world who were touched by his message of hope, faith, and inclusion.
Sources
1. President Russell M. Nelson dies at 101 - Church News
2. Russell M. Nelson: Destroying the LdS Church One Revelation at a ...
3. Remembering the Life of President Russell M. Nelson
4. President Russell M. Nelson — a man of heart, hope and vision
5. President Nelson and the Apostleship – Church News
6. President Russell M. Nelson, church president and medical pioneer ...
7. In Memoriam | President Russell M. Nelson | September 2025
8. Announcements and changes President Nelson has made in the ...
9. President Russell M. Nelson: He saw me for who I had the potential ...
10. President Nelson at 101: A Ministry Focused on Jesus Christ
11. Russell M. Nelson dies at 101 after leading the LDS Church through ...
12. Russell M. Nelson - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
13. Invitations President Nelson has given since becoming Prophet
14. President Nelson's ancestry and examples of religious freedom
