Aging Leadership in the LDS Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a unique policy of service-until-death for its top leaders, making aging authorities almost inevitable.
Historian Greg Prince discusses the implications of this policy, including the advantages and disadvantages of having aging church leaders.
- Leadership succession has evolved throughout Latter-day Saint history.
- The prospect of apostles and First Presidency members being granted emeritus status rather than serving until they die is a topic of discussion.
As top LDS Church leaders age, they move closer to 'the zone of dementia'
President Dallin H. Oaks, 93, is the 18th prophet-president of the Utah-based faith, and is expected to serve until the end of his life, following the example of his predecessors.
Author's summary: LDS Church faces challenges with aging leaders.