President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints smiles while having lunch with local dignitaries in Concepcion, Chile on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. Creative Commons.
In Memory: President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025)
President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their revered prophet, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101. A man of science and spirit, President Nelson leaves behind a legacy of profound transformation, global outreach, religious freedom, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.
Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, President Nelson was a world-renowned heart surgeon before being called to full-time Church service in 1984 as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 2018, he became the 17th president of the Church, guiding more than 17 million members worldwide through a period of remarkable growth and spiritual renewal.
A Legacy of Religious Freedom and Interfaith Respect
President Nelson was a tireless advocate for religious liberty, emphasizing that the right to worship freely is not only a civil right but a sacred duty. Under his leadership, the Church expanded its humanitarian efforts, strengthened interfaith partnerships, and supported legislation that balanced religious freedom with human dignity.
His commitment was rooted in the Church’s 11th Article of Faith, which declares:
“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”
This principle guided the Church’s global engagement, including its support for faith-friendly workplaces, interreligious dialogue, and the protection of minority faiths.
A Personal Tribute
Dr. Brian Grim, founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and a practicing Roman Catholic, shared a personal reflection on President Nelson’s powerful influence:
“I remember when President Nelson invited me to address the Area Committee, a gathering of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Bishopric. I spoke of the work we’re doing—how businesses and leaders are embracing interfaith understanding and religious freedom through a variety of ways including faith-friendly workplaces. It was a moment of profound affirmation, not just of the mission, but of the spirit behind it.
His thank-you letter, gracious and heartfelt, humble and hopeful, remains one of my most cherished possessions. In it, I felt not just gratitude, but a quiet echo of divine encouragement.”
A Prophet of Peace and Progress
President Nelson’s ministry was marked by bold reforms, including a renewed emphasis on the name of the Church, a restructuring of worship practices, and the announcement of hundreds of new temples. He received the inaugural Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and religious harmony.
His teachings, travels, and tireless service touched millions across continents and cultures. He will be remembered not only as a prophet but as a bridge-builder, a healer, and a man whose life bore witness to the power of faith in action.
President Nelson is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and millions of members who considered him a spiritual father.