Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

1940 (85 years) Living

Hometown: Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now Ostrava, Czech Republic)

Biography

Dieter F. Uchtdorf is an apostle who has served since 2004 and served in the First Presidency as Second Counselor from 2008 to 2018. Born in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II, Uchtdorf’s family fled as refugees to Germany, giving him a unique perspective among primarily American church leadership.

Uchtdorf had a distinguished career as a pilot and airline executive, becoming a captain for Lufthansa and later a senior executive. He served as a fighter pilot in the West German Air Force before his commercial career.

Known for his polished, charismatic speaking style and German accent, Uchtdorf became enormously popular among church members. His talks on grace (“The Gift of Grace”), doubt (“Come, Join with Us”), and inclusion were seen as more progressive than typical apostolic rhetoric. His message to doubters—”Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith”—became widely quoted.

His removal from the First Presidency in 2018 surprised many members who expected him to eventually become president. He returned to the Quorum of the Twelve and continues to serve actively.

Uchtdorf has emphasized reaching out to those who have left or doubt, taking a more pastoral approach than some colleagues.

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

Gordon B. Hinckley Gordon B. Hinckley 1910–2008 (97 years) Thomas S. Monson Thomas S. Monson 1927–2018 (90 years) Russell M. Nelson Russell M. Nelson 1924–2025 (101 years) Dallin H. Oaks Dallin H. Oaks 1932 (93 years)

Wives (1)

#NameMarriage DateHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1 Harriet Reich Dec 14, 1962 192232

Children (2)

With Harriet Reich (2 children)

Related Posts (30)

Related Images

"In our learning, let us not neglect the fountain of revelation. The scriptures and the words of modern-day apostles and prophets are the sources of wisdom, divine knowledge, and personal revelation to help us find answers to all the challenges in life. Let us learn of Christ; let us seek out that knowledge which leads to peace, truth, and the sublime mysteries of eternity." Dieter F. Uchtdorf, LDS Apostle, General Conference, October 2009 | wasmormon.org "Latter-day Saints are not asked to blindly accept everything they hear. We are encouraged to think and discover truth for ourselves. We are expected to ponder, to search, to evaluate, and thereby to come to a personal knowledge of the truth. We seek for truth wherever we may find it." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, LDS Apostle, January 13, 2013 BYU Devotional | wasmormon.org “Let's Go Shopping!” “We’re so pleased to join in inviting the world to come to downtown Salt Lake City... Everything that we see around us is evidence of the long-standing commitment of The Church to Salt Lake City. Downtown, thanks to so many, is indeed rising.” - President Eyring spoke on behalf of the church during the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening City Creek Center. Church President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor President Dieter F. Uchtdorf  and the Presiding Bishopric were also in attendance. | wasmormon.org "If we remove ourselves from the light of the gospel, our own light begins to dim—not in a day or a week but gradually over time—until we look back and can’t quite understand why we had ever believed the gospel was true. Our previous knowledge might even seem foolish to us because what once was so clear has again become blurred, hazy, and distant." - Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf | wasmormon.org "I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org "To be perfectly frank, there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org “Sometimes there is a difference of opinion as to what the “facts” really mean. A question that creates doubt in some can, after careful investigation, build faith in others.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org “Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. We openly acknowledge that in Church history — along with an uninterrupted line of inspired, honorable, and divine events — there have been some things said and done that could cause people to question.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org “It’s natural to have questions... First doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org "First doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith" - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2013 | wasmormon.org Dieter F Uchtdorf facebook post claiming his mobile phone is like a seer stone.