Gerrit W. Gong

Gerrit W. Gong is an apostle who has served since 2018, becoming the first apostle of Asian descent in church history. Born in Redwood City, California, to Chinese immigrant parents, Gong had a distinguished career in international affairs and diplomacy.

Gong earned degrees from BYU and Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He worked in the U.S. State Department and later at the Center for Strategic and International Studies before full-time church service.

His calling was seen as a milestone for Asian church members and recognition of the church’s growth in Asia. He has spoken about his Chinese heritage and the gospel’s appeal across cultures.

Gong’s talks often address global perspectives, interfaith understanding, and the universal nature of the gospel. His diplomatic experience shows in his carefully worded, culturally sensitive messages.

He and Ulisses Soares, called together in 2018, represent a diversifying apostleship that increasingly reflects the church’s international membership.