Russell M. Nelson

Russell M. Nelson

1924–2025 (101 years)

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah

Biography

Russell M. Nelson was the seventeenth President of the LDS Church, serving from January 2018 until his death in September 2025 at age 101. A world-renowned heart surgeon, Nelson pioneered open-heart surgery techniques and performed the first successful open-heart surgery in Utah. He earned his medical degree from the University of Utah and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

Nelson waited longer than any previous apostle to become president—33 years after his ordination. As president, he initiated significant changes at a rapid pace: emphasizing the full name of the church (discouraging “Mormon” and “LDS”), restructuring home teaching into “ministering,” eliminating some long-standing programs, and introducing a two-hour church block.

His presidency emphasized the temple, with an aggressive temple-building program announcing dozens of new temples. He also made headlines by allowing church members to be rebaptized after excommunication for same-sex marriage—a reversal of a 2015 policy he had helped implement.

Nelson was known for his physical vitality despite his advanced age. His emphasis on using the church’s full name and his claim of continuous revelation brought both praise and criticism. He married twice, his first wife having died in 2005. He became the longest-serving prophet in modern church history before his death.

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

Spencer W. Kimball
Spencer W. Kimball
Ezra Taft Benson
Ezra Taft Benson
Howard W. Hunter
Howard W. Hunter
Gordon B. Hinckley
Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
Thomas S. Monson

Apostles Who Served During This Presidency

Apostles who served under this leader during their presidency:

Dallin H. Oaks
Dallin H. Oaks 1932 (93 years)
M. Russell Ballard
M. Russell Ballard 1928–2023 (95 years)
Jeffrey R. Holland
Jeffrey R. Holland 1940–2025 (85 years)
Henry B. Eyring
Henry B. Eyring 1933 (92 years)
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Dieter F. Uchtdorf 1940 (85 years)
David A. Bednar
David A. Bednar 1952 (73 years)
Quentin L. Cook
Quentin L. Cook 1940 (85 years)
D. Todd Christofferson
D. Todd Christofferson 1945 (81 years)
Neil L. Andersen
Neil L. Andersen 1951 (74 years)
Ronald A. Rasband
Ronald A. Rasband 1951 (74 years)
Gary E. Stevenson
Gary E. Stevenson 1955 (70 years)
Dale G. Renlund
Dale G. Renlund 1952 (73 years)
Gerrit W. Gong
Gerrit W. Gong 1953 (72 years)
Ulisses Soares
Ulisses Soares 1958 (67 years)
Patrick Kearon
Patrick Kearon 1961 (64 years)

Wives (2)

Russell M. Nelson was a celestial polygamist with 2 wives. Note these are sequential marriages — each previous spouse died before the next marriage, meaning no simultaneous living plural marriages.

2 wives · Lifespan: 1924–2025

Dantzel White
1945–2005 (60 yrs)
Wendy Watson
2006–2025 (19 yrs)
1924 (born) 1949 1974 1999 2025 (died)
Wife

2 children from 1 wives · Lifespan: 1924–2025

Dantzel White
2 children
1924 (born) 1949 1974 1999 2025 (died)
Wife Child born

2 wives · Ages at marriage

Her age His age Teenage bride (<18)
#NameBornDiedMarriedHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1
Dantzel White Dantzel White
Feb 17, 1926Feb 12, 2005 Aug 31, 1945 192012
2
Wendy Watson
Jul 14, 1950● Apr 6, 2006 5581260

Children (2)

With Dantzel White Dantzel White  (2 children)

  1. Wendy Nelson (b. Jan 1, 1951)
  2. Emily Nelson (b. Jan 1, 1958)

Posts Related to Russell M. Nelson

Images Related to Russell M. Nelson

There are no greater roles for a woman than those of wife and mother. - Russell M. Nelson, as LDS Apostle, Woman—Of Infinite Worth, 1989 | wasmormon.org “This congregation is unique. I don’t see any mothers. Not one of us could be here without a mother, yet we are all here... Where are their mothers? Gathered in the kitchen of our home!” - Russell M. Nelson, as LDS Apostle, Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women, 1999 | wasmormon.org “President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, and Elder Quentin L. Cook of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, walk out out of the temple after a tour of the Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, Maryland, on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.” - Church News: See photos of the Washington D.C. Temple rededication | wasmormon.org “When I was a young intern, my income was $15 a month. One night, my wife Dantzel asked if I was paying tithing on that meager stipend. I was not. I quickly repented and began paying the additional $1.50 in monthly tithing. Was the Church any different because we increased our tithing? Of course not. However, becoming a full-tithe payer changed me. That is when I learned that paying tithing is all about faith, not money.” - Russell M. Nelson, LDS Church President, General Conference, October 2023 | wasmormon.org Navigating a faith crisis/transition can feel incredibly lonely for both the believing spouse and the non-believing spouse. As my wife and I navigated through my faith transition, we both felt a strong desire to reach out to those around us for guidance. I am so grateful that my wife and I were able to work through our differences. I do not believe that any healthy relationship should end because of a difference in religious affiliation. Contrary to what the president of the church (Russell Nelson) teaches, counseling with those of different beliefs can strengthen relationships of all types because it fosters empathy among all participants. No one should ever have to feel alone out of fear of nonacceptance. The Mormon church has been dishonest about many things from its history to ethical behaviors by the general leadership. Families should not be broken because of a global organization's dishonest behavior. - Curtis' "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/curtishartley/ "Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import. Far too many people live as though this life is all there is. However, your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever." - Russell M. Nelson, LDS Church President, October 2023 | wasmormon.org “We preach tithing to the poor people of the world because the poor people of the world have had cycles of poverty, generation after generation. That same poverty continues from one generation to another, until people pay their tithing.” - President Russell M. Nelson | Special Devotional, Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, April 16, 2018 | wasmormon.org “Labels are invented to foster feelings of segregation and competition. Serious seperations results when labels are utilized with the intent to demean... If we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, [The Savior] is offended.” - Russell M. Nelson vs “To be offended is a choice we make... One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the offensive actions of others. Choosing to be offended is a symptom of a much deeper and more serious spiritual malady.” - David A. Bednar | wasmormon.org "A few years ago I summarized my story in a letter I sent to President Russell M. Nelson. I have not received any response from any church leaders regarding my letter. I can conclude that LDS Church leaders are in awe of what can be accomplished when members and former members, along with non LDS associates, work as a well oiled machine to defeat false nonsense." - Byron's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/byron-marchant/ “Often unkind nicknames are added to—or even substituted for—given names. Labels are invented to foster feelings of segregation and competition. For example, athletic teams acquire names to intimidate others, such as Giants, Tigers, Warriors, and so on. Harmless you say? Well, perhaps not overly important. But that is only the beginning. More serious separation results when labels are utilized with the intent to demean, such as Jew, Gentile, black, Hispanic, or Mormon.” Russell M. Nelson, LDS Apostle, 1995 | BYU Devotional, “A More Excellent Hope” | wasmormon.org "Second incident occurred Nov 11 1976 involving Piper PA 31 N74985. Pilot experienced rough engine on scheduled flight between Salt Lake City and St. George. 3 passengers on board. Engine was feathered and precautionary landing made at Delta, Utah per instructions in company manual. Investigation revealed cylinder base studs sheered. As result of occurrence Sky West changed maintenance procedures by checking torque studs at each 100 hour inspection. No damage to aircraft. No injuries to crew or passengers." - Civil Aeronautics Board Reports, Volume 73, Economic Cases of the Civil Aeronautics Board, March to June 1977, Page 1089-1090 and an image of the exact Piper PA 31 N74985 | wasmormon.org "Second incident occurred Nov 11 1976 involving Piper PA 31 N74985. Pilot experienced rough engine on scheduled flight between Salt Lake City and St. George. 3 passengers on board. Engine was feathered and precautionary landing made at Delta, Utah per instructions in company manual. Investigation revealed cylinder base studs sheered. As result of occurrence Sky West changed maintenance procedures by checking torque studs at each 100 hour inspection. No damage to aircraft. No injuries to crew or passengers." - Civil Aeronautics Board Reports, Volume 73, Economic Cases of the Civil Aeronautics Board, March to June 1977, Page 1089-1090 | wasmormon.org "I was in a small airplane, and all of the sudden the engine on the wing caught fire. It exploded and burning oil was poured all over the right side of the airplane and we started to dive toward the earth. We were spinning down our death. Oh, this woman across the aisle, I just was so sorry for her. She was just absolutely uncontrollably hysterical. And I was calm. I was totally calm, even though I knew I was going downto my death. I was ready to meet my Maker. We didn't crash. We didn't die. The spiral dive extinguished the flame. The pilot got control and started the other engine up. We made an emergency landing out in a field." - Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them, Video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Narrated by Russell M. Nelson | wasmormon.org I remember vividly an experience I had as a passenger in a small two-propeller airplane. One of its engines suddenly burst open and caught on fire. The propeller of the flaming engine was starkly stilled. As we plummeted in a steep spiral dive toward the earth, I expected to die. Some of the passengers screamed in hysterical panic. Miraculously, the precipitous dive extinguished the flames. Then, by starting up the other engine, the pilot was able to stabilize the plane and bring us down safely. Throughout that ordeal, though I “knew” death was coming, my paramount feeling was that I was not afraid to die. - Elder Russell M. Nelson, Doors of Death, General Conference, April 1992 | wasmormon.org November 12—Flew to St. George. When one of the small airplane’s engines exploded, I expected to be killed. But after a precipitous dive in the disabled plane, the pilot made a safe emergency landing in Delta. I was going to St. George to give the opening prayer at the inaugural services at which Rolfe Kerr became president of Dixie College. - Russell M. Nelson, From Heart to Heart: An Autobiography, Quality Press, Inc. 1979. Highlights of 1977, Page 376 | wasmormon.org “When Wendy and I were on an assignment, in a distant land, armed robbers put a gun to my head, and pulled the trigger, but the gun didn't fire. Throughout that experience, both of our lives were threatened. Yet Wendy and I felt an undeniable peace. It was the peace which passeth all understanding.” - Russell M. Nelson, LDS Church President, General Conference, October 2024 | wasmormon.org “I think that President Russell M. Nelson will be known forever as a man of remarkable courage, to say, we will no longer use a nickname pejoratively attached to our church, by our enemies, anymore. We're inviting other people to call us what we are called, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” - David A. Bednar, LDS Apostle, Addresses the National Press Club, 2022 | wasmormon.org ”Quite miraculous, really, through the gift and power of God. We know that they had a table like this. We know they had the golden plates, covered usually. And Joseph used these: the Urim and Thummim, seer stones, in the hat. And it was easier for him to see the light when he'd take that position.” - President Russell M. Nelson, 2020. What if Nelson knew more about the translation process? What if he used the same technique and translated from the sealed portion of the Gold Plates? What would God say to him? Would he find his new scripture flattering? Introducing the Book of Macaroni: https://wasmormon.org/macaroni "We’re so blessed to have temples. We’ll have increasing numbers of temples as the Church grows. But it’s not the number, and it’s not the location. It’s not the architecture. It’s the ordinances inside." - President Russell M. Nelson, Church News, August 19, 2022 | wasmormon.org “The commandment to love our neighbors without discrimination is certain. But it must not be misunderstood. It applies generally. Selection of a marriage partner, on the other hand, involves specific and not general criteria... The probabilities of a successful marriage are known to be much greater if both the husband and wife are united in their religion, language, culture, and ethnic background. Thus, in choosing your eternal companion, please be wise. It’s better not to fly in the face of constant head winds. Occasional squalls provide challenge enough.” - LDS President, Russell M. Nelson, 1995 BYU Devotional, A More Excellent Hope | wasmormon.org "Today, to assist you to qualify for the rich blessings Heavenly Father has for you, I invite you to adopt the practice of “thinking celestial”! Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded." - President Russell M Nelson, Think Celestial, October 2023 | wasmormon.org "As you think celestial, you will find yourself avoiding anything that robs you of your agency." - President Russell M Nelson, Think Celestial, October 2023 | wasmormon.org "When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial! When life or loved ones let you down, think celestial! When someone dies prematurely, think celestial. When someone lingers with a devastating illness, think celestial. When the pressures of life crowd in upon you, think celestial! As you recover from an accident or injury, as I am doing now, think celestial!" - President Russell M. Nelson, LDS Church, October 2023 | wasmormon.org Deseret News in 2015 claims the term Mormon can only refer to the largest LDS church, and that Mormons have a problem controlling the public's opinion of them due to bad actors like Warren Jeffs. By 2018, new church president Russell M. Nelson said "If we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended... To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan." | wasmormon.org “Meet the Mormons” is a feature-length documentary film produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that will be released in select theaters on 10 October 2014. Four years later, in October 2018, new church president Russell M. Nelson said "If we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended... To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan." This documentary was a major victory for Satan, not only sponsored by but also produced by the church, which generated proceeds donated to the American Red Cross. Living prophet insists that God was offended. | wasmormon.org After The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched its “I’m a Mormon” media campaign in Great Britain in 2013, LDS officials say they are seeing significant increases in British interest in the church. These campaigns ended abruptly in 2018 when new church president Russell M. Nelson said "If we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended... To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan." | wasmormon.org In New York City, the Church launched the “I’m a Mormon” campaign in 2011. The campaign ended abruptly in 2018 when new church president Russell M. Nelson said "If we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended... To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan."  I'm a Mormon was an advertising and outreach campaign by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2010 to 2018 that aimed to combat stereotypes and misconceptions about the church by featuring short profiles from church members (also known as Mormons) on the mormon.org website. In October 2018, the church president Russell M. Nelson said that the use of nicknames such as Mormon was "a major victory for Satan." The outreach campaign thus ended. | wasmormon.org "If we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended... To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan." - President Russell M. Nelson 2018 | wasmormon.org "Thus, the name of the Church is not negotiable. When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be and even precedes His declaration with, “Thus shall my church be called,” He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended." - President Russell M. Nelson, 2018 | wasmormon.org "What’s in a name or, in this case, a nickname? When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the “LDS Church,” the “Mormon Church,” or the “Church of the Latter-day Saints,” the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name. To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan." - President Russell M. Nelson 2018 | wasmormon.org "Note carefully the language of the Lord. He did not say, “Thus shall my church be named.” He said, “Thus shall my church be called.” Years ago, its members were cautioned by the Brethren who wrote: “We feel that some may be misled by the too frequent use of the term ‘Mormon Church.’” Before any other name is considered to be a legitimate substitute, the thoughtful person might reverently consider the feelings of the Heavenly Parent who bestowed that name." - Elder Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, April 1990 | wasmormon.org [In Seminary,] I put up Nelson's talk that he gave in [1990], and I contrast it with his talk in 2018. I say, "What's different?" and it's like "using the word mormon is bad," and the other one is "using the word Mormon is a victory for Satan." I'm like, "What do you guys see as different?" The kids were like "yeah, that's kind of interesting." Then, I literally put up pictures of the London Underground that had "I'm a Mormon" and Times Square with "I'm a Mormon" and I asked my students the question, "Tell me what you guys think about this?" They were very clear, "I don't think that's a victory for Satan, or else Monson would have been doing Satan's work, and how does that make sense?" I'm like, "Yep, sounds about right. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen" - Marc Oslund, Former Seminary Teacher, Mormon Stories #1424 | wasmormon.org "Thomas S. Monson dies and Russell M. Nelson takes over, and almost immediately ... after the "I'm a Mormon" campaign which the church spent millions on, after the movie "Meet the Mormons" that the church spent millions on... Some decisions made in Salt Lake headquarters that because people have negative associations with the word, Mormon and we're losing the SEO war with the term Mormon, let's be witty and smart and abandon the term Mormon because it's a loser anyway, and let's pivot toward Jesus. So then, Russell M. Nelson blows everyone away by saying, "To use the word Mormon to identify the Mormon church, or the Mormon people, is a victory for Satan". Which his predecessor and multiple predecessors before, had all done!" - John Dehlin, Host of Mormon Stories Podcast #1424 | wasmormon.org “Though it may not have looked this way to some, the 2015 and 2019 policy adjustments on this matter were both motivated by love—the love of our Heavenly Father for His children and the love of the Brethren for those whom we serve. Ask your Heavenly Father if we truly are the Lord’s Apostles and prophets. Ask if we have received revelation on this.” - Russell M Nelson, regarding the November Policy Reversal, BYU Devotional, September 2019 | wasmormon.org “We of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cannot change the laws of God. We can adjust policy when the Lord directs us to do so. You have recently seen such examples. Because the Restoration is ongoing, policy changes will surely continue.” - Russell M Nelson, regarding the November Policy Reversal, BYU Devotional, September 2019 | wasmormon.org “[We] have continued to seek the Lord’s guidance and to plead with Him in behalf of His children who were affected by the 2015 policy. We knew that this policy created concern and confusion for some and heartache for others.” - Russell M Nelson, regarding the November Policy Reversal, BYU Devotional, September 2019 | wasmormon.org “We recently felt directed to adjust the policy such that the baptism of children of LGBT parents may be authorized by bishops without First Presidency approval. We also clarified that homosexual immorality would be treated in the eyes of the Church in the same manner as heterosexual immorality.” - Russell M Nelson, regarding the November Policy Reversal, BYU Devotional, September 2019 | wasmormon.org "Civility and decency seem to have disappeared during this era of polarization and passionate disagreements. Vulgarity, faultfinding, and evil speaking of others are all too common. Too many pundits, politicians, entertainers, and other influencers throw insults constantly. I am greatly concerned that so many people seem to believe that it is completely acceptable to condemn, malign, and vilify anyone who does not agree with them. Many seem eager to damage another’s reputation with pathetic and pithy barbs!" President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, General Conference April 2023. Giving concern and council he does not follow in the past or in the future. | wasmormon.org "Civility and decency seem to have disappeared during this era of polarization and passionate disagreements. Vulgarity, faultfinding, and evil speaking of others are all too common. Too many pundits, politicians, entertainers, and other influencers throw insults constantly. I am greatly concerned that so many people seem to believe that it is completely acceptable to condemn, malign, and vilify anyone who does not agree with them. Many seem eager to damage another’s reputation with pathetic and pithy barbs!" President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, General Conference April 2023. Giving concern and council he does not follow in the past or in the future. | wasmormon.org “Never take counsel from those who do not believe.” - LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson | wasmormon.org “There is no end to the adversary’s deceptions. Please be prepared. Never take counsel from those who do not believe. Seek guidance from voices you can trust—from prophets, seers, and revelators and from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.” - LDS Church President Russell M Nelson, 2023 | wasmormon.org “When someone you love attacks truth, think celestial, and don’t question your testimony. The Apostle Paul prophesied that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” - LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, 2023 | wasmormon.org “When someone you love attacks truth, think celestial, and don’t question your testimony. ... Never take counsel from those who do not believe.” - LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, 2023 | wasmormon.org "This prophetic process was followed ... with the recent additions to the Church’s handbook, consequent to the legalization of same-sex marriage in some countries. Filled with compassion for all, and especially for the children, we wrestled at length to understand the Lord’s will in this matter. Ever mindful of God’s plan of salvation and of His hope for eternal life for each of His children, we considered countless permutations and combinations of possible scenarios that could arise. We met repeatedly in the temple in fasting and prayer and sought further direction and inspiration. And then, when the Lord inspired His prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, to declare the mind of the Lord and the will of the Lord, each of us during that sacred moment felt a spiritual confirmation. It was our privilege as Apostles to sustain what had been revealed to President Monson. Revelation from the Lord to His servants is a sacred process." - Elder Russell M Nelson in 2016 regarding the November Policy of 2015 being a Revelation from the Lord | wasmormon.org “Take your questions to the Lord and to other faithful sources. Study with the desire to believe” - Russell M Nelson, LDS Church President | wasmormon.org “Choose to believe in Jesus Christ. If you have doubts, choose to believe and stay faithful.” - Russell M Nelson, LDS Church President | wasmormon.org “Wendy, you won’t believe what has been happening for two hours. The Lord has given me detailed instruction about a process I am to follow.” President Russell M. Nelson. A story relayed by Nelson’s wife, as told by Neil Andersen on Facebook in 2018 | wasmormon.org "Wendy, you won’t believe what has been happening for two hours. The Lord has given me detailed instruction about a process I am to follow." LDS Church President Russell M Nelson, 2018 | wasmormon.org Sister Nelson explained that in their 12 years of marriage, she had watched the process of revelation and inspiration upon her husband but that since becoming the president of the Church, those revelations have “expanded exponentially.” She explained, “He keeps a lined yellow pad of paper beside his bed.” Then she declared, “In the morning he holds up a half page to one and a half pages of notes with joy.” - Elder Neil L Andersen, 2018 via Facebook post | wasmormon.org Mormons: A "Pre-Nelson" term which today equates to Sustaining Contributors to the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doing business as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints®️, a registered trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. | wasmormon.org "An official Church Statement says: "On Friday evening they were having dinner together in the mission president's home when armed assailants entered the home and robbed them. We don't have complete information yet, but we understand that Sister Packard's arm was broken. In addition, she and others suffered some superficial injuries, mainly cuts and bruises. Elder and Sister Nelson will continue their assignment over the weekend as planned." - In May 2009 Elder Nelson was attacked during a visit to Africa. | wasmormon.org "On one occasion, we were attacked by armed men with malicious intent. They announced their purpose: to kidnap her, and to kill me. After they maliciously molested us in those evil objectives, they became totally foiled. A gun to my head failed to fire. And my wife was suddenly released from their hideous grasp. Then they disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. We were mercifully rescued from potential disaster. We know we were protected by angels round about us." - In 2015, Elder Nelson retells an embellished version of the robbery. | wasmormon.org "We saw vibrant faith at work among each of those islanders—faith sufficient to stop the rain and faith to persevere when the rain did not stop." President Russell Nelson | wasmormon.org "Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith." Russell M Nelson, Mormon Church President | wasmormon.org "Stop increasing your doubts by rehearsing them with other doubters." Russell M Nelson, Mormon Church President | wasmormon.org "Man has always been man. Dogs have always been dogs. Monkeys have always been monkeys. It’s just the way genetics works." Russell M Nelson, LDS Church President | wasmormon.org "Through the ages, some without scriptural understanding... have deduced that, because of certain similarities between different forms of life, there has been a natural selection of the species, or organic evolution from one form to another. To me, such theories are unbelievable!" - LDS Church President Russell M Nelson | wasmormon.org Russell M Nelson to receive the Gandhi-King-Mandela Peace Prize - Biographies for Russell M Nelson reveal nothing he's done towards equality, non-violence, promoting non-discrimination, or working to end racism or hatred in the world. It seems that they are recognizing him for the donation from the church, and if so, it would mean that the Mormon church leader is continuing the very Mormon tradition of conning the world into seeing him as an outstanding moral leader. The same way that Joseph Smith was able to eschew his treasure digging cont-artist past, and found a religion based on faith. The religion based on believing that emotion teaches truth, can't possibly be challenged. Nelson (Russell M) has made a pleasant extension of goodwill to the NAACP and they've apparently believed his emotion-laden discourse about loving one another and all being God's children over the mountain of evidence that the church is not anti-racist and has never even approached that side of the spectrum. This is the same church that denied full membership to blacks until 1978! That's a full decade after MLK was assassinated in 1968, and nearly 15 years after the civil rights act was passed in 1964. The act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, and also the act which the church vehemently opposed. Supporting forgiveness and growth and second chances, but many still can't fathom giving a leader this award, when he has done nothing to warrant such recognition. He leads a church with a horrible track record for non-violence, non-discrimination, and racism. He leads a church that sustains policies of discrimination, systemic racism, and racist doctrines still today. The church continues to oppress those who it deems acceptable. Nelson Mandela, Matma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr dwarfed by Russell M Nelson in a luxurious church. "To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan." Russell M Nelson - Mormon Church President - wasmormon.org "If we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, [The Savior] is offended." Russell M Nelson, Mormon Church President - wasmormon.org After being ordered to cease and decist misstating filings and settling for $5M. "We reached resolution with the SEC. We affirm our commitment to comply with the law, regret mistakes made, and now consider this matter closed." 2023 First Presidency: Russell M Nelson, Dallin H Oaks, Henry B Eyring - wasmormon.org After whistleblower report states church amassed $100 Billion Fund: "Claims being currently circulated are based on a narrow perspective and limited information. The Church complies with all applicable law governing our donations, investments, taxes, and reserves. We continue to welcome the opportunity to work with officials to address questions they may have." – 2019 First Presidency: Russell M Nelson, Dallin H Oaks, Henry B Eyring - wasmormon.org "the matter is closed" First Presidency: Russell M Nelson, Dallin H Oaks, Henry B Eyring We reached resolution with the SEC. We affirm our commitment to comply with the law, regret mistakes made, and now consider this matter closed. - First Presidency: Russell M Nelson, Dallin H Oaks, Henry B Eyring "We know that they had a table like this. We know they had the golden plates, covered usually. And Joseph used these: the Urim and Thummim, seer stones, in the hat. And it was easier for him to see the light when he'd, uh, take that position." Russell M Nelson, LDS Church President awkwardly gaslights everyone about Joseph Smiths translation process including looking at a rock in his hat. "To me, it's like having my mobile phone in my hand. And I can get messages on it that you can't see. And they had nothing like that, so it's just the gift and power of God how he was able to do that in that period of time." Russell M Nelson, LDS Church President compares Joseph Smith's peep stones to his own cell phone text messages. Russell M Nelson looks into a hat to show how Joseph Smith looked into a hat with a peep stone to translate the book of mormon scriptures with a common rock he found. Parody of Russell M Nelson's revelation doodle notebook... Russell M Nelson Russell M. Nelson