Mormons name president

NEW LEADER IS 93 YEARS OLD

The Mormon church appointed a 93-year-old former heart surgeon Tuesday as its new president, following a longstanding succession plan that aims to keep the faith on course with a minimum of upheaval.

The selection of Russell M. Nelson was announced during an address broadcast from Salt Lake City to Mormons around the world. Nelson called on Mormons to stay true to their faith and “keep the covenant path.”

“If you have stepped off the path, may I advise you with all the hope in my heart to please come back,” Nelson said. “Whatever your concerns, whatever your challenges, there’s a place for you in this, the Lord’s church.”

The announcement came after Nelson was chosen as the religion’s 17th president during a private meeting of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles leadership body in a temple, per church tradition that makes the longest-tenured member of the Quorum the new president. Nelson is now considered a “prophet, seer and revelator” by Mormons. Nelson succeeds Thomas S. Monson, who died Jan. 2 at age 90.

Nelson announced that his two counsellors will be Dallin H. Oaks, 85, and Henry B. Eyring, 84, both members of the Quorum. Eyring was also a counsellor for Monson, while this marks the first time Oaks will serve as a counsellor to a church president. Oaks is the next-longest tenured member of the Quorum, making him next-in-line to become the next president.

Nelson is the secondoldest man to assume leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, which is based in Utah and counts nearly 16 million members worldwide. He will oversee the religious and business interests of the faith in collaboration with two top counsellors and members of the Quorum, one of the faith’s top governing bodies.