Church Leaders Urge Forgiveness and Unity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is guiding its members toward forgiveness and peaceful resilience in the wake of a deadly attack on a Michigan congregation, just days after the faith mourns its oldest-ever president, Russell M. Nelson. In a message delivered to a global membership, leaders emphasized love over hatred and the strength found in mercy, underscoring a core principle that many see as essential to healing communities scarred by violence.
Speaking at the church’s twice-annual general conference, Dallin H. Oaks, poised to succeed Nelson as president, framed the moment as one of testing and opportunity. “I love Russell M. Nelson and have learned more about the gospel and gospel leadership from my long friendship and association with him than from any other leader I have personally known,” Oaks said, paying tribute to the late leader whose influence shaped generations of members.
The conference, held at church headquarters in Utah, drew tens of thousands who gathered in person amid heightened security. A heavy law enforcement presence and reinforced safety measures followed the Michigan incident, in which a gunman rammed a pickup into a Grand Blanc Township church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze. Four people were killed and eight injured before the assailant was killed by police.
Leadership Transition in a Time of Grief
With Nelson’s death, the church — whose members number more than 17 million worldwide — faces an orderly transition. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, led by Oaks, is guiding church affairs until a new president is formally named. Historically, the church has endured periods without a sitting president, relying on the Quorum to steer governance and spiritual direction until a new leader is chosen. Experts say such transitions have occurred multiple times since the church’s early days.
Patricia Mason, a religious studies scholar at Utah State University, notes that the current arrangement mirrors the church’s long-standing practice of continuity. “There’s no leadership vacuum; the Quorum steps in to ensure stability during periods of transition,” Mason explained. The last time the presidency changed near a general conference was in 1951, when George Albert Smith died and leadership was announced during the gathering.
A Call for Peace and Practical Compassion
Beyond governance, church leaders are urging members to respond to hatred with acts of kindness. Gary E. Stevenson, a member of the Quorum, acknowledged the anxiety some members may feel about gathering in sacred spaces after the Michigan attack. He highlighted the importance of actions that demonstrate Christlike love, including humanitarian outreach.
In a remarkable display of communal support, church members launched an online fundraiser for the gunman’s family, raising more than $360,000 as of Saturday. “To be a peacemaker is not to be weak but to be strong in a way the world may not understand,” Stevenson said, underscoring the value the faith places on forgiveness and service in the face of violence.
The Path Forward: Temples, Outreach, and Public Discourse
Observing the church’s ongoing efforts, many adherents are watching closely for Oaks’ forthcoming address at the conference’s conclusion. Historically, the president of the church, regarded by members as a prophet, unveils new initiatives, policies, and temple plans during such gatherings. Oaks has previously been associated with addressing civic and political matters, and observers anticipate whether his remarks will signal continuity with Nelson’s temple-building agenda and a broader vision for church-state interactions.
Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice, is known for his traditionalist views on marriage and religious freedom. While his leadership has caused some concern within LGBTQ+ circles, his public emphasis on civil discourse and nonviolent engagement has been a unifying thread this weekend.
As members sustain their prayers and rituals during this period of mourning, the church’s emphasis on forgiveness and disciplined leadership aims to reinforce a resilient community that can weather tragedy with compassion and unity.
Looking Ahead
For Jamaica-born attendees like Gwenieth Wisdom, Oaks’ presidency is seen as a potential continuation of Nelson’s legacy, particularly in accelerating temple-building in underserved regions. The forthcoming general conference will be a focal point for reaffirming the church’s spiritual direction, with millions listening for guidance on how to translate faith into everyday acts of service and peacemaking.
