Forgiveness in the Face of Tragedy
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called on members to respond to hatred with love and forgiveness, in the wake of a deadly attack on a Michigan congregation and during the mourning period for their longest-serving president, Russell M. Nelson. The message emerged during the church’s twice-annual general conference, a moment of reflection and renewal for its more than 17 million members worldwide.
Gary E. Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, urged believers to embody peacemaking, declaring that “to be a peacemaker is not to be weak but to be strong in a way the world may not understand.” The appeal to forgiveness follows a violent incident in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, where a gunman rammed a pickup into a church, set the building on fire, and killed four people before police fatally shot him. As security at the Salt Lake City conference center intensified, church officials reassured the faithful that spiritual resilience could coexist with vigilance.
Leadership Transition: From Nelson to Oaks
The conference also marked a pivotal moment for church leadership. Dallin H. Oaks, already serving as a top counselor to Nelson, is poised to become president after Nelson’s funeral, which was scheduled for Tuesday and drew thousands to the church’s headquarters in Utah. Oaks’s long tenure in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his previous role as a Utah Supreme Court justice, position him as the next in line to shepherd the church through a period of continuity and stability.
Oaks opened the conference with a personal tribute to Nelson, saying, “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.” His remarks set the tone for a gathering where members anticipated further guidance in Nelson’s absence.
A Strong, Structured Continuation
Historically, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has managed transitions without a president for extended periods when needed. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has stepped forward to guide the church, a pattern that dates back to the 19th century in the wake of founder Joseph Smith’s death and continued during subsequent leaders’ deaths. Patrick Mason, a religious studies professor at Utah State University, noted that such transitions are not unusual and that the church’s leadership framework provides continuity during times of mourning and change.
Global Solidarity and Community Response
Members worldwide are keeping a vigil of shared sympathy and support. In the wake of the Michigan attack, many congregants turned to acts of service and charity. Notably, an online fundraiser supporting the gunman’s family drew significant donations, illustrating a broader call for compassion even in extreme tragedy. This outpouring aligns with church leaders’ exhortations to meet hate with kindness and to extend forgiveness as a path to healing.
Looking Ahead: Temples, Teachings, and Civic Engagement
Observers anticipate Oaks’s future policies, including the church’s ongoing temple-building initiative and its stance on social issues. Oaks has been known for his conservative positions on marriage and religious freedom, and his leadership is expected to continue prioritizing doctrinal clarity and civil discourse. At the same time, church leaders have emphasized the importance of love, forgiveness, and constructive engagement on public matters.
What This Means for Believers
For members, the conference underscored a dual call: to honor President Nelson’s legacy by pursuing temple-building and spiritual growth, and to respond to violence with mercy. As the church navigates leadership transition without an immediate new president, the Quorum’s stewardship offers a steady pathway forward while the faithful await further announcements.
As the church commemorates Nelson’s life and anticipates Oaks’s leadership, the broader message remains clear: faith communities can confront fear with compassion, fortify themselves through disciplined leadership, and extend grace to those in pain. The coming months will reveal how the gospel’s teachings translate into daily acts of forgiveness, service, and unity across diverse congregations around the world.
