Jeffrey R. Holland, Prominent LDS Leader, Dies at 85
SALT LAKE CITY — Jeffrey R. Holland, a longtime high-ranking official in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a leader who stood next in line to become the faith’s president, has died. He was 85. The church confirmed that Holland died after complications from a fall, according to family and church officials, marking the passing of a trusted voice known for his earnest sermons, scholarly scholarship, and steadfast advocacy for faith, family, and charitable service.
Holland’s departure is being felt across congregations worldwide where he spent decades teaching, preaching, and guiding lay leaders. As a member of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for more than two decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping doctrine, policy discussions, and outreach initiatives during a time of rapid change for religious communities globally.
A Legacy of Faithful Teaching and Compassion
Born into a family with strong religious and academic roots, Holland became known for a rare blend of intellectual rigor and heartfelt spirituality. His public addresses regularly emphasized the core LDS values of faith, repentance, and perseverance in the face of life’s trials. Colleagues and members describe a leader who could articulate complex theological ideas in accessible language, inviting both longtime members and new adherents to deepen their understanding of gospel principles.
Beyond doctrinal teaching, Holland’s legacy includes significant humanitarian efforts and charitable collaborations. He urged members to practice personal virtue, serve others with humility, and engage in constructive dialogue with people of different beliefs. His approach to leadership often balanced doctrinal clarity with a spirit of inclusion, seeking constructive engagement rather than confrontation when addressing controversial topics.
Impact on the LDS Church and Global Faith Community
Throughout his tenure, Holland represented the church on numerous international platforms, speaking at conferences, universities, and interfaith events. His scholarly writings and public messages touched audiences beyond LDS congregations, contributing to larger conversations about faith, resilience, and moral responsibility in modern society. In moments of crisis or public misunderstanding, his speeches frequently offered reassurance, encouragement, and principled guidance grounded in church teachings.
His leadership coincided with a period of modernization in the church, including efforts to improve humanitarian aid, education initiatives, and youth programs. Holland’s comments often underscored the importance of steady, compassionate outreach to those in need, echoing the church’s long-standing mission to serve communities worldwide regardless of background or circumstance.
What Comes Next for the Church
Holland’s death leaves a vacancy in one of the church’s most senior leadership roles, prompting discussions about succession and the ongoing evolution of church governance. In the LDS tradition, the passing of a senior apostle is a moment of collective reflection for members and local church leaders who seek to preserve Holland’s teachings while continuing to navigate the church’s path forward in a changing religious landscape.
While the exact timeline for succession decisions remains internal, many observers anticipate a continuation of the church’s emphasis on education, humanitarian aid, and interfaith engagement. The broader faith community is likely to look back on Holland’s tenure as a period marked by thoughtful scholarship paired with a sincere commitment to serving others.
Farewell and Remembrance
Friends, family, church members, and scholars have begun sharing tributes to Holland’s character—describing a mentor who combined rigorous scholarship with pastoral warmth. Memorials and public remembrances are expected in coming weeks as congregations and institutions reflect on his life and contributions to the church’s spiritual and social missions. In the wake of his passing, many will seek guidance from his published sermons and lectures, which remain as a testament to a life devoted to faith, learning, and service.
Jeffrey R. Holland’s legacy endures in the thousands of lives he touched, the students he inspired, and the communities he helped strengthen. His leadership, marked by conviction and compassion, will be remembered as a defining chapter in the modern history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
