Elder’s Call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has appointed Clark G. Gilbert to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the second-highest presiding body in the government of the Church. Elder Gilbert was called to the position on February 11, 2026, and ordained on February 12, 2026, by President Dallin H. Oaks and other members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

This appointment fills a vacancy in the Quorum created by the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland in December 2025. The role of an Apostle involves serving as a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ and managing significant administrative responsibilities related to the operation and development of the global Church.

Professional Background and Educational Leadership

Prior to his call to the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Gilbert served as a General Authority Seventy beginning in April 2021. In August 2021, he was appointed as the Commissioner of the Church Educational System, a role that aligns with his lifelong emphasis on the intersection of faith and education.

Elder Gilbert, who is 55 years old, was born in Oakland, California, and spent the majority of his childhood in Phoenix, Arizona. He has stated that his parents fostered the belief that education and the gospel of Jesus Christ are naturally intertwined.

Institutional Governance and Recent Transitions

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles operates under the direction of the First Presidency, which consists of the Church President and two counselors. The recent additions to the Quorum reflect a period of transition in the Church’s top leadership.

In addition to Elder Gilbert’s February appointment, Gérald Caussé was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on November 6, 2025. Elder Caussé was ordained on the same day by President Dallin H. Oaks and the other members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.

A new official photograph of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was taken on March 4, 2026, at the Church Administration Building on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The image, published on March 6, 2026, includes Elder Gilbert and the other members of the Quorum.

The current membership of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as documented in the March 4 photograph, includes the following individuals:

• Elder David A. Bednar
• Acting President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• President Henry B. Eyring
• President Dallin H. Oaks
• President D. Todd Christofferson
• Elder Quentin L. Cook
• Elder Neil L. Andersen
• Elder Ronald A. Rasband
• Elder Gary E. Stevenson
• Elder Dale G. Renlund
• Elder Gerrit W. Gong
• Elder Ulisses Soares
• Elder Patrick Kearon
• Elder Gérald Caussé
• Elder Clark G. Gilbert

Mission and Public Statements

Upon his ordination, Elder Gilbert spoke on the importance of directing individuals toward Jesus Christ to find peace and joy. He referenced a previous statement by President Russell M. Nelson, noting that it’s much harder to find happiness where it doesn’t exist.

What we have is an amazing time to point people to the Savior Jesus Christ. When we do that, You can find joy and comfort and peace in Him. As President [Russell M.] Nelson once said, it’s much harder to find happiness where it doesn’t exist. And we’re so grateful that I have this calling now to witness that Jesus is the Christ. If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful. And it happens in and through our Savior Jesus Christ.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert, February 12, 2026