Key Takeaways:
- Jeffrey R. Holland, a high-ranking official in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at the age of 85 due to complications from kidney disease.
- Holland was next in line to become the faith’s president and led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which sets church policy and oversees business interests.
- Henry B. Eyring is now next in line for the presidency, and President Dallin H. Oaks will fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve in the coming months.
- Holland was a prominent figure in the church, known for his leadership and advocacy on various issues, including his 2021 speech on same-sex marriage.
- He is survived by his three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
Introduction to Jeffrey R. Holland’s Passing
Jeffrey R. Holland, a high-ranking official in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at the age of 85 due to complications from kidney disease. Holland’s death was announced by the church on its website, stating that he died early Saturday morning in Salt Lake City. As the next longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Holland was next in line to become the faith’s president under the church’s long-established succession plan.
Holland’s Role in the Church
Holland played a significant role in the church, leading the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which is responsible for setting church policy and overseeing the many business interests of the faith. He was a key figure in the church’s leadership and was widely respected for his wisdom and guidance. Holland’s death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, which will be filled by President Dallin H. Oaks in the coming months. Oaks is expected to call a new apostle from a lower-tier leadership council to fill the position, in accordance with the church’s all-male priesthood.
Holland’s Background and Career
Holland grew up in St. George, Utah, and worked in education administration for many years before being called to join the church’s leadership. He served as the ninth president of Brigham Young University, the church’s flagship school, from 1980 to 1989. During his tenure, Holland worked to improve interfaith relations and established a satellite campus in Jerusalem. His efforts were recognized by the Anti-Defamation League, which honored him with its Torch of Liberty Award for fostering greater understanding between Christian and Jewish communities.
Holland’s Notable Speeches and Legacy
Holland is widely remembered for his 2021 speech, in which he called on church members to take up metaphorical muskets in defense of the faith’s teachings against same-sex marriage. The speech, known colloquially as "the musket fire speech," became required reading for BYU freshmen in 2024, raising concern among LGBTQ+ students and advocates. Holland’s legacy is complex, with some praising his leadership and advocacy, while others criticizing his views on certain issues. Despite this, he remains a significant figure in the church’s history and will be remembered for his contributions to the faith.
Tributes and Remembrances
Holland is survived by his three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland. The church has announced that Holland’s death will be mourned by its members, and tributes are expected to pour in from around the world. As the church moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Holland’s legacy is remembered and how his contributions to the faith will continue to shape its future.
The Future of the Church
With Holland’s passing, Henry B. Eyring is now next in line for the presidency, and President Dallin H. Oaks will play a significant role in shaping the church’s future. The vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve will be filled in the coming months, and the church will continue to navigate the complexities of its teachings and policies. As the church looks to the future, it will be important to balance its traditions with the changing needs and values of its members. Holland’s legacy will undoubtedly play a role in this process, and his contributions to the faith will continue to be felt for years to come.