Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey R. Holland, a high-ranking official in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died at the age of 85 due to complications associated with kidney disease.
- Holland was the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and was next in line to become the faith’s president before his death.
- He was known for his dynamic oratory skills and his sermons, which combined scholarship with tenderness.
- Holland was a strong advocate for the church’s teachings and was remembered for a 2021 speech in which he called on church members to defend the faith’s teachings against same-sex marriage.
- His death leaves a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve that will be filled by President Dallin H. Oaks in the coming months.
Introduction to Jeffrey R. Holland
Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on Saturday morning due to complications associated with kidney disease. He was 85 years old at the time of his death. Holland was a high-ranking official in the church and was next in line to become the faith’s president. He led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a governing body that helps set church policy and oversees the church’s business interests. Holland’s death has left a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, which will be filled by President Dallin H. Oaks in the coming months.
Holland’s Background and Career
Holland grew up in St. George, Utah, and worked in education administration for many years before his call 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, the university established a satellite campus in Jerusalem and worked to improve interfaith relations. Holland’s efforts to foster greater understanding between Christian and Jewish communities were recognized by the Anti-Defamation League, which honored him with its "Torch of Liberty" award. Holland’s career in education and church leadership spanned several decades, and he was widely respected for his scholarship and devotion to the church.
Holland’s Legacy and Impact
Holland was known for his dynamic oratory skills and his sermons, which combined scholarship with tenderness. In 2013, he spoke to church members about supporting loved ones with depression and other mental illnesses, sharing openly about his own struggles with feeling "like a broken vessel." Holland’s speech was widely praised for its candor and empathy. However, he was also remembered for a 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. Despite the controversy surrounding this speech, Holland remained a beloved and respected figure in the church.
Tributes and Reactions to Holland’s Death
President Dallin H. Oaks, who became the church’s president in October, reflected on his more than 50 years of friendship and service with Holland, calling their relationship "long and loving." Oaks praised Holland for his dedication to the church and his willingness to bear witness to the Savior, even in times of personal trial. Holland’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from church members and leaders around the world. He is survived by his three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Holland’s wife, Patricia Terry Holland, preceded him in death.
The Future of the Church
Holland’s death leaves a significant void in the church’s leadership, and his passing will likely have a profound impact on the church’s future. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which Holland led, will need to be reconstituted, and President Oaks will likely call a new apostle from a lower-tier leadership council to fill the vacancy. The church’s succession plan, which has been in place for many years, will ensure a smooth transition of leadership, but Holland’s passing will still be deeply felt. As the church moves forward, it will be important for its leaders to continue to promote the values of compassion, empathy, and understanding that Holland embodied throughout his career.