Dieter F. Uchtdorf has been called to serve as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to a statement released by the First Presidency on January 8, 2026. He was officially appointed and set apart by Church President Dallin H. Oaks the same day.
The appointment follows the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland, who passed away on December 27, 2025. President Holland had previously served as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles while President Henry B. Eyring fulfilled his responsibilities in the First Presidency.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. | Church NewsroomThe Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest presiding body in the governance of the Church. Its members serve as special witnesses of Jesus Christ and carry broad administrative responsibility for the worldwide operations of the Church.
Apostles serve under the direction of the First Presidency, which consists of the Church President and two counselors. Together, these governing bodies oversee both the spiritual mission and institutional growth of a global faith community.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in Israel on Friday, April 21, 2023. | Church NewsroomBy long-established Church practice, the senior Apostle by date of ordination becomes the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. When the quorum president is serving in the First Presidency, the next senior Apostle is designated as Acting President.
President Henry B. Eyring currently holds the office of President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles while serving as First Counselor in the First Presidency. As a result, President Uchtdorf now assumes the role of Acting President.
President Uchtdorf brings continuity to the quorum’s leadership during this period of transition. His service reflects the Church’s orderly approach to succession and its emphasis on stability during moments of loss and change.
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
President Dieter Uchtdorf is a great man that has always gave the most spiritual messages, I look forward to he and his wife’s messages.
Great article. How blessed with are to have these dedicated apostles to instruct and inspire us, and bless their families for their sacrifice. One slight correction to the article up top where it states: “President Holland had previously served as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles while President Henry B. Eyring fulfilled his responsibilities in the First Presidency.” It should state: “while President Dallin H. Oaks (not Henry B. Eyring who was junior in seniority to President Holland) fulfilled his responsibilities in the First Presidency.”