Jeffrey R. Holland of the LDS Church Passes Away
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at the age of 85. His death occurred early Saturday due to complications from kidney disease, as announced on the church’s website.
Holland, who died in Salt Lake City, was part of a governing body known as the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This group plays a key role in shaping church policy and managing the church’s various business interests, often referred to as the Mormon Church.
He was the second longest-serving member of the Quorum, following the church president. Dallin H. Oaks is next in line to lead the church according to established succession rules.
Henry B. Eyring, one of Oaks’ closest advisers, is 92 and is seen as another candidate for future leadership.
Holland spent time in the hospital over the Christmas season due to ongoing health issues, the church reported. Observers had noted Oaks’ declining health, especially in October when he did not choose Holland as his counselor and used a wheelchair at various church events.
With Holland’s passing, a position in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is now vacant, which Oaks will likely address by appointing new apostles from the church’s lower leadership ranks. As per the church’s all-male priesthood tradition, all apostles are men.
Holland was raised in St. George, Utah, and had a long career in educational administration before rising to church leadership. He served as president of Brigham Young University, the church’s main university in Utah, from 1980 to 1989 and was involved in the church’s Global Education System.
During his tenure, Provo College worked to enhance interfaith relations and even set up a satellite campus in Jerusalem. For his efforts in fostering understanding between Christian and Jewish communities, he received the Torch of Freedom Award from the Anti-Defamation League.
Holland is also remembered for a significant speech in 2021 where he urged church members to staunchly defend the faith’s stance against same-sex marriage. This widely discussed address, referred to as the “Musket Speech,” was included in required reading for new BYU students in 2024 and sparked concerns among LGBTQ+ communities and their allies.
He is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Terry Holland.
