the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints has spent the past few weeks in a moment of both mourning and transition. On Sept.28, 2025, a shooting and arson at a Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Michigan killed four people and wounded eight more. WhatS more, Russell M. Nelson, president of the church, died the day before at age 101. Based on protocolhis role will moast likely be filled by Dallin H. Oaksthe longest-serving of the church’s top leaders.

The next president will inherit leadership of a religious institution that is both deeply American and increasingly global – diversity at odds with the way it’s typically represented in mainstream media, from “The Secret Life of mormon Wives” to “The Book of Mormon” Broadway musical.

As a cultural anthropologist and ethnographerI research Latter-day Saints communities across the United States, particularly latina immigrants and young adults. when presenting my research, I’ve noticed that many people still closely associate the church with Utah, where its headquarters are located.

The church has played a pivotal role in Utah’s history and culture. Today, though, only 42% of its residents are members. The stereotype of

The rapid expansion of Mormon temples signals a global faith – but also raises questions

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, is undergoing a period of rapid global expansion, particularly in its construction of temples. Thes temples are central to the church’s theology, considered “houses of the Lord” where sacred ordinances – such as marriage for eternity – are performed.

From 51 temples in 1970, the church now boasts 176 operating temples worldwide, with another 72 announced or under construction. These structures are found in dozens of countries, from Argentina to Tonga.

During President Russell M.Nelson’s presidency, which began in 2018, he announced 200 new temples – more then any of his predecessors. Temples are a physical and symbolic portrayal of the church’s commitment to being a global religion, even though cultural tensions remain.

[Image of Two men in suits walk by a large map of the world framed on the wall of a hallway. Caption: Two missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints walk through the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, in 2008.]

When Faith Meets Culture: the Challenges of Global Religious Norms

How well do the norms of a Utah-based church fit the realities of members in manila or Mexico City, Bangalore or Berlin? How much room is there, even in U.S. congregations, for local cultural expressions of faith?

latino Latter-day Saints and members in latin America, for example, have faced pushback against cultural traditions that were seen as distinctly “not LDS,” such as making altars and giving offerings during Day of the Dead.in 2021, the church launched a Spanish-language campaign using Day of the Dead imagery to increase interest among Latinos. Many members were happy to see this representation. Still, some women I spoke with said that an emphasis on whiteness and American nationalism, and also anti-immigrant rhetoric they’d heard from other members, deterred them from fully celebrating their cultures.

!A couple dressed nicely and holding hands walks by a large portrait of Jesus, portrayed as a bearded white man, inside a large hallway.

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The Next President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Challenges and Opportunities

On January 14, 2024, Russell M. Nelson, the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away at the age of 98. His successor, Dallin H. oaks, served as president for a brief period before his own passing on October 6, 2024. Now, the church is poised to announce its 18th president, a moment of important transition for the 17 million-member global faith.

A Ancient Context

The presidency of The Church of Jesus christ of Latter-day Saints is a position of immense spiritual and administrative authority. Presidents are considered prophets,seers,and revelators,guiding the church through divine inspiration. The selection process is unique: the First Presidency (the president and his two counselors) is steadfast by seniority within the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This system, established over time, prioritizes experience and established leadership within the church hierarchy.

Key Challenges Facing the next president

The next president will inherit a church navigating a complex and evolving landscape. Several key challenges stand out:

• Maintaining Global Unity: The church is increasingly diverse, with a growing majority of members living outside the United States. balancing the needs and perspectives of this global membership while maintaining doctrinal consistency will be crucial.
• Addressing historical Issues: Continued scrutiny of the church’s history, including its past stances on race and gender, requires ongoing transparency and thoughtful engagement.
• Navigating Societal Shifts: the church operates in a world undergoing rapid social and cultural change. responding to issues like LGBTQ+ rights, political polarization, and declining religious affiliation will demand sensitivity and wisdom.
• Combating Misinformation: The church is frequently enough the subject of misinformation and negative stereotypes. Effectively communicating its beliefs and values in a clear and accessible way is essential.
• Financial Stewardship: Managing the church’s ample financial resources responsibly and transparently is a constant duty.

The Role of Technology and Communication

Technology will play an increasingly critically important role in the church’s future. The next president will need to embrace digital platforms to connect with members worldwide, share information, and address concerns. This includes leveraging social media, online learning resources, and innovative communication strategies.

However, technology also presents challenges. The spread of misinformation and the potential for online divisiveness require careful consideration. The church must find ways to harness the power of technology while mitigating its risks.

Global Membership and Cultural Sensitivity

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints boasts a significant global presence,with particularly strong roots in the United States,Latin America,and the Pacific Islands.This global reach brings both opportunities and challenges.

For example, the church has surprisingly high rates of church membership in Tonga and other Pacific Island nations.

Change Ahead?

Among many challenges, the next president of the church will navigate how to lead a global church from its American headquarters – a church that continues to be misunderstood and stereotyped, sometimes to the point of violence.

Key Takeaways

• The selection of the 18th president is a pivotal moment for The Church of jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• The next president will face significant challenges related to global unity, historical issues, societal shifts, and misinformation.
• Technology will be a crucial