henry b eyring

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File:General Henry Shelton, official portrait 2.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
File:General Henry Shelton, official portrait 2.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Introduction

Henry B. Eyring Continues Decades of Service as LDS Church Leadership Focuses on Covenants and Global Temples Salt Lake City, Utah — President Henry B. Eyring, the Second Counselor in the governing First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), remains a pivotal figure in the faith’s highest echelon of leadership as he maintains an active public schedule deep into his tenth decade of life. His enduring role is central to the Church’s current institutional focus on deepening member commitment to sacred covenants and driving an unprecedented global temple-building initiative. A former academic with advanced degrees from Harvard, the 92-year-old leader continues to shape the Church’s direction, frequently presiding over major dedications and delivering keynote addresses that emphasise resilience, faith in Jesus Christ, and the spiritual power of temple worship. His ongoing ministry highlights the stability and continuity of the Church’s hierarchical structure, where leaders are called for life. The Long Arc of Leadership President Eyring’s tenure in senior Church leadership began nearly three decades ago when he was called as a General Authority in 1985. Since 2007, he has served continuously as a counselor in the First Presidency, the Church’s highest executive body, making him one of the longest-serving individuals in this position in modern Church history. He has served alongside three successive Church Presidents: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and currently, Russell M. Nelson.

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Before his full-time ecclesiastical service, President Eyring possessed a distinguished academic and administrative background. He earned a B. S. in physics from the University of Utah and then completed M. B. A. and Doctor of Business Administration degrees from Harvard University. He went on to hold a position as a faculty member at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. This blend of scholarly rigour and executive experience is often cited by observers as a defining feature of his contribution to Church governance, which has included two non-consecutive stints as the Commissioner of the Church Educational System. "President Eyring represents a unique fusion of the intellectual and the devotional," commented Dr. Matthew Holland, an analyst specialising in religious history. "His background as a university president at Ricks College [now BYU-Idaho] and a Stanford professor equipped him with a profound understanding of administration and complex organisational management, which has been crucial in overseeing a global Church with millions of members and significant educational assets.

" Emphasis on Covenant and Temple Work The central theme of President Eyring's recent public ministry aligns closely with the institutional shift championed by President Russell M. Nelson: the centrality of temple worship and the keeping of religious covenants. In his most recent addresses during the Church's bi-annual General Conference, he has consistently underscored the role of personal revelation and repentance in helping individuals navigate increasing global complexities. His messages often carry a warm, paternal tone, appealing directly to individuals' emotional and spiritual needs. This focus was tangibly demonstrated in August 2023 when he presided over the dedication of the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple. During the service, President Eyring encouraged members to view the new edifice not just as a beautiful structure but as a vital spiritual resource. "This temple is where you can draw more often on the powers of temple covenants," he stated during the dedicatory service. "He knows your hearts. He knows your desire to be lifted and to become a more righteous people—just as the world becomes more contentious and fallen. " The dedication of the Saratoga Springs temple, the 18th such structure in Utah, underscores the rapid expansion of the Church’s temple programme worldwide, which has seen dozens of new temples announced, planned, or dedicated in recent years. For Latter-day Saints, temples are considered the most sacred places of worship, where members participate in essential rites, including marriage ceremonies and proxy baptisms. Personal Milestones and Institutional Stability President Eyring’s long life of public service has recently included significant personal moments.

In May 2023, he marked his 90th birthday, a milestone that highlighted the advanced age of the current First Presidency (which includes the Church President and his two Counselors, all over the age of 90), a historical rarity in the Church’s 195-year history. The age profile of the leadership is seen by members as a sign of experienced, long-term spiritual preparation, though it is sometimes noted by external observers as a point of interest regarding the Church’s long-term succession planning. Furthermore, in October 2023, his wife, Kathleen Johnson Eyring, passed away at the age of 82. Throughout his ministry, President Eyring often spoke of his wife’s support and their family life, including their four sons and two daughters, illustrating the importance placed on family in the Church’s doctrine. President Eyring’s steady presence continues to project an image of stability for a faith that now boasts over 17 million members globally. His consistent articulation of core doctrinal principles, combined with his academic background, assures members of a carefully managed and divinely guided institutional course. His continued public service reinforces the Church's commitment to its global mission, focusing on temple building and fortifying individual faith in a rapidly changing world. His messages consistently urge members to find peace and solace through strict adherence to religious principles. The following YouTube video provides context regarding President Henry B. Eyring's recent messages on drawing closer to the Saviour through covenants and service. Draw Near unto Me | Henry B. Eyring.

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