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During a worldwide devotional on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of his recent trip to Europe. This photo of Holland was taken at a chapel in Finland.

Courtesy Intellectual Reserve

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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reviews the program for the funeral services for his wife, Sister Patricia T. Holland, at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 28, 2023. Two of his children, Elder Matthew S. Holland and Mary Alice McCann, are pictured at his side.

Courtesy Intellectual Reserve

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Just one day before President M. Russell Ballard will be eulogized during his funeral, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has received the official appointment as the new acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, church President Russell M. Nelson announced Wednesday.

It is the church’s practice that the senior member by date of assignment to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes quorum president. Holland, like Ballard before him, is designated “acting president” because President Dallin H. Oaks, who is senior in apostolic service, currently serves as first counselor in the First Presidency.

When one is called to the apostleship, it is a lifelong calling, whether sick or well. Holland has had serious health issues this year with a couple of hospital stays. In July, his wife, Patricia, died. He has been healing and recuperating at home and was slowly working back to his duties.

The Quorum of the Twelve are the second-highest presiding body in the government of the church with their primary responsibility to be special witnesses of the name of Christ throughout the world, according to a church statement.

The apostles have administrative responsibilities in overseeing the operation and development of the church and are considered prophets, seers and revelators.

With the passing of Ballard, there is an opening in the apostleship. It is up to Nelson as head of the church to determine when the new apostle will be called. Most likely, that will be closer to April’s general conference, where the membership of the church would be called upon to give a sustaining vote on the decision.

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