Jeffrey R. Holland Passes Away at 85, Leaving a Mark on the Latter-day Saints Community
Jeffrey R. Holland, member of the quorum of the twelve apostles, speaks during a news conference at the Conference Center, in Salt Lake City, Jan. 27, 2015. Rick Bowmer/AP
In Salt Lake City, Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent figure within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away at the age of 85 due to complications from kidney disease. Holland served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body responsible for shaping church policies and managing its extensive business interests.
As the longest-serving member of the Quorum after President Dallin H. Oaks, Holland was next in line to become the faith’s president. However, the presidency was assumed by Oaks, who is 93, in October. Following Holland’s passing, Henry B. Eyring, aged 92, is now positioned as the next potential leader of the church.
Holland’s health had been a concern leading up to his death. During the Christmas season, he was hospitalized for persistent health issues, and this likely influenced Oaks’ decision not to appoint him as a counselor in October.
With Holland’s passing, there is now a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It is anticipated that Oaks will appoint a new member from a subordinate leadership council, adhering to the church’s tradition of male-only apostles.
Born and raised in St. George, Utah, Holland’s career was deeply rooted in education before he ascended to church leadership. Notably, he served as the president of Brigham Young University from 1980 to 1989, where he promoted interfaith dialogue and helped establish a satellite campus in Jerusalem. His contributions to fostering Christian-Jewish relations earned him the Anti-Defamation League’s “Torch of Liberty” award.
Oaks, who also served as a BYU president, shared fond reflections on his long-standing friendship with Holland, describing their relationship as “long and loving.” He praised Holland for his compassionate leadership within the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, noting his ability to “lift the weary” and “encourage the faithful.”
Holland was esteemed for his eloquent speaking skills, often blending academic rigor with a gentle delivery. In 2013, he openly discussed supporting those with mental health challenges, sharing his own experiences of feeling “like a broken vessel.”
His 2021 address urging members to defend traditional church teachings against same-sex marriage, referred to as “the musket fire speech,” has since become a focal point of discussion, especially among LGBTQ+ groups and BYU freshmen.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Patricia Terry Holland. He is survived by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who continue to honor his legacy.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
