Russell M. Nelson set apart as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah | MormonNewsrooom | — Russell M. Nelson is president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was set apart to this calling by President Thomas S. Monson Wednesday, July 15, 2015. As president of the Twelve, he is referred to as President Russell M. Nelson and succeeds the late President Boyd K. Packer, who died July 3, 2015. It is the Church’s practice that the senior member by date of assignment to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes quorum president.

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest presiding body in the government of the Church. Its members serve under the direction of the First Presidency, a governing unit of three men — the president and two counselors.

In addition to their primary responsibility to be special witnesses of the name of Christ throughout the world, the apostles have heavy administrative responsibilities as they oversee the orderly progress and development of the global Church.