Elder Clark G. Gilbert has been appointed to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a significant announcement made by the church on Thursday. Elder Gilbert, 55, originally from Oakland, California, but raised in Phoenix, Arizona, has been an influential figure in the church’s educational initiatives since serving as a general authority seventy and as commissioner of the Church Educational System since 2021.
In his first comments as an apostle, Elder Gilbert expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness Christ and encourage others to seek joy, comfort, and peace through Him. “If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful. And it happens in and through our Savior Jesus Christ,” he emphasized. He and his wife, Christine, are proud parents to eight children and are committed to promoting faith in Jesus throughout the world.
Elder Gilbert was ordained by church President Dallin H. Oaks alongside members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to fill the vacancy left by the recent passing of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. His background in education is extensive; he previously served as president of BYU-Idaho and the inaugural president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, focusing on refining church education on a global scale.
His academic credentials are impressive, boasting a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brigham Young University, a master’s from Stanford in East Asian studies, and a doctorate from Harvard in business administration. Following his education, he joined Harvard’s faculty, focusing on entrepreneurial management, before taking on educational leadership roles in the church.
Elder Gilbert has been vocal about the intersection of education and the gospel, once stating that the true miracle of the Lord’s church is the potential for personal growth. “Whether we start in abundant or difficult circumstances, let us keep our sights and our slopes pointed heavenward,” he said, encouraging members of the church to embrace the opportunities for service and improvement that the church provides.
This appointment marks Elder Gilbert as the second apostle chosen by President Oaks since he became the church’s president, highlighting a renewed focus on leadership within the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during this transitional period.
In recent speeches, including one at a BYU devotional, Elder Gilbert articulated the distinctive mission of the university, which he believes is to lead by example while maintaining spiritual integrity. President Oaks echoed this sentiment regarding BYU’s future, insisting that it has a divine purpose that transcends worldly ambitions.
Elder Gilbert’s ascent in church leadership and his commitment to education and faith not only reflect his impressive qualifications but also signal a hopeful vision for the future of the church and its impact on members worldwide.