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Gérald Caussé, who has overseen The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ financial operations and worldwide temple construction efforts for the past decade, was appointed to the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Thursday, elevating him to one of the faith’s most powerful positions.
The 62-year-old French native becomes only the third European to serve in the all-male governing body that sits just below the church president and his two counselors in the faith’s leadership hierarchy. His appointment places him in the line of succession to eventually become church president, a position determined by seniority within the quorum.
Caussé steps into the vacancy created by a leadership shuffle following the recent death of Church President Russell M. Nelson and the subsequent appointment of 93-year-old Dallin H. Oaks as the faith’s new leader last month.
As presiding bishop since 2012, Caussé managed the church’s extensive financial portfolio and welfare programs during a period of significant growth. Under his stewardship, the church expanded its humanitarian efforts and accelerated temple construction worldwide, with dozens of new temples announced during Nelson’s presidency.
“We really consider those funds as belonging to the Lord,” Caussé stated in 2020, when addressing questions about the church’s financial transparency. The statement reflects his approach to managing the faith’s substantial resources.
While the church does not publicly disclose its financial details, recent filings from its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors Inc., reveal a portfolio valued at approximately $58 billion. The church’s business interests span numerous sectors, including real estate development, agriculture, publishing, insurance, education, and retail.
Notable holdings include Brigham Young University, a Polynesian cultural center in Hawaii, and City Creek Center, an upscale shopping mall in downtown Salt Lake City. This extensive business empire has helped fund the church’s religious and humanitarian work globally.
Caussé brings significant business experience to his new role, having served as general manager of Pomona, a major food distribution company in France, before his full-time church service. His business background aligns with the quorum’s typical composition of accomplished professionals from various fields.
Recent apostolic appointments have included a former U.S. State Department official, a multinational corporate accountant, and an executive with extensive nonprofit board experience. Apostles serve for life and help shape church policy while overseeing its worldwide operations.
His appointment continues a gradual internationalization of church leadership. During Nelson’s presidency, the church selected its first Latin American apostle and first apostle of Asian ancestry, reflecting the faith’s global membership. More than half of the church’s 17.5 million members now reside outside the United States.
One of Caussé’s first acts as apostle will be supporting President Oaks’ recently announced change in temple construction strategy. During the church’s general conference last month, Oaks indicated the church would slow the pace of new temple announcements, marking a shift from Nelson’s aggressive temple expansion program.
Temples hold special significance in Latter-day Saint theology as places where members participate in sacred ceremonies they believe bind families together for eternity. Under Nelson and Caussé’s leadership, the church dramatically increased both the number and geographical distribution of these buildings.
Caussé’s appointment comes at a time when the church, often still colloquially known as the Mormon church despite its emphasis on using its full name, continues to navigate challenges of global growth while maintaining its distinctive doctrines and practices.
As he transitions from managing the church’s material resources to his new apostolic role focused on spiritual leadership, Caussé joins a body tasked with guiding the faith through an increasingly complex religious landscape while expanding its influence worldwide.
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10 Comments
This appointment highlights the church’s focus on pragmatic leadership and operational management as it navigates the transition to new leadership. Caussé’s background managing the church’s extensive financial portfolio will likely serve him well in this elevated role.
The global expansion of the church’s temple network under Caussé’s oversight is an impressive feat. It reflects the church’s ambitions to expand its reach and influence internationally.
This appointment highlights the church’s focus on pragmatic leadership and operational management as it navigates the transition to new leadership. Caussé’s background managing the church’s extensive financial portfolio will likely serve him well in this elevated role.
The global expansion of the church’s temple network under Caussé’s oversight is an impressive feat. It reflects the church’s ambitions to expand its reach and influence internationally.
Interesting to see the new Mormon apostle with deep financial expertise taking on a prominent leadership role. Church finances and global expansion seem to be key priorities during this transition period.
The rapid temple building program under his stewardship is quite remarkable. It will be intriguing to see how he leverages his financial acumen to further the church’s growth and operations worldwide.
The rapid temple building program under Caussé’s stewardship is quite remarkable. It will be intriguing to see how he leverages his financial acumen to further the church’s growth and operations worldwide.
This appointment highlights the church’s focus on pragmatic leadership and operational management as it navigates the transition to new leadership. Caussé’s background managing the church’s extensive financial portfolio will likely serve him well in this elevated role.
The elevation of a European to such a powerful position within the church’s leadership hierarchy is noteworthy. It suggests the church is looking to diversify its top-level representation beyond its traditional American base.
Caussé’s deep knowledge of the church’s finances and his track record overseeing its welfare programs will be critical assets as he steps into this new role. Managing the church’s vast resources will be a key priority.