Full Breakdown
New Leadership Announced at April 2026 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4/5/2026, 10:27:36 PM
Key Appointments and Changes in Leadership
During the April 2026 General Conference, President D. Todd Christofferson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced significant changes in church leadership, including the appointment of eight new General Authority Seventies and a new Primary General Presidency. Effective August 1, 2026, Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai will replace Elder S. Mark Palmer in the Presidency of the Seventy. Additionally, seven General Authority Seventies will be released and granted emeritus status.
The newly appointed General Authority Seventies include Matthew Johnson Eyring, Hutch Unga Fale, James Gilwell Osorio Fantone, Kevin James Hathaway, and Thabo Kula James Lebethoa, among others. Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience from various professional backgrounds and previous church service.
Profiles of New General Authority Seventies
Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai, 53, hails from Hong Kong and has served as President of the Asia Area. He has a background in investment banking and real estate development, holding degrees from Brigham Young University and UCLA.
Elder Matthew Johnson Eyring, 56, from Palo Alto, California, has experience in management consulting and medical technology. He holds degrees from the University of Utah and Harvard Business School.
Elder Hutch Unga Fale, 46, from Provo, Utah, has served in various church leadership roles and is an attorney with degrees from Brigham Young University–Hawaii and the J. Reuben Clark Law School.
Elder James Gilwell Osorio Fantone, 54, from Manila, Philippines, has a background in education administration and leadership development, with a degree from Rizal Technological University.
Elder Kevin James Hathaway, 51, from Billings, Montana, has served as president of the Arkansas Bentonville Mission and has degrees in Russian language and international law from Brigham Young University.
Elder Thabo Kula James Lebethoa, 50, from Soweto, South Africa, has experience in welfare and religious education initiatives, holding a degree in accounting from the University of South Africa.
New Primary General Presidency
The new Primary General Presidency, effective August 1, 2026, consists of Rosemary K. Chibota as President, Nina M. Garfield as First Counselor, and Theresa A. Collins as Second Counselor. This presidency is responsible for overseeing the Primary organization, which serves children aged 18 months to 11 years, focusing on teaching the gospel and strengthening families.
Rosemary K. Chibota, 58, originally from Malawi, has extensive church service experience and holds a master’s degree in management and leadership. Nina M. Garfield, 67, born in Japan, is a homemaker and has served in various church leadership roles. Theresa A. Collins, 64, from Draper, Utah, has a background in special education.
Official Statements & Responses
President D. Todd Christofferson emphasized the importance of these new appointments in furthering the church's mission and supporting local leaders worldwide. The changes reflect a commitment to strengthening church governance and outreach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As followers of Christ, let us follow Him by forgoing contention and by using the language and methods of peacemakers.” — President Dallin H. Oaks
- “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” — President Dallin H. Oaks
Conclusion
The April 2026 General Conference marked a pivotal moment for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with new leadership poised to guide the church's efforts in teaching and community service. The appointments reflect a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, aimed at enhancing the church's global mission.
