SALT LAKE CITY — The immediate successor to the late President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared a public message Monday, addressing both the passing of the faith’s leader and the deadly violence at a Michigan church two days earlier.
Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, used social media channels to mourn Nelson’s death while also referencing the attack that killed at least four people and wounded eight at an LDS chapel in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday.
“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow,” Oaks wrote. “Millions of us are mourning the passing of our beloved Prophet and President, Russell M. Nelson. He was a dear friend and a cherished leader. His timeless teachings continue to guide us and help us find comfort amid suffering, especially in the wake of the recent violence aimed at members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan this past Sunday.”
The tragic events have stunned the faith’s worldwide membership. President Nelson, who was the world’s oldest leader of a global faith organization, died Saturday at age 101. The following morning, Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine, crashed his pickup into the Michigan church, opened fire, and set the building ablaze before being fatally shot by police. The attack is being investigated by the FBI as “targeted violence.”
Oaks, who is the senior apostle and next in line to become the church’s president, underscored the community’s need for solace.
“The awful tragedy that took place in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28, reminds us of our sacred responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ,” he continued. “We mourn with our members who have lost loved ones, and we join in prayer for comfort with others around the world who are suffering from similar tragedies.”
He thanked those who were reaching out with support, service, and prayers.
The message concluded with a spiritual reassurance to those impacted by loss.
“May we all remember the truth that each of us is a beloved child of God,” Oaks said, referencing the faith’s core belief in Jesus Christ. “Our Savior Jesus Christ, through His infinite Atonement, overcame death and gives us the joyful assurance that each of us will be gloriously resurrected.”
Oaks extended his expression “to the family and friends of those affected by this recent tragedy and all others who may be experiencing loss and heartache at this time.”