The LDS Church’s New Apostle: Gérald Caussé
Gérald Caussé, a senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was appointed as the church’s newest apostle on Thursday. He joins the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a male governing body just below the president and his two counselors.
Role and Background
Caussé, age 62 and originally from France, brings deep expertise in church finances to the Quorum. He has overseen a global expansion of temples, the sacred places where key church ceremonies occur. His financial knowledge stems from managing the church’s extensive investments and temple building efforts worldwide.
Financial Oversight and Secrecy
The church maintains secrecy over its finances, but its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors Inc., recently reported a portfolio valued at $58 billion. Caussé has defended this confidentiality, stating in 2020:
“We really consider those funds as belonging to the Lord.”
Filling a Key Vacancy
- Caussé replaces the vacancy caused by President Russell M. Nelson’s recent death.
- The vacancy arose after the appointment of President Dallin H. Oaks, aged 93 and a former Utah Supreme Court justice.
- Apostles in the Quorum help set church policies and manage diverse business operations.
This appointment signals continuity in leadership amid significant church growth and complexity.
Author's summary: Gérald Caussé joins the LDS Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, bringing vital financial expertise amid the faith’s ongoing global temple expansion.