Elder Clark G. Gilbert Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the calling of Elder Clark G. Gilbert as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Gilbert, age 55, fills a vacancy in the Quorum following recent changes in Church leadership.

He was sustained to the call on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and ordained on Thursday, February 12, by President Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Church.

Elder Gilbert is well known to Church members for his dynamic leadership in the Church Educational System (CES), where he served as Commissioner of Church Education since 2021. His background as an innovator in education and media, combined with his deep spiritual commitment, brings a unique perspective to the Church’s second-highest presiding body.

A Life of Preparation and Service
Born in Oakland, California, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Elder Gilbert has spent his career bridging the gap between rigorous academic standards and spiritual discipleship.

Education: He holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree from Stanford University, and a doctorate in business administration from Harvard University.

Professional Background: Before his full-time Church service, Elder Gilbert taught as a professor of entrepreneurial management at Harvard Business School. He later served as the CEO of Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media, where he was instrumental in navigating the organization through the digital transformation of the media landscape.

Educational Leadership: Perhaps his most visible impact prior to his apostolic call was his tenure as president of BYU-Idaho and subsequently as the inaugural president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Under his direction, BYU-Pathway expanded significantly, providing affordable, spiritual-based higher education to tens of thousands of students globally who might otherwise lack access.

Ministry and Testimony
Prior to this call, Elder Gilbert had been serving as a General Authority Seventy since April 2021. Throughout his service, he has frequently spoken on the power of education as a spiritual endeavor and the importance of focusing one's life on the Savior.

Following his ordination, Elder Gilbert expressed his witness of Jesus Christ:

"This is an amazing time to point people to the Savior Jesus Christ. When we do that, we can find joy and comfort and peace in Him... If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful."

The Quorum of the Twelve
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest governing body in the Church. Its members serve under the direction of the First Presidency and are called to be special witnesses of the name of Christ to the whole world. They travel extensively to address members and oversee the global affairs of the Church.
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Elder Gilbert joins the Quorum at a time of significant growth and change, bringing his extensive experience in communication and global education to the worldwide ministry.