Elder Clark G. Gilbert Appointed as Church’s Newest Apostle

Elder Clark G. Gilbert has been appointed as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His call was made by Church President Dallin H. Oaks and announced on February 12, 2026.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert’s Background

Elder Gilbert, 55, hails from Oakland, California, and spent much of his childhood in Phoenix, Arizona. He has held the position of General Authority Seventy since April 2021 and has been serving as the commissioner of the Church Educational System since August 2021. He is married to Sister Christine Gilbert, whom he wed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1994. Together, they have eight children.

Historical Context and Recent Changes

Elder Gilbert’s appointment fills a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which had been reduced due to the deaths of two previous leaders. This includes the passing of President Jeffrey R. Holland on December 27, 2025, and President Russell M. Nelson on September 28, 2025.

Significant Dates

• October 14, 2025: Dallin H. Oaks is set apart as the Prophet and 18th President of the Church.
• February 11, 2026: Elder Gilbert is called to the apostleship.
• February 12, 2026: His ordination takes place with the First Presidency and other apostles present.

Prior Leadership Appointments

Elder Gilbert is the second individual appointed by President Oaks since he assumed his role in October 2025. Following President Oaks’ first announcement of the new First Presidency counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson were also called. The vacancy created by President Christofferson’s movement from the Quorum of the Twelve necessitated Gilbert’s appointment.

Filling the Apostolic Void

After the appointments of Geráld Caussé to the Quorum of the Twelve on November 6, 2025, Elder Gilbert’s addition restores the quorum to its full complement of twelve members. This new leadership revitalizes the structure and mission of the Church as it moves forward.

The leadership changes and new appointments are significant for the future direction of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Elder Gilbert likely to play a vital role in guiding the faith community.