Church Appoints New General Authority Seventies at April 2026 Conference

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced significant leadership changes during its April 2026 General Conference. Eight new General Authority Seventies were called, alongside a new member of the Presidency of the Seventy.

Leadership Changes Revealed

President D. Todd Christofferson, serving as second counselor in the First Presidency, made these announcements during the afternoon session on April 4, 2026, at the Conference Center. The updates will become effective on August 1, 2026.

Emeritus Status for Current Leaders

As part of the changes, seven current General Authority Seventies will receive emeritus status, which will take effect on August 1. The leaders transitioning to emeritus status include:

• Elder S. Mark Palmer
• Elder Craig C. Christensen
• Elder Eduardo Gavarret
• Elder Brook P. Hales
• Elder William K. Jackson
• Elder Erich W. Kopischke
• Elder Peter F. Meurs

New Presidential Appointment

Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai has been appointed to serve in the Presidency of the Seventy, replacing Elder S. Mark Palmer. Elder Tai has been a General Authority Seventy since 2019 and currently leads the Church’s Asia Area.

Profiles of Newly Called General Authority Seventies

The following individuals have been called as new General Authority Seventies:

• Elder Christian C. Chigbundu

  Aged 51, he has served as president of the Nigeria Engugu Mission and has extensive experience in finance and leadership in Nigeria.

• Elder Matthew J. Eyring

  At 56, he is vice president of career development for BYU-Pathway Worldwide. He has experience in management consulting and business innovation.

• Elder Hutch U. Fale

  Currently 45, he served as an Area Seventy in Utah and has degrees from multiple BYU institutions. He has considerable Church leadership experience.

• Elder James O. Fantone

  Aged 54, he has served in various leadership roles in the Philippines. He has a background in education administration and holds a degree in management.

• Elder Kevin J. Hathaway

  At 51, he has been president of the Arkansas Bentonville Mission and has degrees in Russian language and international law.

• Elder Thabo Lebethoa

  Fifty years old, he has served as president of the South Africa Cape Town Mission and has a degree in accounting.

• Elder Jeremiah J. Morgan

  This 55-year-old has extensive Church service records and holds degrees from the University of Central Missouri and BYU.

• Elder Paul H. Sinclair

  Aged 60, he has served as president of the England London Mission and has degrees in law and organizational leadership.

Role of General Authority Seventies

Members of the General Authority Seventies act as “especial witnesses” of the gospel. They support the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in strengthening the Church globally. Typically, these leaders serve full-time until they reach the age of 70, when they may be released from their duties.

This new appointment at the April 2026 conference reflects The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ ongoing efforts to evolve its leadership while upholding its foundational mission.