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Christensen Named New Presiding Bishop of Latter-day Saint Church

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 12:49 GMT by The Salt Lake Tribune
      Locales: Utah, Idaho, UNITED STATES

Salt Lake City, Utah - February 8, 2026 - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today announced the appointment of Brent K. Christensen as the new Presiding Bishop, a pivotal leadership role overseeing the Church's extensive welfare and humanitarian operations globally. This appointment follows a period of transition marked by the passing of beloved Bishop W. Craig Knopp in November of last year, and the subsequent interim leadership provided by Gerald Causse who had held the position since 2018.

Bishop Christensen's selection signals a continuation of the Church's commitment to its long-standing tradition of compassionate service and dedicated efforts to care for those in need. He brings a wealth of experience garnered from his previous roles within the Church, notably his service on the Church's Executive Committee - a body responsible for guiding the overall direction of the faith - and his recent ministerial duties at the Utah Salt Lake City Temple, a sacred space central to the Church's practices.

The Presiding Bishop is a unique position within the Latter-day Saint leadership structure. Unlike the positions of the President of the Church and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which are seen as prophetic offices, the Presiding Bishop focuses primarily on the practical and administrative aspects of Church welfare and temporal affairs. This includes the management of the Church's significant financial resources, the operation of its vast network of farms, canneries, and distribution centers, and the coordination of humanitarian aid projects around the world.

Bishop Knopp's sudden passing left a significant void. He was widely respected for his devotion, administrative skill, and compassionate heart. His tenure saw an expansion of the Church's global humanitarian reach, particularly in response to increasing worldwide disasters and economic hardship. He championed innovative approaches to welfare assistance, focusing on empowerment and self-reliance rather than mere handouts. His emphasis on local leadership and volunteer participation strengthened the Church's capacity to respond effectively to the diverse needs of communities across the globe.

Bishop Causse's time as Presiding Bishop, though comparatively brief, was also marked by significant progress. He successfully navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuation of essential welfare services while adapting to new health protocols. His experience and leadership were instrumental in maintaining the stability of the Church's welfare system during a period of unprecedented global disruption. He will remain a key figure in Church governance as a continuing member of the Executive Committee.

Bishop Christensen now inherits these legacies and faces the ongoing task of addressing increasingly complex global challenges. The Church's welfare and humanitarian efforts are consistently ranked among the most effective and far-reaching of any faith-based organization. This is due in part to its emphasis on "helping people become self-reliant," a philosophy embedded in its welfare program since its inception during the Great Depression. The program is based on the principles of foresight, preparedness, and service.

Looking ahead, analysts expect Bishop Christensen to focus on leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and reach of the Church's welfare initiatives. There's growing interest in utilizing data analytics to identify areas of greatest need and tailor assistance programs accordingly. The Church is also actively exploring opportunities to partner with other organizations and governments to address systemic issues such as food insecurity and poverty.

Furthermore, given the escalating frequency of natural disasters linked to climate change, the Church is likely to prioritize disaster preparedness and response efforts. This includes strengthening local resilience, providing emergency relief supplies, and supporting long-term recovery projects. Bishop Christensen's background on the Executive Committee will likely prove invaluable in coordinating these efforts with other Church leaders and external partners.

The appointment of Bishop Christensen underscores the Church's enduring commitment to its humanitarian mission and its belief in the power of collective action to alleviate suffering and build a better world. He represents a new chapter in this vital work, built upon the foundation laid by his predecessors, and guided by the principles of faith, hope, and charity.