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‘Mormon Land’: As President Russell Nelson turns 101, his legacy includes ‘softened, sentimentalized’ temple rituals

LDS historian also points to his efforts in finding “common ground” with the NAACP and in teaching women they have “priestly power.”

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) President Russell M. Nelson and wife Wendy at the Church Administration Building on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, ahead of his 101st birthday on Tuesday.

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) President Russell M. Nelson and wife Wendy at the Church Administration Building on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, ahead of his 101st birthday on Tuesday.

By https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/a7e1ce28-5353-4737-87a7-c7be13b28f3c.png Peggy Fletcher Stack  and https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/f3e9e416-7f19-42ab-bb72-56a51e519a6f.png David Noyce
 | Sep. 9, 2025, 2:58 p.m.
| Updated: 5:20 p.m.

When Russell M. Nelson, already the oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, turned 100 last year, the Utah-based faith celebrated him with a televised birthday party.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared Sept. 9, 2024, as Russell M. Nelson Day. Throngs of young single adults signed a giant birthday card. And members everywhere reflected on the centenarian’s accomplishments and leadership.

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) President Russell M. Nelson gathers in the Church Administration Building with wife Wendy and other family members on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, ahead of his 101st birthday on Tuesday.

By comparison, his 101st birthday on Tuesday was a quieter affair as Nelson gathered with close family and friends. Still, just before the calendar marked the day, Nelson published a major essay in Time magazine, extolling the importance of peacemaking in a divided world.

On this week’s show, Latter-day Saint historian Kathleen Flake, emeritus Bushman professor of Mormon studies at the University of Virginia, discusses his life, leadership and legacy.

Listen to the podcast:

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Peggy Fletcher StackSenior religion reporter

Hired in 1991 to cover Utah's various faiths, particularly Mormonism, Peggy has talked forgiveness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, nearly fainted waiting for the Dalai Lama, fasted with Muslims during Ramadan — and has reported on 50 consecutive semiannual LDS General Conferences.

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David NoyceSenior Managing editor

David is a managing editor at The Tribune, where he has worked since 1984. He oversees coverage ranging from local government and west-side issues to growth, development and housing. In addition, he directs religion reporting, co-hosts the award-winning “Mormon Land” podcast and writes the Mormon Land newsletter.