Stokes Sounds Off: BREAKING APOSTOLIC NEWS: Elder Clark G. Gilbert Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

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Thursday, February 12, 2026

BREAKING APOSTOLIC NEWS: Elder Clark G. Gilbert Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 Hello again, everyone! As announced by the Newsroom and the Church NewsElder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authortiy Seventy since April 2021 and the Commissioner of Church Education since August of that same year, has been called as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. According to the reports, he was called to the apostleship yesterday, and was ordained an apostle by President Oaks and the other 13 apostles earlier today.'

His call fills the vacancy created by the December 27, 2025, death of President Jeffrey R. Holland, who was serving as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles when he passed away. Elder Gilbert, who was born in Oakland, California, on June 18, 1970, is 55 years old and brings a wide range of experience to his new calling. The reports note he made the following statement in response to his call:

"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. As President [Russell M.] Nelson once said, it’s much harder to find happiness where it doesn’t exist. And we’re so grateful that I have this calling now to witness that Jesus is the Christ. If people all across the world will look to Him, He will make their lives better, more meaningful, more joyful. And it happens in and through our Savior Jesus Christ.”

He grew up in a family where he was taught that there is a connection between education and Church membership. He went on to graduate from BYU in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in education. He also has a a master’s degree in East Asian studies, and a doctoral degree in business administration. He went on to teach at BYU-Idaho and later served as CEO of Deseret Digital Media, president of the Deseret News, president of BYU-Idaho, and the first president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

I was kind of hoping the new apostle would be announced soon, and even though I wasn't expecting Elder Gilbett would fill that vacancy, as soon as I read about his call, the Spirit confirmed to me that he has been called of God. One thing the article doesn't mention is how long he will continue as Commissioner of Church Education, there is precedent for apostles serving in that capacity. If they do replace him down the line in that capacity, there won't be as much of a domino effect as there was with the apostolic call of Elder Gérald Caussé.

I testify that Elder Gilbert has been called of God, and that we will be blessed as we follow his counsel and that of his fellow 14 apostles. I invite you all to stay tuned here for my coverage of the latest updates from the Church News, Newsroom, and Church of Jesus Christ Temples sites. I’ll be sure to pass word of those along to you all as soon as I learn about them. In the meantime, that does it for now. 

All comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated on any post at any time, as long as all such feedback is made per the established guidelines. I hope any of you who would like to share anything will take your opportunity to “sound off” in the comments below. If you liked what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly added posts and comments, please subscribe to receive the applicable updates. 

Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

4 comments:

  1. The last several new apostles that have been called and ordained outside of general conference seem to have been on Thursdays. Clark Gilbert is Called of God.

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  2. The last several new apostles that have been called and ordained outside of general conference seem to have been on Thursdays. Clark Gilbert is Called of God.

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    1. Thank you, Chris. It appears from the reports that Elder Gilbert was called yesterday and ordained today, which is slightly different from when Elders Causse and Kearon were called and ordained on Thursday. I assume Elder Gilbert may meet the press tomorrow. Elder Gilbert has truly been called of God. Thanks for stopping by to share your witness. I appreciate hearing from you.

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  3. Not to undercut the apostolic news today, but other updates have been provided by the Church News that I haven't yet shared. Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, spoke to missionaries at the Provo MTC on Tuesday. The Young Women General Presidency provided counsel on how to listen to the Spirit. 8 temples have new leaders incoming this year, including the first leaders of the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala and Managua Nicaragua Temples. I will let the biographies speak for themselves this time around. I have updated my document tracking these changes. So far, nothing unexpected there. And one other Church News report speaks for itself. My thanks once again to you all.

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