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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Jeffrey R. Holland, a high-ranking official in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was next in line to become the faith’s president, has died.
Holland died early Saturday morning from complications associated with kidney disease, the church announced on its website.
He was the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve after President Dallin H. Oaks, making him next in line to lead the church under a long-established succession plan.
Oaks, 93, became president of the church and its more than 17 million-strong global membership in October.
Henry B. Eyring, who is 92 and one of Oaks’ two top counselors, is now next in line for the presidency.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Latter-day Saint, said no church leader has had a more profound impact on his faith than Holland. »