Church of Jesus Christ Names Bishop Gérald Caussé as New Apostle
SALT LAKE CITY — Gérald Caussé, who has served as the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the past eleven years, was announced Thursday as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The appointment marks a significant leadership change within the church.
Elder Caussé, age 62, was called and ordained to the apostleship on the same day by President Dallin H. Oaks, together with members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
"I've always had a testimony of Jesus Christ," Elder Caussé said in a church news release. "He's always been at the center of my life, and I know He's our Savior and Redeemer. What a wonderful calling it is to be a witness of Christ. That is the greatest responsibility we can have in our lives."
A native of Bordeaux, France, Elder Caussé becomes the third presiding bishop born outside the United States and the first whose primary language is not English, according to the church. Previously, he served as a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric and as a General Authority Seventy.
He married Valérie Babin on August 5, 1986, in the Bern Switzerland Temple. His church responsibilities have led him and his family to live in both Germany and the United States.
Author’s Summary
Elder Gérald Caussé of France, long-time presiding bishop of the Church, has been called as an Apostle, highlighting his lifelong devotion to faith and international service.