The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Samoa has announced the passing of the acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President M. Russell Ballard.

President Ballard became an apostle on 6 October 1985 and was announced as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on 16 January 2018. As with the apostles in the New Testament times, today’s apostles are called to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ, stated the media release from Samoa's LDS.

“We are saddened to announce that President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died,” read the statement

“After a recent brief hospital stay, he returned to his home where he attended to duties as he was able to before passing away at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was 95.”

President Ballard was one of 15 men who oversaw the growth and development of the global church, which now numbers more than  17 million members.

The Church President Russell M. Nelson spoke on his passing, saying: “President Ballard was never indecisive. He knew exactly what the Lord taught and how it could be applied in one’s personal life and bring joy and happiness." 

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency, who sat beside President Ballard in the  Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for more than three decades, added: “We worked together closely, and I always loved his warm manner. He was a man to be trusted and he was a man who trusted you.” 

The late President Ballard is survived by his seven children, 43 grandchildren 105 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.