“There’s a mix of trepidation and joy, two feelings that don’t usually coincide,” said Elder Clark G. Gilbert, the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as he assumes his role in the second-highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder Gilbert, the Church’s education commissioner, was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Quorum on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, following the passing of President Jeffrey R. Holland. He was ordained on Thursday, February 12, by President Dallin H. Oaks and other leaders.
Gilbert, 55, noted he has received over 1,000 text messages since his appointment.
Elder Gilbert Talks to Journalists
Journalists first spoke with Elder Gilbert on Friday, February 13, in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square.
Elder Gilbert mentioned receiving spiritual inspiration from the Lord in his initial days as an Apostle.
“I feel the mantle strengthening me,” he stated. “It is sometimes a burden and a weight, but also a protection and strength.”
“The Lord has planted feelings in my heart already, urging me to reach out to individuals, especially those who struggle,” Elder Gilbert explained. “Ministering to individuals will be a significant part of my service.”
Elder Gilbert credited his wife, Christine, with providing confidence in this calling and other pivotal life moments.
“Her confidence and conviction pushed me to be who the Lord needed me to be,” he said.
Among the many messages received was one from a former inner-city youth they had served, who is now a father of five.
Elder Gilbert said, “He called her and said, ‘Christine, this wouldn’t have happened without you.’ And he’s right.”
Sister Gilbert, inspired by her husband, said, “He’s been a builder of people and me for 32 years, making me a better version of myself. He’s joyful and enthusiastic.”
Elder Gilbert acknowledged he has much to learn as an Apostle.
“We teach that education is a religious responsibility. Involve the Lord in your learning, and He’ll take you places you never thought possible,” he added.
Having taught at Harvard, served as president of Brigham Young University–Idaho, and been the inaugural president of BYU–Pathway Worldwide, education has been vital in his life.
He continued, “God loves us and wants us to grow spiritually while providing for our temporal self-reliance.”
Elder Gilbert is both humbled and excited about serving as the Church’s newest Apostle.
“What an opportunity to dedicate my life to serving the Lord Jesus Christ and testifying of Him,” Elder Gilbert said. “Jesus Christ lives, and through Him, we find peace and joy amid a chaotic world.”
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