New Apostle Elder Clark G. Gilbert Shares Call Details, What Has Shaped Him

The 106th apostle in LDS Church history discusses his unexpected call, past experiences, and his testimony of Jesus Christ.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Elder Clark G. Gilbert, the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares details about his unexpected call to the apostleship. He discusses how past experiences, including leaving a prestigious job at Harvard to help launch the BYU-Pathway program in Idaho, have shaped him. Elder Gilbert also shares his testimony of Jesus Christ and the opportunities the Church has to share its message during challenging times.

Why it matters

Elder Gilbert's call as the 106th apostle in LDS Church history provides insight into the process of selecting new apostles and the experiences that prepare individuals for this sacred calling. His background and testimony also highlight the Church's efforts to reach young adults and share the gospel message during a time of global uncertainty.

The details

Elder Gilbert, age 55, was called as an apostle by Church President Dallin H. Oaks on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, filling the vacancy created by the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland on December 27. President Oaks extended the call to Elder Gilbert after a regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Board of Education, where Elder Gilbert was serving as commissioner of the Church Educational System. Elder Gilbert was initially surprised by the call, thinking President Oaks was going to give him a new project. Instead, President Oaks spoke to him about an apostle's responsibility to be a witness of Jesus Christ to the world.

  • Elder Gilbert was 10 years old when he first met an apostle, President Spencer W. Kimball, and excitedly shook his hand multiple times.
  • On Tuesday, February 11, 2026, President Oaks spent the day with Elder Gilbert at Brigham Young University, where he delivered a devotional, but did not extend the call then.
  • On Wednesday, February 12, 2026, President Oaks extended the call to Elder Gilbert and he was set apart and ordained by President Oaks and the other apostles.

The players

Elder Clark G. Gilbert

The newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called on February 12, 2026 at the age of 55.

President Dallin H. Oaks

The first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who extended the call to Elder Gilbert to become an apostle.

President Jeffrey R. Holland

A previous member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who passed away on December 27, creating the vacancy that Elder Gilbert was called to fill.

President Spencer W. Kimball

A former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whom the young Clark Gilbert excitedly met and shook hands with multiple times.

President Henry B. Eyring

The first counselor in the First Presidency, who has mentored Elder Gilbert in his previous role as a General Authority Seventy.

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What they’re saying

“I could tell Tuesday that there was something on his mind, but we didn't have a conversation that day.”

— Elder Clark G. Gilbert (Deseret News)

“It was sacred. I felt immediately overwhelmed.”

— Elder Clark G. Gilbert (Deseret News)

“Christ is always pointing you to something better. If you'll follow him, you'll find greater joy and happiness, and it's never a sacrifice if you're following what the Savior would ask you to do.”

— Elder Clark G. Gilbert (Deseret News)

“I know he lives. I know he loves us. I know he can help us repent and that we can be forgiven when we fall short. I know that because of him, we will live again, and as we're taught in Alma 7:12, that he will comfort us in our afflictions and he will strengthen us in our infirmities, and he will succor us when life's not fair.”

— Elder Clark G. Gilbert (Deseret News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Elder Gilbert's call as a new apostle highlights the Church's efforts to reach young adults and share the gospel message during challenging times, drawing on his own experiences of making sacrifices for the kingdom of God and finding greater joy and happiness in following Christ.