Church of Jesus Christ's Newest Apostle Reflects on Role to Testify of Christ

Elder Clark G. Gilbert shares his thoughts on being called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Elder Clark G. Gilbert was recently called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In an interview, he spoke about the overwhelming experience, the support of his family, and his lifelong commitment to testifying of Jesus Christ.

Why it matters

Elder Gilbert's calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is significant as he will now have the responsibility to be a special witness of Jesus Christ to the world. His personal experiences and perspective provide insight into the role of an apostle in the church.

The details

When President Dallin H. Oaks invited Elder Gilbert into his office, he thought he was going to receive an assignment. Instead, President Oaks extended the calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Gilbert described the experience as overwhelming but amazing, feeling the gifts of the Spirit strengthening his witness of the Savior. He said interacting with the other apostles has been 'so beautiful' as they share their different gifts and experiences while being unified in testifying of Christ. Elder Gilbert's family has also been very supportive of his new calling.

  • On Wednesday, President Dallin H. Oaks invited Elder Gilbert into his office.
  • On Thursday, the church announced Elder Gilbert's calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The players

Dallin H. Oaks

The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who extended the calling to Elder Gilbert.

Clark G. Gilbert

The newly called member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who was previously president of BYU-Idaho and a general authority seventy.

David A. Bednar

A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who spoke about the unity and different gifts of the apostles.

Christine Gilbert

Elder Gilbert's wife of 32 years, whose influence and example helped him grow closer to Christ.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who Elder Gilbert observed in a conversation about using technology to witness of Christ.

D. Todd Christofferson

A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who Elder Gilbert observed in a conversation about using technology to witness of Christ.

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What they’re saying

“We feel overwhelmed right now, but I can always bear my witness of the Savior, and I feel the gifts of the Spirit pouring out on us at this moment, strengthening that witness with greater clarity and depth than I've ever felt before, and I know that will continue.”

— Elder Clark G. Gilbert (KSL)

“Nothing could have prepared us for the feelings we had the night before this was announced to the world, and we just sat in bed and wept and prayed, but we reflected on the witnesses we'd seen from each one of the 12 apostles … and if we could just focus on bearing witness of Jesus Christ we would be OK.”

— Elder Clark G. Gilbert (KSL)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.