The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is convening Saturday for its twice-annual general conference at a pivotal moment in its history: just days after the death of its oldest-ever president and a deadly attack on a congregation in Michigan.
The death of President Russell M. Nelson leaves a void, but the church has a well-defined leadership hierarchy that helps ensure a smooth transition. Dallin H. Oaks, the man set to succeed Nelson, has already played a prominent role in church leadership as one of Nelson's two top counselors. Oaks' expected ascension to the presidency is likely to be announced after Nelson's funeral, scheduled for Tuesday, a couple of days after the conference when about 100,000 members gather at the church's headquarters in Utah.
