News Release

Changes in Leadership Announced at October 2016 General Conference

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the following leadership changes at the Saturday afternoon session of the 186th Semiannual General Conference, October 1, 2016:

General Authority Seventies

Elders Daniel L. Johnson, Jairo Mazzagardi, Kent F. Richards and Francisco J. Viñas were released as General Authority Seventies and granted emeritus status. 

Area Seventies

The following were announced as Area Seventies: Bhanu K. Hiranandani, 40, South America Northwest Area, and Sandino Roman, 42, Mexico Area.

Alan R. Walker, 45, serving in the Mexico Area, was released.

General Authority Seventies serve in the Presidency of the Seventy, in area presidencies and in other headquarters administrative functions. Under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, they travel frequently to meet with and teach Church leaders, missionaries and members of the Church in local congregations.

General Authority Seventies have authority to serve anywhere in the world. Area Seventies' authority is typically limited to the geographical area where they serve.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.