During the Saturday afternoon session of general conference, President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the release of six General Authority Seventies. Each has turned 70 years old, the traditional age of release, and has been granted emeritus status.
- Elder J. Devn Cornish. He is a native of Salt Lake City, is a former pediatrician and served as a General Authority Seventy for 10 years.
- Elder Timothy J. Dyches. He is from Murray, Utah; a former physician; and served as a General Authority Seventy for eight years.
- Elder David F. Evans. He grew up in Salt Lake City, was an attorney and bank executive, and served as a General Authority Seventy for 16 years.
- Elder Robert C. Gay. He is a native of Los Angeles; worked in business, education and humanitarian relief; and served as a General Authority Seventy for nine years.
- Elder James B. Martino. He was born in Denton, Texas; worked in business; and was a General Authority Seventy for 12 years.
- Elder Terence M. Vinson. He is from Sydney, Australia; spent his professional life as a financial adviser and funds manager; and served as a General Authority Seventy for eight years.
President Eyring also noted the death of Elder Dean M. Davies in August of this year. Elder Davies served as a General Authority Seventy for one year and a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric for eight years. Elder Davies would have been released as a General Authority Seventy at this general conference.
“We extend to Sister Darla Davies and to the family our heartfelt condolences and appreciation for Elder Davies’ tireless service,” President Eyring said.
General Authority Seventies are “especial witnesses” of Christ who serve in the Presidency of the Seventy, in Area Presidencies and in other headquarters administrative functions (Doctrine and Covenants 27:12). 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. They have authority to serve anywhere in the world.
The calls of new General Authority Seventies are usually announced in April general conferences.
Releases and Callings of Area Seventies
Area Seventies are special witnesses of Jesus Christ to the geographic areas in which they reside. They serve under the direction of the Presidency of the Seventy.
Many Area Seventy releases were announced in July. Two additional Area Seventies have been released.
- Elder Gaëtan Kelounou of the Third Quorum of the Seventy (Africa Central, South and West Areas)
- Elder Guillermo I. Guardia of the Ninth Quorum of the Seventy (South America Northwest and South Areas)
Two Area Seventies were called to replace them.
- Elder Pedro E. Hernández, 51, of Punto Fijo, Venezuela. He will replace Elder Guardia in the Ninth Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Hernández is a physician and was serving as a stake high councilor prior to this call. He and his wife, Magdalena, are parents of two children.
- Elder Charden Ndinga, 41, of Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo. He will replace Elder Kelounou in the Third Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Ndinga is the CEO and Founder of AZ Trading & Services SARL. He was serving as president of the Church’s Pointe-Noire Republic of the Congo Stake prior to this call. He and his wife, Sandrine Djemelaki, have four children.