Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the term used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons or LDS Church) for one of its two main governing bodies, the other being the First Presidency.

As with the original Apostles, there are 12 members of the Quorum (all male), which are considered to be special witnesses of Christ and have the right to establish LDS Church doctrine, though in practice only the President does so. All members serve for life or unless excommunicated (removed) by the other Quorum members.

Upon the death or removal of the President, the First Presidency dissolves, and the Counselors return to the Quorum (thus, it is possible for the Quorum to at times have more than the Twelve in its name). The Quorum will then select the new President (generally, the longest-tenured Quorum member is chosen, though it is not required), who will then select Counselors and re-establish the First Presidency; the Quorum will then elevate other men so it will have 12 members. The most recent such event took place in September and October 2025, upon the death of President Nelson.