DOWNLOADThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced leadership changes relating to the Pacific Area at its April general conference (4-5 April).
General Authority Seventy
General Authority Seventies serve full-time in the Church. They are usually released in the year they turn 70 years old and are granted emeritus status.
Two General Authority Seventies serving in the Pacific Area will be released from their current assignments and receive emeritus status effective August 1, 2026:
- Elder Peter F. Meurs, currently serving as Pacific Area President
- Elder S. Mark Palmer, currently serving in the Presidency of the Seventy
The Church also announced the calling of Elder Hutch U. Fale as a General Authority Seventy. Born in Provo Utah, Elder Fale is of Tongan descent. His previous Church service includes full-time missionary service in the Tonga Nukuʻalofa Mission, bishop, high councilor, stake president, and Area Seventy. He has worked as an attorney.
Area Seventy
The following leaders have been called to serve as Area Seventies in the Pacific Area:
- Graham F. Smith (64), Tamborine, Australia
- Michael J. Stone (64), Biggera Waters, Australia
- Paul J. Thomas (52), Parrearra, Australia
- Manea Tuahu (46), Arue, French Polynesia
Three Area Seventies will also be released from their assignments on or before August 1, 2026:
- Elder Frederic T. Riemer
- Elder Iotua B. Tune
- Elder Damon Page
Area Seventies typically serve for five-years.