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President Nelson IRLS 2022 with guests
Vanisa Dhiru, President Russell M. Nelson, and Rakesh Naidoo at Religious Freedom Symposium Oct 2022Used with permission of Vanisa DhiruPresident Nelson, who has served as President of the Church since January 2018, is recognised for his unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ, his compassionate leadership, and his efforts to build bridges across faiths and cultures. As the oldest living leader of a global faith, his life and ministry continue to inspire millions.
Tributes from New Zealand
Rakesh Naidoo and Vanisa Dhiru, prominent advocates for inclusion and interfaith harmony, shared their heartfelt wishes:
"Kia ora and happy 101st birthday, President Nelson! Thank you for your inspired leadership and your example of faith and goodness. Wishing you continued good health and happiness. With love and peace from New Zealand."
— Rakesh and Vanisa
Emeritus Professor Paul Morris, a leading scholar of religious studies at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, offered a deeply personal tribute:
"I wish to convey my very best wishes and a hearty Mazel Tov on this august occasion. We met briefly in Auckland when you visited Aotearoa New Zealand, and I witnessed firsthand your leadership, insight, sagacity, and wisdom – qualities so notably absent in contemporary public life. Your positive message was one of hope for the future. Happy birtheday! May you live to be 120 (like Moses)!"
— Paul Morris, Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies
Dr Mustafa Farouk QSM, Director of National Dawah and Bridge Building of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), reflected on President Nelson’s compassion following the Christchurch mosque attacks:
"On behalf of myself and FIANZ, I extend my warmest congratulations to President Russell M. Nelson on the occasion of his 101st birthday. I had the honour of meeting President Nelson and his wife on 21 May 2019 at the Latter-day Saint Church complex in Auckland. His presence in that time of grief was a great reminder of the bonds of compassion and shared humanity that unite us all. President Nelson has embodied the Qur’anic principle: ‘O mankind, indeed We created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another…’ (Qur’an 49:13). His life is a living example of how faith can inspire unity, compassion, and service to all humanity."
— Dr Mustafa Farouk QSM
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Dr. Mustafa Farouk QSM (far left) with President Russell M. Nelson and other Muslim leaders in 2019 at Redoubt Stake Center, New Zealand© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.A Ministry Focused on Jesus Christ
In the days leading up to President Nelson’s birthday, the Church’s global social media channels have been sharing messages from his ministry, highlighting his teachings on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, on peace, and personal revelation.
President Nelson’s legacy in the Pacific includes temple announcements, humanitarian outreach, and interfaith engagement. His visit to the Pacific Area in 2019 left a lasting impression on many, including friends of the Church.
As the Pacific Newsroom joins in celebrating this milestone, we honour a life of service, faith, and love.