Clark Gilbert LDS Church New Apostle: Controversy Explained | Dallin Oaks Pick 2026

Video Description

The Clark Gilbert LDS Church appointment has sparked intense debate across the Mormon community. On February 11, 2026, Clark G. Gilbert was called as the 106th apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, filling the vacancy left by the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland in December 2025 . But almost immediately after the announcement, social media erupted with both praise and criticism. So who is Clark Gilbert, and why is his appointment so controversial? Gilbert is a 55 year old Oakland native who spent most of his childhood in Phoenix, Arizona . He holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a master's from Stanford, and a doctorate from Harvard Business School . Before his apostolic calling, he served as Commissioner of the Church Educational System, overseeing BYU, BYU Idaho, BYU Hawaii, Ensign College, BYU Pathway Worldwide, and Seminaries and Institutes . His credentials are impressive. He helped launch BYU Pathway Worldwide, which has now served over 288,000 students in 180 countries . He left a prestigious Harvard faculty position in 2006 to move to Rexburg, Idaho, taking a pay cut because he believed God was calling him to build something better . He and his wife Christine have been married for 32 years and have eight children . But here is where things get complicated. Critics point to Gilbert's tenure as education commissioner, where some faculty and students claim he created an environment of fear at BYU campuses. A 2025 Salt Lake Tribune article reported that some BYU staff said Gilbert pushed a doctrine of obedience over personal choice and negatively affected students, especially women and LGBTQ members . Former music professor Jason Bergman, who left the university, told reporters that BYU was "not safe for anyone who doesn't fit the orthodox mold," adding that he saw LGBTQ students suffer and noticed how women and people of color were treated . Online forums like Reddit have been flooded with reactions. One user called Gilbert's appointment a sign that President Dallin H. Oaks will continue "strict enforcement of obedience to church practice and adherence to church ideology" . Another described Gilbert as "another shining example of the worst Mormonism has to offer the world" . Gilbert himself addressed his new calling simply: "This is an amazing time to point people to the Savior Jesus Christ. When we do that, we can find joy and comfort and peace in Him" . Whether his critics will ever see it that way remains an open question. Subscribe for more LDS news analysis and commentary. Hit the bell for updates. Drop a comment below: Do you think Gilbert's appointment will unite or divide the church? @ChurchofJesusChrist @BYU @DeseretNews @KSLcom @Newsweek #ClarkGilbert #ClarkGilbertLDSChurch #LDSChurch #Mormon #LDS #Apostle #QuorumOfTheTwelve #DallinHOaks #LDSNews #MormonNews #LDSfaith #BYU #ChurchOfJesusChrist #LatterDaySaints #MormonStories #LDScontroversy #ReligiousNews #UtahNews #LDSleadership #GeneralConference #LDSapostle #MormonChurch #FaithAndBelief #LDScommunity #LDSculture #LDSwomen #LGBTQ #LDSeducation #BYUPathway #LDSmission Sources: Official church announcement February 11, 2026 ; Newsweek reporting February 13, 2026 ; Deseret News interviews February 13, 2026 ; KSL coverage February 13, 2026 ; Ventura County Star February 13, 2026 ; KSL TV February 12, 2026 . Disclaimer: This video is a news commentary and analysis based on publicly available information regarding the February 2026 appointment of Clark G. Gilbert to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All quotes, claims, and data are derived from official church announcements and reporting from credible news sources including the Church Newsroom, Newsweek, Deseret News, KSL, and the Associated Press. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and represents balanced coverage of multiple perspectives. This video is an OPINION PIECE. It is not a news broadcast, investigative journalism, or a verified factual report. The narrative, dramatic elements, hypothetical quotes, and emotional storytelling are creative constructions intended for commentary, criticism, and educational discussion. They are not presented as documented facts. While this content draws from public statements and historical events, viewers should NOT rely on this video as a primary source of news. For accurate, up-to-date, and verified information, please refer to official press releases, government sources, and established news organizations. This content is protected as fair use and is produced for the purpose of social commentary and public discourse.