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Gerrit W. Gong

Role: Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Background: Academic, diplomat, first apostle of Asian descent in LDS Church history
Sustained: March 31, 2018

Personal Details​

  • Born: December 23, 1953, Redwood City, California
  • Education:
    • BA in Asian and University Studies, BYU (1977)
    • Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University
    • MA and PhD in International Relations, Oxford (1979, 1981)
  • Family: Married to Susan Lindsay (January 1980), four children
  • Heritage: Chinese descent, ancestors emigrated from China in late 19th century

Professional Background​

  • Special Assistant to Undersecretary of State, U.S. State Department (1985)
  • Special Assistant to U.S. Ambassador in Beijing, China (1987)
  • Various roles at Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C. (from 1989)
  • Assistant to President for Planning and Assessment at BYU

Church Service History​

  • Missionary in Taiwan
  • Bishop, Stake President
  • Area Seventy
  • Member of Presidency of the Seventy
  • Asia Area Presidency (2011-2015, concluded as Area President)
  • Apostle (2018-present)

Notable Characteristics​

  • Academic Excellence: Rhodes Scholar, international relations expertise
  • Global Perspective: Significant experience in Asia, diplomatic background
  • Bridge Builder: Connects Eastern and Western perspectives within the Church
  • Thoughtful Communicator: Known for intellectual depth combined with spiritual insight

Key Themes & Teachings​

  • Technology & Faith: Thoughtful approach to AI and modern technology through gospel lens
  • International Relations: Brings diplomatic experience to Church leadership
  • Cultural Bridge Building: Helps Church navigate global diversity
  • Wisdom & Understanding: Emphasis on seeking divine wisdom in modern world

Recent Notable Addresses​

  • BYU Education Week 2025: "An Ear to Wisdom, a Heart to Understanding" - groundbreaking address on AI and gospel principles
  • Religions for Peace Conference, Istanbul (July 2025): "Faith, Ethics, and Human Dignity in an Age of Artificial Intelligence"

Personal Observations​

Elder Gong represents a unique voice in Church leadership - combining deep academic credentials, international diplomatic experience, and Asian heritage. His approach to modern challenges like artificial intelligence is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually grounded.

His 2025 BYU Education Week address demonstrated remarkable ability to:

  • Place cutting-edge technology in eternal gospel context
  • Speak to both intellectual and spiritual concerns
  • Bridge ancient scriptural wisdom with modern challenges
  • Offer practical guidance while maintaining doctrinal clarity

Relationship Context​

Elder Gong's teachings on AI, wisdom, and understanding provide valuable framework for thinking about technology's role in spiritual life. His emphasis that "AI cannot replace revelation or generate truth from God" while acknowledging AI as a useful tool offers balanced perspective for believers navigating technological change.

His personal story of speaking with a young man about forgiveness demonstrates pastoral heart combined with doctrinal authority - "Trust God and repent, and I promise you can still go to heaven."

Key Quote​

"The Lord's restored church, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in my view, is not primarily a purveyor of information. We are or should be primarily a source of his truth and love."

Relevance​

Elder Gong's unique background and thoughtful approach to modern challenges make him a valuable voice for understanding how eternal principles apply to contemporary issues, particularly the intersection of faith and technology.