Council of the Twelve Apostles (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Organized in 1835, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—also called the Council of the Twelve or the Twelve—became one of the key leadership bodies in the Latter Day Saint movement. It was patterned after the New Testament apostles and was created during the early years of the movement founded by Joseph Smith.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles serves as one of the highest governing councils of the church. Its members are regarded as special witnesses of Jesus Christ and work alongside the First Presidency in directing the church’s spiritual and administrative work.

Over time, the quorum has been deeply involved in missionary work, church expansion, and leadership succession. When a church president dies, the senior apostle typically becomes the next president, making the quorum especially important in the continuity and history of the faith.