‘His primary language was love’: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a special tribute for late President Russell M. Nelson

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — On Wednesday morning, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a special tribute broadcast honoring President Russell M. Nelson, who passed away Saturday night.

The tribute featured remarks from several Church leaders. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square also honored the life of President Nelson.

‘President Nelson was a peacemaker’

During the tribute, Elder Dallin H. Oaks said that President Nelson preached the gospel of love and showed the meaning of love in a world with millions of people. He was a peacemaker who preached that anger never persuades.

“True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers. President Nelson was a peacemaker,” Elder Oaks said.

Additionally, Elder Carl B. Cook shared that President Nelson was always thinking of others.

“His primary language was love,” Elder Cook said. “We love him, and we will always cherish him.”

The Church leaders shared that President Nelson would always listen to others intently and show his care.

“He listened to everyone intently. His eyes filled with kindness and giving his complete attention to every word,” Bishop Gerald Caussè said.

Elder Henry B. Eyring shared that President Nelson always remembered the names and faces of the people he met— making them feel loved. Elder Eyring said that he knows President Nelson was a prophet of God.

President Nelson was the 17th president in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“To be called by God to the most influential role in that church— one that only 16 other men have held in this dispensation-— is evidence enough of his fah, his humility, and his love for everything celestial,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said.

Public viewing and funeral services

A public viewing and funeral service for President Nelson will take place next week.

The public viewing will be held on Monday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

Public funeral services for Nelson will be held in the Conference Center at noon on Oct. 7. Tickets will be required to attend the funeral services, and they will become available online at 10 a.m. on Oct. 2.

Nelson passed away in his Salt Lake City home on September 27 at the age of 101. He was both the oldest president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the oldest leader of a faith organization in the world. He served as president since January 14, 2018.