Last week, the newly called Church president, President Russell M. Nelson, announced Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf was resuming his place in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles “and has already received major assignments for which he is uniquely qualified … and where he is needed most.”
Elder Uchtdorf’s new duties were announced Monday, Jan. 22.
His new assignments include chair of the Missionary Executive Council, chair of the Correlation Executive Council and the primary contact for the Europe and Europe East Areas.
Elder Uchtdorf will represent the Office of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve in his capacity as chair of the Missionary Executive Council, where he will direct the global operation of all missionary activities of the Church, according to a Church news release.
The Correlation Executive Council reviews and approves all Church materials and products.
Elder Uchtdorf, 77, is, of course, no stranger to Europe. He was born in Czechoslovakia and grew up in Germany, where he and his family joined the Church.
He served in the German Air Force for six years and earned his wings as a fighter pilot in the German and U.S. Air Forces.
Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 2004, Elder Uchtdorf served for almost a decade as second counselor in the First Presidency to President Thomas S. Monson.