Mormon Land A look at President Nelson's leadership, legacy as he turns 101 | Episode 408
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Sep 9, 2025 
Kathleen Flake, a Latter-day Saint historian and emeritus Bushman professor at the University of Virginia, reflects on Russell M. Nelson's impactful leadership as he turns 101. She discusses his recent Time magazine essay advocating for peacemaking in a divided world. The conversation highlights Nelson's transformative approach, inclusive temple practices, and the church's response to contemporary issues like COVID-19. Flake also examines his efforts to combat racism and how he’s reshaped the Church’s identity, focusing on women's roles and community engagement.
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Pace Of Transformative Change
- Kathleen Flake says Nelson's administration accelerated change with remarkable pace and energy.
- He moved long-discussed ideas into action, surprising some who expected a caretaker leader.
Substantive Anti-Racism Partnership
- Flake praises the NAACP partnership as a careful, sincere collaboration rather than symbolic gestures.
- She highlights genealogy work and community programs as concrete, value-aligned contributions.
Strategic Temple Expansion
- Temple announcements reflect strategic, not chaotic, growth tied to access and demographics.
- Flake views the push to place temples within two hours of members as deliberate planning.