SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Leaders of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraged members Saturday to confront hate with love and forgiveness, just days after a deadly attack on a congregation in Michigan and as the faithful are also mourning their oldest-ever president .

The recent death of President Russell M. Nelson leaves a void, but the church has a well-defined leadership hierarchy that helps ensure a smooth transition. Dallin H. Oaks , the man set to succeed Nelson, has already played a prominent leadership role as one of Nelson’s two top counselors and as the next longest-serving member of a top governing body called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Oaks opened the faith’s twice-annual general conference with a brief tribute.

“I love Russell M. Nelson and

See Full Page