Leaders of 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 have learned more about the gospel and gospel leadership from my long friendship and association with him than from any other leader I have personally known,” he said.

Oaks’ expected ascension to the presidency is likely to be announced after Nelson’s funeral, scheduled for Tuesday, a couple of days after the conference when about 100,000 members gather at the church’s headquarters in Utah.

Gary E. Stevenson, another member of the Quorum, acknowledged that some members may feel nervous gathering in a sacred space after a gunman rammed his pickup truck into one of the faith's churches in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, last weekend, opened fire and set the building ablaze.

The attack killed four people and injured eight others. The gunman, who was killed by police, was described by friends as having a grudge against the church.

Stevenson urged congregants to respond with kindness — an action some have already practiced in the wake of the shooting.

AP video shot by Hannah Schoenbaum