“I solemnly declare that this spiritual kingdom of faith will move forward with or without each of us individually. No unhallowed hand can stay the growth of the Church nor prevent fulfillment of its mission. Any of us can be left behind, drawn away by the seductive voices of secularism and materialism.”

American religious leader, lawyer, and politician

James Esdras Faust was an American religious leader, lawyer, and politician. He served in senior leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as Second Counselor in the First Presidency from 1995 until his death, and he was an apostle in the church for 29 years. He was also a general authority for 35 years. His public life is closely tied to church leadership and to a long career of service within the Latter-day Saint tradition.