James E. Faust
Based on Wikipedia: James E. Faust
On August 10, 2007, James Esdras Faust took his final breath in his Salt Lake City home, leaving behind a legacy that stretched from the muddy soccer fields of his youth to the highest councils of global religious leadership. He was eighty-seven years old, a man whose life had been a relentless convergence of civic duty, legal acumen, and spiritual devotion. His passing marked the end of an era for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, closing the book on a tenure that saw him serve as Second Counselor in the First Presidency for twelve years, an apostle for nearly three decades, and a general authority for thirty-five. But to view Faust merely as a title on a list of church officials is to miss the texture of a life that was, in many ways, a study in the intersection of public service and private faith. He was a lawyer who argued for civil rights under President Kennedy, a politician who navigated the complexities of Utah's Democratic party, and a missionary who stood on the banks of a river in Nigeria to baptize converts in the wake of a historic revelation. His story is not just one of administrative ascent, but of a man who carried the weight of tradition while actively helping to reshape its boundaries.
Born on July 31, 1920, in Delta, Utah, James Faust entered a world that was soon to be torn apart by global conflict. His early years were spent in the quiet, agricultural rhythms of the Utah Valley, a setting that grounded him in the values of his community before the world demanded his service. His family moved to the southern Salt Lake Valley before he reached high school, a transition that placed him in the bustling environment of Granite High School. It was here that the competitive spirit of the young Faust began to take shape. He was not merely a student; he was an athlete, winning awards for track and earning a letter in football. These were not trivial pursuits but formative experiences that taught him discipline, teamwork, and the value of endurance. He carried this physical vigor into his college years at the University of Utah, where he continued to run the 440-yard and mile relay events, his lungs burning with the same determination that would later fuel his legal and religious careers.
However, the trajectory of his education was far from linear. The 1930s and 1940s were not a time for uninterrupted academic pursuit; they were years of global upheaval that demanded the attention of every able-bodied young man. Faust's college education was delayed twice, first by a spiritual calling and then by a national crisis. From 1939 to 1942, he served as a missionary for the LDS Church in southern Brazil. This was not a brief vacation but a rigorous immersion into a foreign culture, a time when he would learn the nuances of a language and the resilience required to share his beliefs in a land far from home. It was a period that would later define his relationship with Brazil, a connection that would eventually earn him honorary citizenship and a street named in his honor.
Then came the war. The United States entered World War II, and Faust, like millions of others, put his studies on hold to serve in the United States Army Air Corps. He rose to the rank of First Lieutenant, a position of responsibility that required tactical thinking and leadership under pressure. His service was not merely a footnote in his biography; it was a defining chapter that shaped his understanding of duty and sacrifice. The war ended, and he returned to the university, finally able to complete the education that had been interrupted. In 1948, he graduated with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah, a dual achievement that signaled his readiness to tackle the complex legal and social issues of the post-war era.
The Lawyer and the Politician
Faust's entry into the legal profession was marked by an immediate and sustained commitment to the rule of law and the betterment of his community. He joined a law firm in Salt Lake City, but his ambition extended far beyond the courtroom. By 1962, he had risen to the presidency of the Utah Bar Association, a role he held for one year. This was a significant honor, reflecting the respect he commanded among his peers. The association would later recognize his lifelong contributions by awarding him the Distinguished Lawyer Emeritus Award in 1996, a testament to a career that had spanned decades of rigorous legal practice.
But Faust was not content to remain solely within the walls of the legal profession. He believed that the law was a tool for social change, and he stepped into the arena of politics to wield that tool. In 1949, at the young age of twenty-eight, he was elected to the Utah House of Representatives, representing the 28th Utah State Legislature as a Democrat. This was a bold move in a state that was increasingly leaning conservative, but Faust's political identity was rooted in a deep belief in civic responsibility. He served as the chairman of the Utah State Democratic Party and even helped manage a campaign for Senator Frank Moss. His political career was not a fleeting experiment; it was a serious engagement with the mechanisms of government, an attempt to influence policy from the ground up.
His involvement in public service was recognized by both state and federal authorities. In 1996, he received the Minuteman Award from the Utah National Guard, an honor that acknowledged his service to the state. More significantly, he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights. This appointment placed Faust at the heart of one of the most critical social movements of the twentieth century. He was not a passive observer; he was an active participant in the struggle for equality, working alongside some of the nation's most prominent legal minds to dismantle the structures of discrimination. He also served as an advisor to the American Bar Journal, using his platform to shape the discourse of the legal community.
The impact of his work extended well beyond the borders of the United States. In 1997, the Brazilian legislature made him an honorary citizen of São Paulo, and he received a national Brazilian citizenship award. The city of Campinas went a step further, naming "James Esdras Faust Street" in his honor in 2007. These honors were not merely ceremonial; they were a recognition of the profound impact he had made during his time as a missionary and later as a leader. They spoke to a life that had touched people across cultures and continents, a life that had bridged the gap between the local and the global.
The Spiritual Ascent
While Faust was building a reputation as a lawyer and a politician, his life within the LDS Church was also ascending. His religious journey began in earnest in 1949, when, at the age of twenty-eight, he was called to serve as a bishop. This was a local leadership role, but it required a deep understanding of pastoral care and community organization. He later served on a stake high council and as a stake president, roles that expanded his sphere of influence and refined his leadership skills. By the time he was appointed as a regional representative, he had proven his ability to manage complex organizational structures and guide communities through challenging times.
The 1970s marked a turning point in Faust's ecclesiastical career. On October 6, 1972, he was called as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a position that served as a stepping stone to the highest levels of church leadership. He served in this capacity until October 1, 1976, when the position was eliminated. Rather than seeing this as a demotion, Faust accepted the change with grace, entering the First Quorum of the Seventy. This transition demonstrated his adaptability and his willingness to serve wherever the church needed him.
In 1975, Faust was appointed to preside over the Brazil area of the church. This was a natural fit, given his earlier missionary service in the region. During his tenure, the São Paulo Brazil Temple was announced, a monumental event that would serve as a spiritual center for millions of faithful in South America. But his most significant contribution during this period was his role in the church's International Mission, a position he held with jurisdiction over Africa.
It was in this capacity that Faust found himself at the center of one of the most controversial and transformative moments in LDS history. Before the 1978 revelation that reversed the priesthood ban for men of African descent, Faust was the head of the church's International Mission, overseeing operations in Africa. He was in a unique position to witness the growing tension between the church's policies and the reality of its members in Africa. Spencer W. Kimball, the church president, privately consulted with Faust several times leading up to the change in policy. Faust's insights, drawn from his direct experience with African members and his understanding of the global implications of the ban, likely played a crucial role in the decision-making process.
On September 30, 1978, Faust was accepted by common consent as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and on October 1, he was ordained an apostle. This call filled the vacancy created by the death of Delbert L. Stapley. It was a moment of profound significance, marking his entry into the innermost circle of church leadership. He continued as president of the International Mission after his call as an apostle, a role that allowed him to continue his work in Africa.
In early 1979, Faust made history as the first LDS apostle to travel to Nigeria. He and his wife, Ruth, traveled with missionaries Rendell M. and Rachel Mabey and Edwin Q. and Janath R. Cannon to meet with LDS Church members in Aboh, not far from Enugu. This was not a mere inspection tour; it was a mission of guidance and support for a community that had been waiting for official recognition. They gave them guidance in the formation of the church, helping to lay the foundations for a vibrant and growing faith community. During this visit, Faust baptized five Nigerian men in the same spot where Anthony Obinna and 18 others had been baptized near the end of 1978. This act was symbolic of the church's commitment to include all people, regardless of their race or background. It was a moment that signaled a new era for the church in Africa, an era that Faust had helped to usher in.
The Counselor and the Family Man
Faust's service in the Quorum of the Twelve continued until March 12, 1995, when he was set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency to church president Gordon B. Hinckley. This was the highest office he would hold in the church. He remained in that position until his death in 2007. Along with Hinckley and First Counselor Thomas S. Monson, Faust constituted the longest continuous serving First Presidency in the history of the LDS Church. This longevity was a testament to his stability, wisdom, and the deep trust that the church placed in him. He was a steady hand during a time of rapid growth and global expansion, a leader who could navigate the complexities of modern life while remaining true to the church's foundational principles.
But behind the titles and the public service was a man who valued his family above all else. Faust and his wife, Ruth Wright, whom he had met at Granite High School and married on April 21, 1943, raised five children: James Hamilton Faust, Janna R. Coombs, Marcus G. Faust, Lisa A. Smith, and Robert P. Faust. Their wedding had taken place during a short leave from his military service, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, a bond that would last a lifetime. At the time of his death, they had 25 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. These numbers were not just statistics; they represented a legacy of love, faith, and connection that would continue to grow long after he was gone.
Faust's influence extended beyond his immediate family and the church. He was an author, sharing his thoughts and insights with a wider audience. He wrote several books, including Finding Light in a Dark World (2004), True Gifts of Christmas (2002), Stories from my Life (2001), Reach up for the Light (1990), and To Reach Even unto You (1980). These works were not merely theological treatises; they were reflections on the human condition, offering guidance and hope to those who struggled with the challenges of life. He also co-wrote the words to the LDS hymn "This is the Christ," a song that has been sung by millions of faithful around the world.
A Legacy of Light
James E. Faust died on August 10, 2007, at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, of causes incident to age. His death was a profound loss to the church and to the many communities he had served. Following a funeral service in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, a place that had witnessed many of his greatest moments, he was buried in the Holladay Memorial Park in Holladay, Utah. His wife, Ruth Wright Faust, would pass away just a few months later, on February 10, 2008, at the age of 86. Their deaths marked the end of a remarkable partnership that had spanned more than sixty years.
Faust's life was a tapestry woven from threads of service, faith, and family. He was a man who understood that leadership was not about power, but about service. He was a lawyer who fought for civil rights, a politician who worked for the common good, and a religious leader who sought to bring light to a dark world. His story is a reminder that one person can make a difference, that a life lived in service to others can leave an indelible mark on the world.
In the years since his death, the impact of his work continues to be felt. The "James Esdras Faust Street" in Campinas, Brazil, stands as a testament to his enduring influence in that country. The hundreds of thousands of members in Africa who trace their faith back to the revelation of 1978 and the work of Faust in Nigeria are a living legacy of his vision. The books he wrote continue to inspire readers, and the hymn he co-wrote continues to be sung in churches around the world.
James E. Faust was more than just a title. He was a man of principle, a man of action, and a man of faith. He showed us that it is possible to serve in the highest offices of the land and the church while remaining true to the values of humility and compassion. He showed us that a life of service is a life well-lived. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the power of one person to make a difference, and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to the service of others.
His journey began in the quiet fields of Delta, Utah, and ended in the bustling city of Salt Lake City, but the path he walked touched the lives of people all over the world. From the tracks of Granite High School to the banks of the river in Nigeria, from the halls of the Utah Legislature to the highest councils of the LDS Church, James E. Faust left his mark on history. He was a leader who led by example, a servant who served with love, and a man who lived his life with purpose and integrity. His legacy is a beacon of hope for all who seek to follow in his footsteps, a reminder that the light of faith and the power of service can illuminate even the darkest corners of the world.
"Reach up for the light." — James E. Faust
In these few words, Faust captured the essence of his life and his message. It was a call to action, a reminder that no matter how dark the world may seem, there is always light to be found if we only reach for it. And reach he did, with a determination and a faith that inspired millions. His life was a testament to the power of hope, the strength of conviction, and the enduring value of a life lived in service to others. As we look back on his life, we are reminded that the true measure of a man is not in the titles he holds or the awards he receives, but in the impact he has on the lives of others. James E. Faust's impact was profound, and his legacy will endure for generations to come.
The story of James E. Faust is not just a story of one man's life; it is a story of the human spirit's capacity for growth, service, and transformation. It is a story that reminds us that we are all capable of making a difference, that we all have the potential to be leaders, and that we all have the power to bring light to a dark world. As we reflect on his life, we are challenged to ask ourselves: what kind of legacy will we leave behind? Will we be like James E. Faust, a man who served with humility and led with love? Or will we be content to sit on the sidelines, watching others make the difference? The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.
James E. Faust's life was a journey of discovery, a journey that took him from the small town of Delta to the global stage. Along the way, he encountered challenges and triumphs, failures and successes, but he never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to serve others and to bring light to the world. His story is a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination, that the lessons we learn along the way are just as valuable as the goals we achieve. And his story is a reminder that the light we seek is not something we find in the distance, but something we carry within us, waiting to be shared with the world.
In the end, James E. Faust was a man who lived his life with purpose and meaning. He was a man who understood that the true measure of success is not in the accumulation of wealth or power, but in the impact we have on the lives of others. He was a man who believed in the power of faith, the strength of community, and the enduring value of a life lived in service. His legacy is a beacon of hope for all who seek to follow in his footsteps, a reminder that the light of faith and the power of service can illuminate even the darkest corners of the world. And as we reflect on his life, we are reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that the light we seek is not something we find in the distance, but something we carry within us, waiting to be shared with the world.