Elder Patrick Kearon is a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). In December 2023 he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, marking a significant milestone in his life of service.
This biography delves deep into his early years, conversion, professional and church career, personal trials, teachings, and the lasting legacy he is building.
Early Life & Family Background
- Birth and Origin: Patrick Robert David Kearon was born on July 18, 1961, in Carlisle, Cumberland (England).
- Upbringing: His father worked abroad, and the family spent part of Patrick’s childhood in Saudi Arabia. He attended boarding school in England later on.
- Tragedy in Youth: At age 19, his father and his sister’s husband died in an automobile accident. This event deeply affected him and changed the course of his life.
- Education & Early Career: After the tragedy, Patrick ended formal schooling and entered the workforce. He held roles including working for a Member of Parliament and later for Nestlé across England, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. He also established a communications consultancy.
Conversion & Spiritual Journey
- First Encounters with LDS Faith: While living in Laguna, California, he had an exposure to an LDS family whose faith and lifestyle impressed him.
- Missionaries in London: Later in London, missionaries approached him. Initially he responded with, “I admire you, but don’t try to convert me.” Over time, spiritual impressions and personal experiences led him to reconsider.
- Baptism: On Christmas Eve, 1987, at age 26, Patrick Kearon was baptized into the LDS Church.
- Notable Distinction: He is the first adult convert in over a century to be called as an apostle in the LDS Church.
Family Life & Personal Trials
- Marriage: Patrick Kearon married Jennifer Carole Hulme in January 1991 in the Oakland California Temple.
- Children: They had four children, but tragically their first child died as an infant.
- Dual Citizenship: He holds both British and Irish citizenship, as his father was from Ireland.
Church Service & Leadership Roles
- Local Callings: After his conversion, Kearon served in many local church roles: ward Young Men president, counselor in a bishopric, branch president, and stake president.
- Area Seventy & General Authority: In April 2010, he was called as a General Authority Seventy.
- Presidency of the Seventy: From August 2017 to December 2023, he served in the Presidency of the Seventy. In August 2020 he became Senior President of the Seventy.
- Assignments: As Senior President, he oversaw the Middle East/Africa North Area and the Utah Area.
Apostleship & Global Ministry
- Calling to the Quorum of the Twelve: On December 7, 2023, he was called and ordained as an Apostle, filling the vacancy left by M. Russell Ballard’s passing.
- Unique Aspects: He is one of the few non-American born apostles, and the first adult convert to be called in over a century.
- Roles as Apostle: In this office, he helps oversee global church policy, leads traveling ministry, and carries the responsibilities of a prophet, seer, and revelator.
Teachings & Emphases
- Compassion & Refugees: He is known for vocal advocacy for refugees and marginalized people. In 2016, as part of European Church leadership, he delivered addresses about supporting refugees.
- Religious Freedom & Human Rights: He has stressed that true religious freedom must protect both one’s own faith practice and the rights of others who may be less secure.
- Trials & Eternal Perspective: In personal addresses, he draws lessons from loss and adversity, focusing on the plan of salvation and the hope inherent in Jesus Christ.
Legacy & Influence
Patrick Kearon’s life is a testimony to conversion, faith under trial, and global leadership. His unique background as an adult convert, his British and Irish identity, his advocacy for humanitarian causes, and his compassion make him a distinctive voice in the modern LDS leadership. His legacy is still unfolding, but his ministry continues to inspire many across cultures and continents.
FAQs about Elder Patrick Kearon
Q1: When and where was Patrick Kearon born?
A1: He was born on July 18, 1961, in Carlisle, Cumberland, England.
Q2: When did he join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
A2: He was baptized on Christmas Eve, 1987, at the age of 26.
Q3: What is his full name?
A3: His full name is Patrick Robert David Kearon.
Q4: Who is his spouse and how many children do they have?
A4: He is married to Jennifer Carole Hulme; they had four children, but their first child died in infancy.
Q5: What roles did he serve before becoming an apostle?
A5: He served in local church callings (bishopric, stake leadership), then as an Area Seventy, a General Authority Seventy (from 2010), and as a member and Senior President of the Presidency of the Seventy (2017–2023).
Q6: When was he called as an apostle?
A6: He was called and ordained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on December 7, 2023.
Q7: What distinguishes him from prior apostles?
A7: He is the first adult convert in over 100 years to be named apostle, and one of the few apostles born outside the U.S. He also does not hold a university degree.
Conclusion
Elder Patrick Kearon embodies a rich tapestry of conversion, trial, faith, and global ministry. From his roots in England and Saudi Arabia, his encounter with the gospel, to his dedicated service in varied capacities, he has risen to one of the highest roles in the LDS Church. His compassionate voice, emphasis on humanitarian service, and unique path remind us that God’s callings often arise from unexpected places. As his apostolic journey unfolds, many will continue to watch and learn from his teachings and examples.