In October 2026, two vacancies will occur on the Council of Presidents of Seventy. Karin F. Peter will retire, and John Glaser will transition to a new role with the Hispanic Center for Formation Ministries.

In response, the presidents of Seventy entered a season of prayerful discernment to identify individuals called to serve in this important leadership capacity. This process included input from the World Church Leadership Council and was guided by spiritual director David Anderson, with pastoral support from Presiding Evangelist Mareva Arnaud.

Through this shared discernment, two individuals were identified. Their calls were subsequently supported by the Council of Twelve and approved by the First Presidency.

The Council of Presidents of Seventy is pleased to announce that Seth L. Bryant and Jessica Uilani Ishikawa have accepted calls to serve as Presidents of Seventy.

Seth L. Bryant is a former military chaplain, historian, and advocate for justice and peacebuilding. He currently serves with Community of Christ Historic Sites.

Jessica Uilani Ishikawa serves as a field minister in Field 1, ministering in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Hawaii. Her ministry reflects God’s gracious invitation and a deep commitment to the global church.

The next step in this process is an online meeting where the joint quorums of Seventy will discuss and vote to sustain these calls. Once that is completed, a formal announcement will be made to the church. The worldwide church is invited to hold them in prayer during this time of transition.