Elder Patrick Kearon is a name that resonates deeply within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in England and now a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, his journey from a curious young man to a global spiritual leader is both inspiring and grounded in real human experience. Called to the apostleship on December 7, 2023, Kearon brings a unique perspective as an adult convert, a trait rare among modern apostles. As of April 7, 2025, his story continues to unfold, touching lives worldwide. Let’s dive into the life of this remarkable man—his roots, his faith, and the legacy he’s building.
A Childhood Across Continents
What you will learn
Patrick Robert David Kearon came into the world on July 18, 1961, in Carlisle, England. His early years were anything but ordinary. With a father in the defense industry, the family moved to Saudi Arabia when Patrick was young. By age 10, he was sent to boarding school back in England—a separation that tested him but also shaped his resilience. Those letters from his parents, arriving like lifelines in the morning mail, left a lasting mark. He often compares that longing to our connection with a Heavenly Father who never stops reaching out.
Life threw a curveball when he was 19. His father and brother-in-law died in a car accident, a tragedy that ended his formal education and pushed him into the workforce. Starting with a job for a Member of Parliament, he later joined Nestlé, working across England, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. Eventually, he ran his own public affairs consultancy—a career that honed his knack for communication and leadership.
Finding Faith on Christmas Eve
Kearon’s path to faith began in an unexpected place: Laguna, California. In the mid-1980s, he stayed with a Latter-day Saint family whose joyful, service-driven life caught his attention. It planted a seed, but he didn’t act on it then. Years later, back in London, he bumped into missionaries on the street. At first, he brushed them off with a polite, “I admire you, but don’t try to convert me.” Yet, something stuck. On Christmas Eve 1987, at age 26, he was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a turning point that redefined his life.
Soon after, he met Jennifer Carole Hulme, a Brigham Young University student studying abroad in London. Their connection was instant—her faith and energy matched his own. They married in the Oakland California Temple in 1991 and went on to have four children: Sean, who passed away at three weeks old, and daughters Lizzie, Susie, and Emma. That early loss tested their faith, but it also deepened their trust in God’s plan.
Rising Through Church Leadership
Kearon didn’t waste time getting involved in his new faith. He served in callings like ward Young Men president, stake president, and Area Seventy, showing a natural gift for leadership. In April 2010, at age 48, he was called as a General Authority Seventy. Living in Clevedon, England, at the time, he stepped into a role that would take him across the globe.
His church service escalated quickly. From 2012 to 2015, he was a counselor in the Europe Area presidency, then president until 2017. That August, he joined the Presidency of the Seventy, overseeing areas like North America West and Northwest. In 2020, he became the Senior President of the Seventy—the first non-American in that role since 1975. His focus on refugees during Europe’s crisis stood out, earning him praise for compassion and action.
Then came December 7, 2023. After a meeting with the First Presidency, a note asked him to meet President Russell M. Nelson. Minutes later, at 62, he was ordained an apostle, filling the vacancy left by President M. Russell Ballard’s death. Kearon called it “daunting and humbling,” a moment that shook him to his core.
A Voice for Healing and Compassion
Kearon’s talks in general conference reveal a man who gets it—life’s highs and lows. In 2010, he shared a childhood story of being stung by a scorpion in the Arabian desert after ignoring his parents’ advice to wear shoes. It was a lesson in obedience that stuck with him. In 2016, he urged members to help refugees, saying, “Their story is our story, not that many years ago.” And in 2022, he spoke to survivors of abuse, promising healing through Christ.
He’s also big on religious freedom. In 2019, at BYU, he said it only works if everyone’s rights are protected, not just your own. His words carry weight because they come from experience—a convert who’s lived in diverse places and seen faith tested.
Family and Personal Touch
Kearon’s family is his anchor. He and Jennifer, who survived breast cancer, have raised their three daughters with love and adventure—think biking, hiking, and picnics. Despite his global roles, he’s known for being approachable. People describe him as genuine, the kind of guy who stops to chat with anyone, no matter their status.
His British-Irish roots shine through too. He’s got dual citizenship and a dry wit, once joking that Brits don’t fuss with middle initials despite his full name being Patrick Robert David Kearon. It’s that down-to-earth charm that endears him to so many.
Legacy in Motion
As of April 7, 2025, Elder Kearon is the junior Apostle, fifteenth in seniority. His ministry has already taken him to Africa and the Philippines, meeting leaders and members alike. His focus remains on joy, service, and Christ’s healing power. Being the first adult convert in the Quorum in over a century adds a fresh lens—he knows what it’s like to find faith later in life.
Kearon’s not done yet. His story is still being written, one sermon, one act of service at a time. For a man who once thought apostleship was “utterly impossible,” he’s proving that faith can take you anywhere—even to the heart of a worldwide church.
Conclusion
Elder Patrick Kearon’s life is a remarkable blend of resilience, faith, and service. From his childhood across England and Saudi Arabia to his unexpected conversion on a London Christmas Eve, he’s walked a path few could predict. Becoming an Apostle in 2023 at age 62, he brought a rare perspective as an adult convert, enriching The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his compassion and global outlook. As of April 7, 2025, his ministry continues to inspire, marked by talks of healing, calls for refugee aid, and a quiet strength drawn from personal trials like losing a son. Married to Jennifer and father to three daughters, he remains grounded, proving that a life of faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up. Elder Kearon’s legacy is still growing, a living testament to how one man’s journey can lift countless others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elder Patrick Kearon?
Elder Patrick Kearon is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called in December 2023. He’s an adult convert and former General Authority Seventy.
Where was he born?
He was born on July 18, 1961, in Carlisle, England, and spent parts of his childhood in Saudi Arabia and at boarding school in England.
How did he join the church?
Kearon was baptized on Christmas Eve 1987 at age 26 in London after meeting missionaries, having first encountered the faith while living with a Latter-day Saint family in California.
What roles did he hold before becoming an Apostle?
He served as a stake president, Area Seventy, President of the Europe Area, and Senior President of the Seventy, overseeing regions like North America West.