The First Presidency has assigned Elder Jack N. Gerard to serve as President of the Europe Central Area. Elder Gerard succeeds Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, who has faithfully led the Area Presidency in recent years. Elder Gerard will serve with Elder James W. McConkie III, who continues in his role as a member of the Area Presidency, and alongside Elder Michael Cziesla, who has been assigned to join the presidency.
Speaking of the transition, Elder Gerard expressed gratitude for the service rendered by Elder Alliaud and his wife, Fabiana, and shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve with Elder McConkie and Elder Cziesla.
"The Europe Central Area has been richly blessed by the faith, vision and Christlike leadership of its members as the Lord hastens his work," Elder Gerard said. "As we move forward, we are excited to continue building upon that foundation and to work together in helping individuals and families deepen their faith in Jesus Christ." Elder Gerard emphasised that a key focus of the Europe Central Area Presidency will be the vision of Lifelong Discipleship.
"Our desire is to help every individual draw closer to the Savior through a lifetime of faithful discipleship," he said. "This invitation applies to all, regardless of where they may be on their covenant path, or if they are yet to enter the path. As we invite all to come unto Christ and support local leaders, friends and members throughout the area, we hope to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ, encourage meaningful gospel living, and help people experience the joy that comes through making and keeping sacred covenants."
The new presidency began its service on 1 August 2026.
About the Europe Central Area Presidency
Each Area Presidency serves under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and is responsible for supporting local Church leaders, strengthening friends and members, inspiring missionaries, and overseeing humanitarian, temple and outreach efforts throughout the area.
The Europe Central Area encompasses a diverse group of 37 nations across Europe and Central Asia, serving friends and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in over 25 languages. Working closely with local Church leaders, the Area Presidency seeks to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and support the Church's mission throughout the region.
Elder Jack N. Gerard was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in April 2018. Before his current assignment, he served in a variety of Church leadership roles, including as the Executive Director of the Church Communications Department, and professional responsibilities. He brings extensive experience in administration, public affairs and leadership. Throughout his ministry, Elder Gerard has emphasised the importance of inviting all to build faith in Jesus Christ, covenant living and strengthening families. He and his wife, Claudette, are the parents of eight children.
Elder James W. McConkie III was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in April 2022. He has filled numerous callings in the Church, none more impactful in his life than his service in Czechia and Slovakia as a young missionary (1990-92) and as a mission president (2013-2016). Since joining the Europe Central Area Presidency in 2024, he has worked closely with local leaders across the area. He has a deep appreciation for the Rising Generation and their efforts to become lifelong disciples of Christ. Elder McConkie and his wife, Laurel, are the parents of four children.
Elder Michael Cziesla was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in April 2025. A native of Germany, he has served in many Church callings, including bishop, stake president, mission president, Area Seventy and other leadership assignments throughout Europe. Elder Cziesla brings a deep understanding of the cultures and needs of the Europe Central Area and a lifelong commitment to serving others. He and his wife, Margret, are the parents of five children.
Lifelong Discipleship in the Europe Central Area
As the Europe Central Area looks to the future, the presidency remains focused on the prophetic priority of helping all individuals and families become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
This vision encourages everyone to strengthen their relationship with the Savior through daily acts of faith, prayer, scripture study, covenant keeping and Christlike service. It recognises that discipleship is not a single event, but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus Christ.
Drawing on the Lord's example of ministering one by one, the presidency continues to encourage friends and members to reach out to neighbours, friends and family members with love, compassion, and genuine friendship. Through these personal efforts, individuals can help gather Israel and share the hope, peace and joy found in the restored gospel.
The Europe Central Area also continues to witness significant growth as more and more friends worship with us each Sunday, new units are organized, and temple opportunities increase. As additional temples are announced, under construction or dedicated throughout Europe, friends are encouraged to learn more about the covenants to be made inside, and members are invited to place temple worship at the centre of their discipleship journey. The Area Presidency has emphasised that temples provide sacred opportunities to draw closer to Jesus Christ, strengthen families and find enduring spiritual strength in an increasingly complex world.