Australians Rick Sarre and Lisa Yen are part of this year’s World Conference announcements regarding the World Church’s Standing High Council- one concluding service and the other marking the beginning of a new chapter.
The Standing High Council is a body of 12 high priests who offer counsel and advice to the First Presidency on matters of moral and ethical significance. They also serve as a point of appeal for field jurisdictions and offer insight into complex or sensitive matters in the life of the church. Though they do not serve on the World Church Leadership Council, their advisory role remains a valued source of spiritual and ethical discernment for the presidency.
Rick Sarre has faithfully served on the Standing High Council for 12 years and will step down at the conclusion of this Conference. His decision reflects a generous spirit and a desire to create space for new perspectives within the church's leadership. We give thanks for Rick’s thoughtful service and global witness.
At the same time, we celebrate the call of Lisa Yen to the 2025–2028 Standing High Council. Lisa brings a wealth of professional and spiritual insight through her service in national research leadership, her long-time ministry within Australia, and her commitment to building communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.
Lisa is one of three new high priests called to serve on the Council, alongside Ezekiel Eshiet Akpan (Nigeria) and Macrine Boisabi Mochama (Kenya). These calls reflect the movement of the Holy Spirit and the First Presidency’s desire for a council enriched by diverse gifts and global perspectives.
You can read the full announcement and biographical details Here
Let us hold Rick, Lisa, and the entire World Conference in prayer as discernment and celebration continue.
This worship was not recorded or streamed for public viewing.