On 7 April 2022, the new Europe North Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formed, with Elder Hans T. Boom assigned as president, Elder Scott D. Whiting as first counsellor, and Elder Alan T. Phillips serving as second counsellor.
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The Europe North Area Presidency ministers to people across thirteen countries, including nearly 300,000 members of the Church. The Area comprises Cabo Verde, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Ukraine and Moldova are overseen by Elder Kyrylo Pokhylko in his role as an Assistant to the Europe North Area Presidency.
Elder Boom said, “Our priority as a presidency is to help individuals and families refocus on Jesus Christ. This aim underlines all our outreach. The priority is to emphasise that everyone needs to get to know the Saviour. We invite all to participate in His gospel.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to once again have the Area Office located in the United Kingdom and feel that it will bring the blessings needed to continue the work of salvation and exaltation in Europe North.”
Elder Boom was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 13 July 1963. He served a full-time voluntary mission in the England London East Mission and was most recently serving as the president of the Europe East Area. He married Ariena Johanna Broekzitter in 1984. They are the parents of three children.
Elder Whiting was formerly a counsellor in the Europe East Area Presidency and had previously served as Assistant Executive Director in the Temple Department. Elder Whiting said, “I look forward to the Oslo Norway and Birmingham England temples being built and to the blessing they will be to people in Europe North. Through the Lord, we can find joy even in challenging times, especially as we keep sacred promises made in temples.” Elder Whiting was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on 1 April 1961. He married Jeri Olson in April 1984. They are the parents of five children.
Elder Phillips has served in the senior leadership position of Area Seventy since 2016. He loves the young people of the Church, and believes it is vital to give opportunity and voice to the Rising Generation as future leaders. He said, “I have witnessed the vital and bold faith of the Rising Generation in the Europe North Area. I reiterate the promise from our Church President, Russell M Nelson, ‘As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, you are the hope of Europe and you are the hope of Israel.’” Elder Phillips is married to Lindsey Phillips, and they have four children.