Gerrit Walter Gong (born 23 December 1953) is an American diplomat, scholar, and religious leader who serves as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—the first person of Chinese descent to hold this position. Born in Redwood City, California, he shares his birthday with Joseph Smith. His grandparents emigrated from China, and he has traced his ancestry 33 generations to First Dragon Gong, born in A.D. 837 during the Tang dynasty.
Gong received a bachelor’s degree in Asian and University studies from Brigham Young University in 1977, then attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, earning a master of philosophy degree in 1979 and a doctorate in international relations in 1981. His diplomatic career included service as special assistant to the undersecretary of state, special assistant to the U.S. ambassador in Beijing, personal advisor to the Chief Justice during his China visit, and executive officer for President George H.W. Bush’s visit to China.
He held the Freeman Chair in China studies and served as Asia Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, testifying before Congress on East Asia issues. He has taught at Oxford, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and BYU, where he served as assistant to the president for planning and assessment until 2010.
Gong was sustained as an Apostle on March 31, 2018, filling a vacancy created by the death of Thomas S. Monson. Married to Susan Lindsay since 1980, he is the first member of the Quorum of the Twelve in a multiracial marriage. They have four sons. His background in international relations and Chinese culture brings unique perspective to the Church’s global mission.