SALT LAKE CITY?For the first time in four decades, two of the Mormon Church’s governing 12 apostles will be stationed on other continents.

Beginning in August, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland will serve as an area president in Chile and Elder Dallin H. Oaks will be area president in Manila, Philippines. Both assignments are for one year.

The move will help The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address rapid growth, train local leaders, assimilate new members and encourage temple participation, church spokesman Dale Bills said Tuesday.

Holland and Oaks are former presidents of Brigham Young University. Oaks also is a former Utah Supreme Court justice.