SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued its first statement Friday regarding the health of Church President Thomas S. Monson.

The statement, issued to KUER’s RadioWest in Salt Lake City, said the Mormon leader is “feeling the effects of advancing age.”

Questions about the 87-year-old’s health came to light last month when he he bypassed a meeting with President Barack Obama in Salt Lake City. He also significantly decreased his speaking role in the church’s biannual General Conference.

Still the church affirms Monson “comes to to the office every day, attends all First Presidency and committee meetings, leads the discussion and makes decisions.”

The full statement via KUER’s RadioWest follows:

President Monson is 87. It’s natural that he and others in Church leadership are feeling the effects of advancing age. However, he spoke publicly at General Conference earlier this month and attended all the meetings. He comes to the office every day, attends all First Presidency and committee meetings, leads the discussion, and makes decisions. The workload of the First Presidency is up to date. President Monson has always been private about his health, but appreciates the prayers and sustaining support of Church members, as do all of the First Presidency and the Twelve.