Dallin H. Oaks Named 18th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"In a pivotal moment for the global faith, President Dallin H. Oaks was officially named the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The announcement, made during a live broadcast from Salt Lake City's Temple Square, marked a significant shift in leadership for the more than 17 million-member church.
As the senior-most member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President Oaks, 93, will lead the First Presidency alongside President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson. This historic reorganization comes after the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, who served as the church's leader from 2018 until his passing on September 27, 2025.
"I accept with humility the responsibility that God has placed upon me and commit my whole heart and soul to the service to which I've been called," President Oaks said in brief remarks after the announcement. "I testify that the Lord speaks to the apostles of his church and through the apostles of his church according to the organization that has been revealed to us in these latter days."
The First Presidency, the church's highest governing body, is comprised of three apostles, including the President of the Church and his two counselors. According to church doctrine, the prophet is chosen through a divinely inspired process, and the First Presidency is dissolved when the prophet passes away.
President Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since May 1984. His leadership team includes President Eyring, who has previously occupied a seat in the First Presidency, and President Christofferson, who will serve as the second counselor.
The reorganization also saw President Jeffrey R. Holland named as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with President Oaks stating, "I'm grateful that each of these men, who I admire and know so well, have accepted these sacred callings."
As the church embarks on this new chapter, President Oaks expressed his commitment to the service, saying, "With my counselors, we will strive in all respects to press forward this great work. Most recently, we've been led by a magnificent prophet of the Lord, President Russell M. Nelson. We have much work to do to fulfill the challenges he has given us and there is more yet to come, of which I testify in all humility."
The announcement marked a pivotal moment for the global faith, as members and leaders alike look to the future with hope and anticipation. As President Oaks takes the reins, he is set to lead the church through a period of significant growth and transformation.
As the church's new leader, President Oaks is poised to make a lasting impact, and his commitment to the faith is evident in his words: "I accept with humility the responsibility that God has placed upon me and commit my whole heart and soul to the service to which I've been called."
In the coming weeks and months, the church will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities, and President Oaks' leadership will be crucial in navigating these developments. As the global faith continues to grow and evolve, one thing is clear: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is poised for a bright and bold future under the leadership of President Dallin H. Oaks.
"tags": ["trending", "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", "Dallin H. Oaks", "First Presidency", "reorganization", "leadership", "faith", "global", "transformation"]
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