Full Breakdown
Dallin H. Oaks Named New President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
10/14/2025, 11:33:42 PM
Transition of Leadership
On October 14, 2025, Dallin H. Oaks was officially named the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) during a live broadcast from Salt Lake City, Utah. This announcement follows the death of his predecessor, Russell M. Nelson, who passed away on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101. Oaks, who is 93 years old, has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1984 and served as one of Nelson's counselors in the First Presidency.
New Leadership Structure
In addition to Oaks, the new First Presidency includes President Henry B. Eyring as First Counselor and President D. Todd Christofferson as Second Counselor. Jeffrey R. Holland was appointed as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Oaks expressed gratitude for the support of his counselors, stating, “I’m grateful that each of these men, who I admire and know so well, have accepted these sacred callings.”
Oaks' Vision and Priorities
Oaks emphasized his commitment to the church, stating, “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.” He highlighted the importance of family life, urging church members to counter national trends of declining marriage and birth rates. Oaks has a traditionalist stance on marriage and religious freedom, having been a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, a position that has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates.
Historical Context and Expectations
Oaks' ascension follows a longstanding church tradition where the longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes the next president. This process aims to ensure a seamless transition without internal lobbying. Experts suggest that Oaks is unlikely to make drastic changes to the church's direction, as he was one of Nelson's closest advisers. However, there is speculation that he may focus more on domestic issues rather than the global outreach emphasized by Nelson.
Official Statements & Responses
During the announcement, Oaks praised Nelson as a "magnificent prophet of the Lord," acknowledging the challenges ahead for the church. He stated, “We have much work to do to fulfill the challenges he has given us.” Eyring and Christofferson also expressed their support, with Christofferson noting, “I am not called to be honored but called to serve.”
Criticism & Opposition
Oaks' leadership may face scrutiny due to his conservative views, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues. His previous statements affirming that social and legal pressures would not sway the church's stance on same-sex marriage have raised concerns among progressive members. While Oaks has participated in significant policy changes under Nelson, such as rescinding a ban on baptisms for children of gay parents, his overall approach remains a point of contention.
What's Next
As Oaks begins his presidency, he will lead a global community of over 17 million members. His administration is expected to address ongoing challenges, including the recent violent incidents affecting church members and the broader societal issues facing the LDS Church. The new leadership team aims to guide the church through these complexities while maintaining its foundational beliefs.
