Who is Dallin H. Oaks, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ new president?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has entered a new era of leadership with the appointment of President Dallin H. Oaks as its 18th leader. The announcement, made during a live broadcast from Temple Square on Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment for the worldwide faith community following the recent passing of President Russell M. Nelson.

At age 93, President Oaks assumes the presidency with President Henry B. Eyring (92) and President D. Todd Christofferson (80) serving as his counselors in the First Presidency, the church’s highest governing body. Meanwhile, President Jeffrey R. Holland (84) has been called to preside over the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, continuing the line of senior leadership.

A Transition Marked by Humility and Continuity

In his first remarks as president, Dallin H. Oaks spoke with humility about the sacred weight of his calling. “I accept with humility the responsibility that God has placed upon me,” he said, pledging his “whole heart and soul” to service. He reaffirmed his belief that divine guidance continues to direct the apostles in leading the church, echoing the faith’s core conviction in modern revelation.

This transition follows the death of President Russell M. Nelson on September 27, 2025, at his Salt Lake City home. His passing at age 101 ended a seven-year presidency that emphasized unity, temple expansion, and Christ-centered living. For over two weeks after his death, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles led the church—the longest such interlude between presidencies since the late 19th century.

Familiar Faces, New Responsibilities

The new First Presidency combines experience with spiritual steadiness. President Eyring, now serving in the role for a fourth time, reaffirmed his trust in President Oaks’ divinely inspired leadership, recalling the scriptural example of Peter and the early apostles.

For President Christofferson, this marks his first service in the First Presidency since his appointment as an apostle in 2008. A former attorney, he described the calling as “an unexpected honor” and emphasized his readiness to serve rather than to be celebrated.

President Holland, now leading the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, expressed his love and confidence in Oaks’ leadership, describing the transition as “a moving experience” that reflected the Lord’s will.

The Life and Legacy of President Oaks

Born in Provo, Utah, on August 12, 1932, Dallin H. Oaks has long stood at the intersection of faith, law, and education. A graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Chicago Law School, he practiced and taught law before serving as president of BYU (1971–1980), where he oversaw the founding of the J. Reuben Clark Law School.

He later became a justice of the Utah Supreme Court before resigning in 1984 to accept his apostolic calling—an uncommon career shift that he once likened to crossing Thomas Jefferson’s “wall between church and state.”

Throughout his service, President Oaks has championed religious freedom, authored numerous works on legal and moral philosophy, and earned the Canterbury Medal in 2013 for his defense of faith liberty. He has also engaged with global and national leaders, from U.S. presidents to international dignitaries, representing the church’s voice on moral and civic matters.

Looking Ahead

As he begins his presidency, President Oaks acknowledges the work that lies ahead. “We pray for all. We seek to serve all,” he said, urging members to act with optimism and worthiness. While not all answers to global challenges are known, he reminded the faithful of one enduring truth—that all are children of Heavenly Parents, called to serve in unity and compassion.

His leadership promises a blend of legal precision, doctrinal conviction, and seasoned faith—qualities shaped by decades of service and scholarship. For millions of Latter-day Saints worldwide, this new presidency signals not just continuity, but renewed purpose in building the restored Church of Jesus Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Dallin H. Oaks?
Dallin H. Oaks is the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A former Utah Supreme Court justice and BYU president, he has served as an apostle since 1984.

2. When did Dallin H. Oaks become president of the LDS Church?
He was formally announced as president on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson.

3. Who are the new counselors in the First Presidency?
President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson serve as President Oaks’ counselors.

4. Who is the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
President Jeffrey R. Holland was appointed to lead the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

5. What are President Oaks’ key priorities?
He has emphasized faith, service, education, and the global unity of believers as guiding priorities of his presidency.

6. How does leadership succession work in the LDS Church?
Upon the death of the church president, the senior apostle becomes the next president after the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reorganizes the First Presidency.

7. Where was Dallin H. Oaks educated?
He graduated from Brigham Young University and the University of Chicago Law School.