A new era begins. Dallin H. Oaks becomes the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taking leadership of the global faith after Russell M. Nelson’s death at age 101. The 93-year-old former Utah Supreme Court justice was set apart October 14, 2025, bringing his legal expertise to the church’s highest office.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Dallin H. Oaks set apart October 14, 2025 as 18th church president
- Succeeds Russell M. Nelson who died September 27, 2025 at 101
- Henry B. Eyring serves as First Counselor, D. Todd Christofferson as Second Counselor
- Oaks served 41 years as apostle since 1984 appointment
- Church has 17.5 million members worldwide under new leadership
Historic Leadership Transition Unfolds
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President Russell M. Nelson passed away September 27, 2025 at his Salt Lake City home. His wife Wendy Nelson was with him when he died. The former heart surgeon served seven years as church president after leading through unprecedented changes.
Church officials announced Dallin Harris Oaks as Nelson’s successor during a live broadcast October 14. The ceremony took place at the Conference Center on Temple Square. Apostle Gary E. Stevenson conducted the announcement before church leaders.
“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.”
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The succession followed church protocol based on seniority. Oaks and Nelson were both sustained as apostles on the same day in May 1984. Oaks served as Nelson’s First Counselor since 2018, gaining crucial First Presidency experience.
Why This Leadership Change Matters Now
You’re watching a historic moment for millions of faithful members worldwide. Oaks brings a completely different background than his predecessor. Nelson was a renowned surgeon. Oaks is a constitutional lawyer and former state supreme court justice.
His legal expertise arrives at a critical time. Constitutional debates rage across America. Religious liberty faces new challenges globally. Oaks earned the Canterbury Medal in 2013 for defending religious freedom. His presidency could reshape how the church navigates legal and cultural battles.
The timing proved challenging. Nelson died just days before October 2025 General Conference. This marked the first time in 75 years a church president died so close to conference. Oaks opened conference as Quorum president, promising to continue Nelson’s planned agenda.
Historians note Oaks was deeply involved in Nelson’s policy changes. He helped craft the messaging around dropping the “Mormon” nickname. He supported the church’s break from Boy Scouts of America. His presidency likely continues Nelson’s transformation rather than reversing course.
Meet The New First Presidency
President Oaks selected Henry B. Eyring, 92, as First Counselor after “extended fasting and prayer.” Eyring served in the previous three First Presidencies, bringing unmatched institutional knowledge. His selection provides continuity during the transition.
| Leader | Position | Background | Called |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallin H. Oaks | President | Utah Supreme Court Justice, BYU President | October 14, 2025 |
| Henry B. Eyring | First Counselor | Stanford Business Professor, Ricks College President | Apostle since 1995 |
| D. Todd Christofferson | Second Counselor | Attorney, Corporate Counsel | Apostle since 2008 |
| Jeffrey R. Holland | Quorum President | BYU President, Religious Educator | Apostle since 1994 |
The choice of D. Todd Christofferson, 80, as Second Counselor surprised observers. Christofferson said the calling wasn’t what he expected when he woke up Tuesday morning. His legal background complements Oaks’ expertise perfectly.
Jeffrey R. Holland becomes president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The 73-year-old former BYU president served as acting president since November 2023. His elevation was widely expected based on seniority.
What To Watch Under President Oaks
Scholars predict Oaks will emphasize theological boundaries that define Latter-day Saint identity. His reputation suggests a focus on doctrinal clarity over cultural assimilation. Here’s what church members should expect:
- Religious liberty advocacy: Oaks champions constitutional protections for religious institutions and practices
- Traditional marriage defense: Expect continued emphasis on man-woman marriage as divinely ordained policy
- Unity focus: Leadership will work to prevent schisms and maintain global membership cohesion
- Nelson’s projects continued: Salt Lake Temple renovation and global expansion plans proceed as scheduled
- Legal expertise applied: Constitutional scholar brings new perspective to church-state relationship challenges
Patrick Mason, Mormon history chair at Utah State University, notes unity tops Oaks’ priorities. Leaders will do everything possible to prevent divisions within the faith. His presidency likely emphasizes core doctrines over cultural adaptation.
Benjamin Park, historian at Sam Houston State University, expects Oaks’ presidency to culminate trends already in motion. He’s been influential for years as an apostle. This represents continuation rather than dramatic redirection of church policies.
Can Oaks Unite A Divided Religious Landscape?
President Oaks faces immense challenges ahead. The global church spans six continents with vastly different cultural contexts. American politics increasingly tests religious institutions. Constitutional questions about religious freedom multiply daily.
His background positions him uniquely for this moment. Oaks clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren. He taught law at University of Chicago. He served on Utah’s highest court. He led BYU during turbulent times in the 1970s.
Cultural anthropologist Janan Graham-Russell views Oaks as someone emphasizing theological boundaries rather than cultural assimilation. These will be decidedly LDS practices and beliefs, not just generic Christian teachings. His leadership may define what makes Mormonism distinct.
Senator Mike Lee of Utah praised Nelson’s legacy, noting the late president performed open-heart surgery on both his grandparents. They lived another 25 years after those operations. Lee said Nelson “remained a healer of hearts and souls” until his death.
The church reported 2024 convert baptisms at their highest level in 25 years. Four of the top five growth countries are in Africa. This global expansion creates new challenges for Oaks and his counselors.
No press conference followed Tuesday’s announcement, breaking 70 years of tradition. The streamlined approach reflected the proximity to General Conference and perhaps a new leadership style. What kind of president will Oaks become—one who looks inward to strengthen the faith’s unique identity, or one who engages the broader world?
Sources
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom – Official announcements and leadership details
- Salt Lake Tribune – Coverage of succession process and Oaks biography
- Church News – Russell M. Nelson obituary and First Presidency reorganization
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.
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