Dallin H. Oaks, 93, is poised to become the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson on September 27, 2025, marking a significant leadership transition for the global faith. As the senior apostle and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Oaks is next in line according to the church’s succession tradition, which prioritizes seniority by date of apostolic ordination.
Leadership Transition and Legacy
Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice and president of Brigham Young University, has served in the Quorum since 1984 and as first counselor to President Nelson since 2018. At 93, he will be among the oldest church presidents in history, though seven of the last nine leaders served into their nineties. The church has entered a period of mourning and transition, with Oaks leading the Quorum in guiding the 17 million-member global faith.
October 2025 General Conference Address
In his closing remarks at the October 2025 general conference, Oaks emphasized the centrality of family in the gospel, stating, “We are a family church”. He urged members to uphold the purpose of marriage and the value of children, citing declining marriage and birth rates in the United States as societal concerns. Reflecting on President Nelson’s legacy, Oaks noted his predecessor’s love for announcing new temples, but announced a pause in new temple declarations due to the large number already in early planning stages.
Vision and Challenges Ahead
Oaks affirmed the church’s commitment to providing temple ordinances worldwide while focusing on family-centered teachings. He addressed recent tragedies affecting church members, including an attack on a congregation in Michigan, and emphasized Christ’s Atonement as a source of comfort. As he prepares to assume the presidency, Oaks will lead during a time of intense national debate on gender, sexuality, and religious freedom, with the Trump administration supporting family-oriented policies aligned with church values.
- Tears filled Oaks’ eyes as he shared a personal story of his grandfather’s comfort after his
- father’s death, underscoring the emotional and spiritual support found in faith and family.
- His leadership is expected to continue the church’s conservative doctrinal stance
- while navigating modern societal challenges.
