Dallin H. Oaks Appointed as New President of the LDS Church

Wed Oct 15 2025 06:25:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice, is named president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, succeeding Russell M. Nelson who passed away at 101. Oaks, a traditionalist, is expected to uphold core church doctrines while navigating recent crises facing the church.

Dallin H. Oaks, age 93, has been officially appointed as the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the passing of Russell M. Nelson. Known for his traditionalist views and legal sensibility, Oaks is expected to address both domestic and global issues within the church while ensuring continuity in leadership. His selection comes at a time when the church grapples with internal challenges and the need for compassionate guidance.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Dallin H. Oaks, a former justice on the Utah Supreme Court, has been named the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) following the passing of Russell M. Nelson, who served until the age of 101.

Oaks, who is 93 years old, ascends to a position that is characterized by leadership through divine revelation alongside his two top counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. His commitment to serve the church comes with assurances of humility and devotion to the responsibilities ahead.

His leadership transition includes facing challenges such as a recent violent incident in Michigan affecting members and the assassination of a conservative activist in Utah. These events underscore the current complexities within the church community.

While Oaks is expected to maintain continuity with Nelson's policies, analysts speculate he may shift focus towards domestic issues. Both Oaks and his selected counselors, Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson, have proven track records within church leadership.

Historically, church presidents have varied significantly in their tenures, with some lasting less than a year and others nearly 30 years. Oaks is seen as committed to a traditionalist approach, particularly regarding marriage and family values, while being part of discussions that reflect a willingness to adapt the church’s outreach in recent years.

In his first decisions as president, Oaks has announced a slowing down of new temple announcements and a focus on family dynamics, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the modern family structure.