Dallin H. Oaks, ex-Utah Supreme Court justice, chosen to lead Mormon church
Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice and longtime member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was formally named Tuesday as the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, succeeding the late Russell M. Nelson. The 93-year-old Oaks now leads the faith’s 17 million members worldwide as prophet, seer, and revelator, assuming one of the most influential religious positions in the world. His rise follows church tradition, which states that the longest-serving apostle becomes president upon the death of his predecessor, ensuring an orderly transition and avoiding internal competition. In his first remarks, Oaks said he accepted the calling “with humility” and pledged to devote his life to serving God and the global Latter-day Saint community.
Oaks’ presidency begins at a time of deep emotion and uncertainty within the church, which is still reeling from a deadly attack on a Michigan congregation and the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. His leadership style, described by scholars as deliberate and methodical, is expected to maintain continuity with Nelson’s administration while shifting focus toward domestic concerns. One of Oaks’ first policy moves came during the recent general conference when he announced that the church would slow the pace of new temple announcements, signaling a recalibration of priorities after Nelson’s global expansion. He named Henry B. Eyring, 92, as his first counselor — continuing his role from Nelson’s presidency — and D. Todd Christofferson, 80, as his second counselor. Both men are seasoned leaders; Christofferson, a former attorney, called his appointment an “unexpected honor” and pledged his full commitment to the role.
Experts say Oaks’ choice of Christofferson reflects his judicial temperament and preference for legal minds who bring a disciplined approach to governance. Christofferson, known for his involvement in the 1990s negotiations with Jewish leaders over the church’s posthumous baptisms of Holocaust victims, has long played a key role in sensitive doctrinal and diplomatic matters. Meanwhile, Jeffrey R. Holland, the most senior apostle after Oaks, was not selected as a counselor due to health issues but will preside over the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Oaks’ presidency also revives discussion over the church’s stance on social issues. A staunch defender of traditional marriage and religious freedom, Oaks has long opposed same-sex marriage but was instrumental in helping rescind a controversial 2015 policy that barred children of gay parents from baptism.
Despite his reputation as a conservative doctrinal voice, Oaks has emphasized civility and moderation in public discourse. In the 1990s, he took a leading role in disciplining far-right factions within the church, and in a 2020 address he urged members to have faith in the democratic process without resorting to political extremism. His administration, church watchers say, is likely to emphasize unity, order, and stability at a time when the Latter-day Saint community faces growing cultural and political divides. As he takes the helm of the faith, Oaks is expected to lean on his decades of legal experience and ecclesiastical service to balance tradition with the evolving challenges of guiding a global church.
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