Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice, has been named the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, succeeding Russell M. Nelson, who died at age 101. Oaks, 93, now leads the faith's 17 million members worldwide, following church policy that appoints the longest-tenured member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As president, Oaks is considered a prophet and seer, guiding the church through divine revelation alongside two counsellors. The transition comes amid challenges including a deadly attack on a Michigan congregation and the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Oaks will serve until his death, with past presidencies ranging from nine months to nearly 30 years.
Experts expect continuity with Nelson's policies, as Oaks was a close adviser. However, Oaks has signalled a shift: he announced a slowdown in new temple construction and emphasised family diversity, sharing personal stories about his father's death and being raised by a single mother. Known for traditionalist views on marriage and religious freedom, Oaks has opposed same-sex marriage, calling homosexuality a sin, a stance causing unease among LGBTQ+ members.
Yet Oaks was instrumental in Nelson's 2019 decision to rescind a policy banning baptisms for children of gay parents. He has also advocated for civil discourse and, as an apostle, supported a crackdown on far-right extremism, urging faith in elections without radicalism.
