Home Ziharkah7

The 5 Defining Pillars Of Dallin H. Oaks' New Presidency: Law, Liberty, And The Family-Centered Gospel

• minute read
Contents

The world of faith turned its attention to Salt Lake City in October 2025, as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) announced a new era of leadership. Following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, President Dallin H. Oaks was formally set apart as the 18th President and Prophet of the global faith on October 14, 2025. This transition marks a significant moment, bringing a leader with a profound background in law, academia, and decades of ecclesiastical service to the helm of a church with over 17 million members worldwide. The immediate focus for many is to understand the key doctrines and priorities that will define his presidency.

The appointment of President Oaks, a former Justice of the Utah Supreme Court and President of Brigham Young University, signals a continued emphasis on religious freedom, the defense of the family unit, and a commitment to gospel principles in an increasingly secular world. His recent General Conference addresses and public statements provide a clear roadmap for his vision, which is deeply rooted in his legal and spiritual expertise. This article dives into the five defining pillars of his new leadership, offering a fresh, up-to-date look at the man and the direction of the Church under his guidance.

President Dallin H. Oaks: A Life of Law, Academia, and Apostolic Service

Dallin Harris Oaks' life is a testament to dedication across three distinct, high-profile fields: law, education, and religion. His path has uniquely prepared him for the role of President and Prophet, integrating intellectual rigor with unwavering spiritual commitment. Here is a brief, complete biographical profile:

  • Full Name: Dallin Harris Oaks
  • Born: August 12, 1932, in Provo, Utah
  • Parents: Lloyd E. Oaks and Stella Harris Oaks
  • Education:
    • BS in Accounting, Brigham Young University (1954)
    • JD (Juris Doctor), The University of Chicago Law School (1957)
  • Spouses:
    • June Dixon Oaks (married 1956, deceased 1998)
    • Kristen M. McMain (married 2000)
  • Children: Six children (with June Dixon Oaks)
  • Professional Career Highlights:
    • Law Clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren of the U.S. Supreme Court (1957–1958)
    • Professor of Law, The University of Chicago Law School (1961–1971)
    • President, Brigham Young University (BYU) (1971–1980)
    • Justice, Utah Supreme Court (1980–1984)
  • Church Service:
    • Called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (1984)
    • Served as First Counselor in the First Presidency to President Russell M. Nelson (2018–2025)
    • Set Apart as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (October 14, 2025)

The New First Presidency and the Focus on Continuity

The announcement of the new First Presidency on October 14, 2025, solidified the Church's immediate leadership structure, signaling both continuity and a clear direction for the future. President Oaks, at 93, is the longest-tenured Apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve at the time of his call, bringing extensive experience and a steady hand to the presidency.

The new First Presidency consists of:

  • President: Dallin H. Oaks
  • First Counselor: President Henry B. Eyring
  • Second Counselor: President D. Todd Christofferson

This composition is notable. President Henry B. Eyring continues his service in the First Presidency, having served in that capacity for over 17 years. The calling of President D. Todd Christofferson, a fellow member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a former military lawyer, further reinforces the leadership's deep legal and administrative expertise. This blend of experience is expected to guide the Church's global expansion and navigate complex issues related to law and doctrine in the coming years. Their collective focus is expected to be on strengthening faith in Jesus Christ, promoting global religious freedom, and continuing the worldwide temple building initiative begun under the previous administration.

Five Defining Pillars of President Oaks' New Leadership

President Oaks' public ministry, especially his addresses in the lead-up to and during the October 2025 General Conference, highlights specific doctrinal and temporal priorities. These five pillars are expected to be the defining themes of his presidency:

1. The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ

In his notable address during the October 2025 General Conference, President Oaks powerfully introduced the concept of "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ." This message is a cornerstone of his theological perspective, emphasizing that the family unit is not merely a social construct but the central organizing principle of God’s plan. He stressed that the Church is fundamentally a "family church," and that all doctrines, ordinances, and activities should ultimately strengthen family relationships, both on earth and eternally. This focus is a clear signal that the defense of traditional family values and the strengthening of marriages will be a primary doctrinal emphasis, especially in the face of evolving societal definitions. The talk acts as a foundational document for the new administration's spiritual priorities.

2. The Unwavering Defense of Religious Freedom

President Oaks' extensive career in law—from his clerkship with the U.S. Supreme Court to his time on the Utah Supreme Court—has made him one of the world's most articulate and respected advocates for religious freedom. This is not a secondary issue for him; it is a critical matter of fundamental liberty. His recent speeches, including one at the University of Virginia, repeatedly stress the delicate balance between protecting religious expression and ensuring nondiscrimination. He teaches that these two values are not mutually exclusive but must be carefully protected by law. This pillar ensures that the Church will remain a prominent voice in global legal and political discussions regarding the right of individuals and institutions to practice their faith freely. Entities like the International Center for Law and Religion Studies are closely aligned with this long-standing commitment.

3. The Call for Civility and Kindness in Public Discourse

A recurring theme in President Oaks' counsel is the need for Latter-day Saints to engage in public discourse with kindness, civility, and respect, even—and especially—when discussing contentious political and social issues. He has repeatedly called for members to maintain hope for the future and to communicate with charity, avoiding the divisiveness that plagues modern political environments. This pillar is particularly relevant in the current global climate, urging members of the Church to be peacemakers and examples of respectful dialogue. His counsel extends to the use of social media, where he encourages kindness and a focus on shared values over polarizing rhetoric.

4. The Importance of Temples and Ordinances

While President Oaks did not announce new temples in the October 2025 General Conference, he affirmed the continued, unprecedented expansion of temple building. The focus under his leadership is expected to be on the sacred nature of temple ordinances and the importance of preparing to enter the temple. He has consistently taught that the temple is the ultimate expression of the family-centered gospel, as sacred covenants made there bind families together eternally. His presidency will likely continue the emphasis on making temple worship more accessible and understandable to members around the world, building upon the momentum established by his predecessor, President Nelson.

5. A Unified Global Church Identity

President Oaks' service has spanned decades of the Church's most rapid global expansion. His leadership is poised to reinforce a unified identity across all nations, cultures, and languages. He has often spoken about the importance of following the counsel of the living prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, emphasizing worldwide unity in doctrine and practice. This focus on global unity is essential for managing a church that is now a truly international entity, ensuring that the core principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are taught consistently from Salt Lake City to every corner of the earth. His administration will continue to oversee the translation of scriptures and materials and the training of local leaders to support this global vision.

President Dallin H. Oaks' ascension to the prophetic office is the culmination of a life dedicated to service, law, and faith. His legal acumen and spiritual depth provide a unique foundation for the Church's 18th administration. As of late 2025, his presidency is clearly defined by a commitment to the family, the defense of religious liberty, and a call for civil and Christ-like engagement in a complex world. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now poised to follow a leader whose life has been a preparation for this moment, promising a period of steady, doctrinally grounded leadership.

dallin h oaks
dallin h oaks

Detail Author:

  • Name : Anibal Hodkiewicz
  • Username : lwehner
  • Email : twunsch@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1973-12-17
  • Address : 54156 Reichel Club North Petechester, DE 55233-1448
  • Phone : +13807327959
  • Company : Bradtke and Sons
  • Job : Dentist
  • Bio : Vitae sint libero veritatis nobis vitae nesciunt similique. At deleniti et qui commodi sit quo. Et numquam et et nam autem asperiores. Quam est architecto dolore nostrum.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/vdietrich
  • username : vdietrich
  • bio : Ab cupiditate qui totam quidem nihil qui fugiat. Aliquam odio est doloremque voluptas et.
  • followers : 2699
  • following : 483

facebook:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/verda1792
  • username : verda1792
  • bio : Itaque est debitis est non molestias earum. Quos sunt tempore autem voluptate. Fugiat sapiente sed sunt cupiditate. Occaecati nesciunt dolorem voluptatem ut.
  • followers : 4487
  • following : 2901

Random Posts