President Dallin H. Oaks was named yesterday as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a prophet chosen by God to lead the world today. He is a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who strives to strengthen families around the world. As a prophet, apostle, and former attorney, law professor, and Utah State Supreme Court Judge, he is a firm defender of truth, a compassionate teacher of correct doctrine, and an advocate for religious freedom. Read more about President Oaks’ life.
Highlights from President Oaks’ Life
- August 12, 1932: Born in Provo, Utah.
- 1954: Graduated from Brigham Young University.
- 1957: Graduated from the University of Chicago Law School. He was editor-in-chief of the University of Chicago Law Review. He then practiced law and taught law in Chicago.
- 1957–1958: Served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- 1971–1980: President of Brigham Young University. He oversaw the creation of the J. Reuben Clark Law School and the graduate business school.
- 1980-1984: Served as Justice of the Utah Supreme Court.
- 1984: Sustained as an Apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
- 2002–2004: Presided over the Church’s Philippines Area.
- January 14, 2018: Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and First Counselor in the First Presidency.
- October 14, 2025: Set apart as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, succeeding President Russell M. Nelson after his death.
Key Teachings
As a prophet of God, President Dallin H. Oaks invites all to follow Jesus Christ and feel God’s love. His teachings emphasize loving God and our neighbor, the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and God’s divine plan of happiness.
- God has a plan for us. President Oaks has frequently taught about God’s plan of happiness for all and the importance of preparing now for eternal life with Him.
- God has set the pattern for families. President Oaks’ ministry has included a focus on strengthening families and promoting the doctrine of eternal marriage set forth in The Family: A Proclamation to the World.
- Religious freedom is essential. In speaking to both Church members and those of other faiths, President Oaks has been a consistent defender of religious freedom for all.
- The two great commandments. President Oaks teaches that love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable and calls for disciples of Jesus Christ to show compassion, empathy, and respect to all of God’s children.
- Agency to choose. President Oaks has emphasized that agency is a sacred gift, that our choices carry eternal consequences, and that we must choose to follow Jesus Christ.
- Making and keeping covenants. President Oaks has reaffirmed that covenants made at baptism and in the temple are sacred commitments that strengthen our relationships with God and unite families eternally.
Learn more about President Dallin H. Oaks on this information page and biography page.
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