A New Era Begins: Former Utah Supreme Court Justice Dallin H. Oaks named President of LDS Church
Seth Ratliff
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — Former Utah Supreme Court Justice and longtime LDS apostle Dallin H. Oaks, 93, has been formally set apart as the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I accept with humility the responsibility that God has placed upon me and commit my whole heart and soul to the service to which I’ve been called,” said the newly called President Oaks.
The announcement comes more than two weeks after the passing of the faith’s 17th President, Russel M. Nelson. He was 101 years old.
In a news release, the Church explained the transition of leadership:
“In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the prophet is chosen through a divinely inspired process. When the president of the Church passes away, the First Presidency is dissolved. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—led by the longest-serving apostle—assumes leadership and, through revelation and priesthood authority, confirms the next president of the Church.”
Reflecting on his predecessor, President Oaks said, “Most recently, we’ve been led by a magnificent Prophet of the Lord, President Russell M. Nelson. We have much work to do to fulfill the challenges he has given us. And there is more yet to come, of which I testify in all humility – The lord still speaks through his service. There is much to be done, for our ministry is a ministry of all the children of God upon the face of the earth.”
The announcement was made by Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, one of the Church’s leading governing bodies. President Oaks has reorganized the First Presidency—the highest leadership council in the Church—calling Elder Henry B. Eyring, 92, to serve as First Counselor and Elder D. Todd Christofferson, 80, as Second Counselor.
“I am deeply honored by this calling, and trust that it carries. At the same time, I recognize I’m not called to be honored but I’m called to serve,” shared Christoferson.
After a period of fasting and prayer, President Oaks expressed confidence in the new leadership. In addition, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, 84, has been appointed president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
ORIGINAL:
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KIFI) — Today at 1 PM, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is set to host a live broadcast, announcing the reorganization of a new First Presidency – the governing body of the faith made up of the President and two Apostles of the faith who serve as counselors. The announcement comes more than two weeks after the passing of the faith’s 17th President, Russel M. Nelson. He was 101 years old.
Church leadership is expected to make the announcement live from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, in more than 10 languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
To view the broadcast live, click HERE.