LDS Church’s First Presidency Makes Landmark Announcement—Here’s What’s Changing

In a historic leadership transition for the 17-million-member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dallin H. Oaks has been sustained as the faith’s 18th prophet and president, with President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson set apart as first and second counselors in the church’s First Presidency. The announcement was delivered in a worldwide broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City just weeks after the passing of former church president Russell M. Nelson, who died on September 27 at age 101. KEY MOMENTS FROM THE LIVE BROADCAST • President Oaks, 93, acknowledged President Nelson’s “decade of inspired, transformative leadership” and pledged continuity in the church’s global expansion. • The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square opened the meeting with “Come, Follow Me,” echoing the late prophet’s emphasis on covenant discipleship. • Millions tuned in via the church’s website, social media channels, and the Latter-day Saints Channel app, illustrating the digital reach of modern LDS Church leadership announcements. WHY THIS MATTERS The First Presidency is the highest governing body of the LDS Church, setting doctrinal priorities, overseeing global humanitarian projects, and guiding more than 31,000 congregations in 188 nations. A new presidency can influence temple-building schedules, missionary programs, and the church’s public-affairs stance on social issues. WHO ARE THE NEW COUNSELORS? • Henry B. Eyring: At 92, President Eyring continues in the First Presidency, bringing a background in education administration and decades of experience as a trusted adviser in church finance and curriculum. • D. Todd Christofferson: The 80-year-old former appellate attorney and federal clerk becomes the newest member of the presiding triumvirate. Known for his work on religious freedom and humanitarian outreach, he brings legal acumen and an international résumé, including missionary service in Argentina. BIOGRAPHY OF PRESIDENT DALLIN H. OAKS A former Utah Supreme Court justice and president of Brigham Young University, President Oaks has served as an apostle since 1984. Over four decades he has championed religious liberty, constitutional scholarship, and strengthened interfaith dialogue. His judicial temperament and experience navigating complex public policy issues are expected to shape the presidency’s tone. NEXT STEPS FOR MEMBERS WORLDWIDE 1. Sustainings: Members will have the opportunity to raise a hand of support during the next General Conference sessions on October 4-5. 2. Temple Dedications: The new president traditionally finalizes dedication dates; many anticipate announcements for temples in Lima, Nairobi, and Austin. 3. Missionary Service: Adjustments to training and assignment cycles are possible, but church officials indicated “no immediate changes” to age requirements. HOW TO WATCH OR READ THE FULL ADDRESS • Replay streams are available in 34 languages on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and YouTube. • The official transcript will be published in the November issue of the Liahona magazine for study in worship services. REACTION FROM LATTER-DAY SAINTS AND SCHOLARS Religious-studies experts note that President Oaks’ legal background may lead to heightened engagement in court filings involving faith-based organizations. Many members expressed gratitude for continuity, emphasizing President Eyring’s pastoral warmth and President Christofferson’s reputation for transparent communication. SEARCH-FRIENDLY TAKEAWAYS • “New First Presidency of the LDS Church 2025” signals the key keyword phrase for members searching for leadership updates. • Including “President Dallin H. Oaks biography,” “Henry B. Eyring counselor,” and “D. Todd Christofferson First Presidency” addresses common user queries. • Geo-specific interest is highest in Utah, Idaho, Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines, areas where localized follow-up stories—such as temple announcements—can drive sustained traffic. With a seamless transition and a clear mandate to “continue the work of gathering Israel,” the newly organized First Presidency now turns its focus to shepherding a diverse, rapidly growing global membership into the church’s next chapter.