The following was excerpted from Deseret News. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
Almost three months after becoming the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dallin H. Oaks said he feels the responsibility of the “mantle of the prophet.”
“It is heavy and continuous, and it is a very holy responsibility. I am trying to grow into it,” he said during an interview Saturday, Jan. 10, in Burley, Idaho, one day before dedicating a new temple in the city.
President Oaks, 93, succeeded President Russell M. Nelson, who died Sept. 27, 2025. “I never aspired to that position. I have never had the impression that I would occupy that position.”
He found strength, he said, in knowing the Lord called and prepared him to lead the global faith of 17 million members.
“All my life I have wanted to do what my Heavenly Father wanted me to do,” he said. “I do not flinch from that responsibility.”
Sister Kristen Oaks, who sat by her husband during his interview, said that since his becoming president of the church, President Oaks is even more “diligent in what he does” and more “focused and concerned about the kingdom.”
Having served as a Latter-day Saint apostle since 1984, President Oaks said he draws from his association with eight previous presidents of the church — whom he “loved, admired and learned from.” He expressed particular appreciation for President Nelson — whom he associated with for more than 50 years.
President Oaks has continued to move forward with a pace to match the fast pace of his predecessor.
Since becoming president of the church, President Oaks has announced the creation of 55 new missions, lowered the minimum age of missionary service for women from 19 to 18, and announced the construction of a new temple in Portland, Maine.
This temple announcement, made during a devotional in the area where the temple will be constructed, sets a pattern for future temple announcements, President Oaks said. “The best place to announce a temple is in that temple district,” he said.
