The Church of Jesus Christ First Presidency has entered a significant new chapter. On October 14, 2025, senior Church leaders formally reorganized the First Presidency following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. This reorganization ushers in a new leadership team headed by President Dallin H. Oaks, with Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson as his counselors.
This transition is not only a historic moment for Church members worldwide but also a major leadership shift for millions of Latter-day Saints in the United States, where the Church has deep roots and a strong influence in cultural, social, and civic spheres.
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A Defining Transition After a Historic Presidency
The passing of President Nelson on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101, marked the close of one of the most transformative periods in modern Church history. His presidency, which began in January 2018, saw unprecedented temple construction announcements, accelerated humanitarian outreach, and a consistent focus on emphasizing Jesus Christ in Church identity and language.
By tradition, the death of the Church President immediately dissolves the First Presidency, with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assuming leadership responsibilities until a new presidency is organized. On October 14, senior apostles met in Salt Lake City to formally sustain Dallin H. Oaks—then the most senior apostle—as the new President of the Church.
President Oaks, who had served as First Counselor to President Nelson, accepted this sacred responsibility and selected Henry B. Eyring as First Counselor and D. Todd Christofferson as Second Counselor. The announcement was shared globally in a broadcast from Temple Square, reflecting both the solemnity and the significance of the occasion.
Introducing the New First Presidency
The Church of Jesus Christ First Presidency now consists of three seasoned leaders with decades of combined service and experience in both spiritual and civic matters:
| Position | Leader | Years of Apostolic Service |
|---|---|---|
| President of the Church | Dallin H. Oaks | 39 years |
| First Counselor | Henry B. Eyring | 29 years |
| Second Counselor | D. Todd Christofferson | 17 years |
Jeffrey R. Holland, a respected senior apostle, has assumed the role of President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, following the established pattern of leadership succession.
Dallin H. Oaks: From Courtroom to Prophet
President Dallin H. Oaks brings a distinctive background to his new calling. Before joining the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984, he served as a justice on the Utah Supreme Court and as president of Brigham Young University. His legal expertise, academic leadership, and decades of apostolic ministry have shaped him into one of the Church’s most articulate and strategic leaders.
Throughout his years of service, President Oaks has spoken frequently on religious liberty, constitutional principles, and the balance between faith and civic responsibility. As President, he is expected to continue emphasizing these themes, with an eye toward strengthening the Church’s role in a rapidly changing global landscape.
His leadership style is marked by clarity, structure, and an unwavering focus on doctrine. At the same time, he has often emphasized compassion, understanding, and the need for members to build bridges in their communities.
Henry B. Eyring: A Familiar and Trusted Counselor
Henry B. Eyring returns to the First Presidency as First Counselor, bringing both continuity and experience. Known for his gentle demeanor, spiritual warmth, and focus on faith in daily life, President Eyring has previously served in the First Presidency under three Church Presidents.
His background includes academic service as president of Ricks College and as Commissioner of Church Education. Over the years, he has been a beloved speaker at General Conferences, often highlighting themes of humility, personal revelation, and service to others.
As First Counselor once again, President Eyring will continue to play a vital role in administrative decisions, leadership training, and global outreach.
D. Todd Christofferson: A New Face in the Presidency
D. Todd Christofferson’s appointment as Second Counselor represents both continuity and fresh perspective. Before his apostolic calling, he had a distinguished legal career, including serving as a law clerk for a U.S. appellate judge and working in corporate law. Since joining the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 2008, he has emphasized strengthening families, defending moral principles, and nurturing personal discipleship.
This is his first time serving in the First Presidency, and his addition reflects the Church’s emphasis on blending doctrinal strength with a broad, internationally informed outlook.
The Role of the First Presidency
The First Presidency is the central governing body of the Church. It provides doctrinal direction, oversees all Church programs, coordinates global humanitarian initiatives, and leads the Church’s extensive missionary program. It also supervises temple construction and operation, manages educational systems, and issues official statements on behalf of the Church.
When the President of the Church passes away, the First Presidency is dissolved, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles leads until the new presidency is formed. By long-standing pattern, the apostle with the longest seniority becomes the new Church President. That leader then selects two counselors, typically from among the apostles, who are sustained by their peers and the global membership.
Key Priorities Under the New Presidency
1. Temple Construction and Dedication
Under President Nelson, the Church experienced an extraordinary temple building surge, with over 200 new temples announced worldwide. Many of these temples are still under construction or awaiting dedication. The new presidency has signaled that, while temple building remains a priority, the immediate focus will be on completing ongoing projects, ensuring resources and staffing keep pace with growth.
2. Strengthening Global Unity
With more than 17 million members worldwide, the Church faces the challenge of maintaining doctrinal consistency while meeting the needs of diverse cultures. The First Presidency plays a crucial role in guiding how local leaders are trained, how materials are translated and adapted, and how the Church communicates its core message of faith in Jesus Christ globally.
3. Religious Freedom and Public Engagement
President Oaks’ background suggests a continued emphasis on defending religious liberty and engaging with governments on matters of faith and conscience. Issues such as education, family values, and religious expression in the public square are likely to remain key priorities in the United States, where the Church’s influence is strongest.
4. Doctrinal Clarity and Digital Communication
The new presidency is expected to continue the Church’s digital expansion. Over the last decade, the Church has dramatically increased its use of online tools for missionary work, leadership training, and worship. The First Presidency directs these initiatives, ensuring that doctrine is clearly taught and that technology supports, rather than replaces, spiritual experiences.
A Timeline of the Transition
- September 27, 2025 – President Russell M. Nelson passes away at age 101.
- October 4–5, 2025 – General Conference provides members with spiritual messages of unity and preparation for leadership transition.
- October 14, 2025 – Dallin H. Oaks is set apart as President of the Church, and Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson are sustained as his counselors.
- October 15, 2025 – The new Church of Jesus Christ First Presidency begins its official service, signaling the start of a new era.
Impact on U.S. Members and Communities
For Church members in the United States, changes in the First Presidency often have direct implications. Leadership priorities shape local building projects, missionary efforts, youth programs, and how the Church addresses legal and social issues.
The U.S. remains the largest concentration of Latter-day Saints, and many of the Church’s educational, humanitarian, and temple programs are headquartered domestically. The new presidency will oversee key decisions affecting U.S. congregations, including temple dedications, religious education strategies, and outreach to communities of other faiths.
Continuity with a Forward Vision
The leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ First Presidency reflects both deep continuity and forward-looking vision. All three leaders have long histories of service and a shared commitment to the Church’s core doctrines. At the same time, their combined expertise—spanning law, education, administration, and pastoral care—positions them to address modern challenges in new ways.
This new presidency takes the helm at a moment when the Church is increasingly global, digitally connected, and engaged in public conversations about faith, freedom, and community. Their leadership will shape not just programs and policies, but how millions of members live their faith in daily life.
The reorganization of the Church of Jesus Christ First Presidency stands as a landmark moment in the Church’s ongoing story. With President Dallin H. Oaks, President Henry B. Eyring, and President D. Todd Christofferson guiding the way, members are stepping into a future that honors the past while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the present.
What are your thoughts on this historic leadership transition? Share your perspective or stay tuned for further developments as this new presidency begins its service.