New LDS First Presidency Announced: D. Todd Christofferson Joins Oaks and Eyring

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially announced a new First Presidency following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. In a historic moment for the global faith, President Dallin H. Oaks has been named the 18th president of the church, with President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson called to serve as his counselors.

The new LDS First Presidency announcement was made Tuesday during a live broadcast from Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The First Presidency, the highest governing body of the church, leads more than 17 million members worldwide and shapes the church’s mission, teachings, and global outreach.

Dallin H. Oaks Named President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

President Dallin H. Oaks, 93, succeeds President Russell M. Nelson, who led the church from 2018 until his death on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101. The announcement marks the first reorganization of the First Presidency in over seven years and the longest transition period between presidents since the late 1800s.

“I accept with humility the responsibility that God has placed upon me,” President Oaks said. “I testify that the Lord speaks to the apostles of his church and through the apostles of his church according to the organization that has been revealed to us in these latter days.”

President Oaks previously served as first counselor in the First Presidency and was next in line by apostolic seniority. His background includes serving as president of Brigham Young University, a justice on the Utah Supreme Court, and an apostle since 1984. Known for his strong advocacy of religious freedom, he has met with U.S. presidents and world leaders throughout his ministry and received the Canterbury Medal in 2013 for his defense of religious liberty.

Born in Provo, Utah, Oaks is a father of six, grandfather to 29, and great-grandfather to more than 60. His personal history reflects deep commitment to education and service, values instilled by his mother, one of Provo’s first female city council members.

Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson Called as Counselors

President Henry B. Eyring, 92, returns to the First Presidency for a fourth time, bringing decades of leadership experience. He expressed unwavering support for President Oaks, saying, “I know that he is the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by inspiration. I have seen the power of God come upon him.”

The appointment marks the first time President D. Todd Christofferson, 80, has served in the First Presidency. A former attorney and apostle since 2008, Christofferson described the calling as unexpected yet deeply meaningful. “I recognize that I’m not called to be honored but called to serve,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve at the side of President Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring.”

President Jeffrey R. Holland, 84, has been named president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He expressed confidence in the new presidency, noting that “the mantle [has come] fully and completely on President Oaks.”

What This New First Presidency Means for the LDS Church

The reorganization follows the passing of President Nelson, under whose leadership the church experienced significant growth and global outreach. President Oaks praised his predecessor as a “magnificent prophet of the Lord” and emphasized that “there is much to be done” as the church continues its mission in a rapidly changing world.

“We pray for all. We seek to serve all and invoke the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ upon all who seek to serve him,” Oaks said. “We do not have the answers to all of the world’s problems. But we do know that we are all children of heavenly parents and are called to serve all of the children of God.”

The announcement signals a continuation of the church’s global focus and emphasis on service, faith, and unity. With President Oaks’ legal and educational background, President Eyring’s leadership experience, and President Christofferson’s legal expertise and deep doctrinal understanding, the new First Presidency brings a blend of experience and vision to guide the church forward.

The new LDS First Presidency announcement marks a pivotal moment for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it enters a new era of leadership under President Dallin H. Oaks, supported by Presidents Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson. Their collective experience and faith are expected to shape the church’s direction and influence for years to come.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is the new president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

President Dallin H. Oaks was named the 18th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the death of President Russell M. Nelson.

Q2: Who are the counselors in the new LDS First Presidency?

President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson were named counselors in the new First Presidency announced in October 2025.

Q3: What is D. Todd Christofferson’s background?

Christofferson is a former attorney who has served as an apostle since 2008. This is his first time serving in the First Presidency.

Q4: Why was there a delay in the announcement of the new First Presidency?

The announcement came more than two weeks after President Nelson’s passing, marking the longest period between a prophet’s death and reorganization since the late 1800s.

Q5: What role does the First Presidency play in the LDS Church?

The First Presidency is the highest governing body of the church, overseeing doctrine, policy, and global outreach for over 17 million members.

References

Associated Press. (2025). Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints names Dallin H. Oaks the next president of the church. October 14, 2025.

KSLTV. (2025). New First Presidency announced with D. Todd Christofferson joining Oaks and Eyring. October 14, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). LDS Church reorganizes leadership after death of President Nelson. October 14, 2025.