In the wake of President Russell M. Nelson’s passing at the age of 101, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—often known as the Mormon church—is preparing for a momentous but expected transition of leadership. The church’s established succession plan, which has been in place for well over a century, is now set to elevate Dallin H. Oaks, a 93-year-old former Utah Supreme Court justice and the longest-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as its next president. The formal announcement, in keeping with tradition, will come only after Nelson’s funeral, scheduled for October 7, 2025.
This carefully orchestrated handover is no surprise to those familiar with the church’s inner workings. According to AP News, the process is designed to avoid internal politicking and public lobbying, ensuring a smooth and stable transition. The current protocol was established in 1889, following a period of debate after the death of the church’s third president, John Taylor. Since then, the longest-tenured apostle has always become the new president, a rule enforced without exception for more than a century.
When a president dies, the First Presidency—the church’s top governing body, composed of the president and two counselors—automatically dissolves. The counselors return to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which temporarily expands to 14 members. During this interim, the Quorum, now led by Oaks, oversees the church’s affairs and prepares for significant events such as the twice-annual General Conference in Salt Lake City.
The president of the church is regarded by members as a prophet, seer, and revelator, believed to guide the faith through divine revelation. He sets policy, interprets doctrine, and manages a vast array of programs and business interests. These range from real estate and agricultural holdings to publishing, insurance, universities, and even a Polynesian cultural center in Hawaii. The church’s investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, Inc., holds a portfolio valued at an eye-popping $58 billion, according to the latest filings.
Presidential tenures in the church have varied widely. Brigham Young, the second president, served nearly 30 years, while others, like Howard H. Hunter, held the position for less than a year. Nelson’s own tenure spanned more than seven years, following two presidents—Thomas S. Monson and Gordon B. Hinckley—who each served for nearly a decade or more. Regardless of length, all presidents serve until death, a practice rooted in church doctrine and tradition.
As for the president’s two counselors, they are typically chosen from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Sometimes, a new president retains his predecessor’s counselors; other times, he selects new ones, and the outgoing counselors return to the Quorum. Notably, being a counselor does not place one ahead in the line of succession—the deciding factor remains seniority in the Quorum. Under Nelson, both Henry B. Eyring and Dallin H. Oaks served as counselors, and Oaks’s own choices in this regard will be closely watched, as they offer him an opportunity to leave his mark on the church’s upper leadership.
The church has also made recent efforts to diversify its leadership. Under Nelson’s presidency, the Quorum saw the appointment of its first Latin American apostle and its first apostle of Asian ancestry. This move was met with excitement by many members, particularly those outside the United States, who make up more than half of the church’s 17 million global adherents.
Women occupy significant roles within the church’s organizational structure, though these remain below the all-male priesthood hierarchy. Nine high-ranking women lead organizations responsible for programs for women and girls, such as the Relief Society. While these councils do not participate directly in the highest levels of governance, they play vital roles in shaping the church’s outreach and activities.
Dallin H. Oaks’s expected presidency comes at a complicated time for the church. As reported by AP News and other outlets, many U.S. members are still reeling from recent acts of violence, including a deadly attack on a Michigan congregation and a high-profile assassination in Utah. Oaks responded to the Michigan tragedy by stating, "We all seek answers and understanding in the wake of trauma, shock, and grief. We are grateful to all who are reaching out with service, prayers, and words of support during this difficult time," and paid tribute to Nelson’s "timeless teachings" as a source of comfort.
Oaks, known for his jurist sensibilities and traditionalist views on marriage and religious freedom, has been a prominent church voice since joining the Quorum in 1984. He was instrumental in church policy decisions, including a crackdown on far-right extremism and, more recently, efforts to promote faith in elections without resorting to radicalism or violence. While Nelson’s presidency was marked by a focus on the church’s global footprint and a push for greater diversity, some experts, such as Claremont Graduate University’s Matthew Bowman, believe Oaks may steer the church’s attention back toward the U.S. and its political landscape.
Oaks’s record on LGBTQ+ issues has been a source of anxiety for many members and allies. He has consistently upheld the church’s stance against same-sex marriage and reinforced the teaching that "gender" in church doctrine means "biological sex at birth." Policies introduced in 2024 further restricted the participation of members who have transitioned physically or socially. However, Oaks was also a key player in the 2019 reversal of a policy that had banned baptisms for children of gay parents, and he helped broker a 2022 compromise in which the church supported federal legislation safeguarding same-sex marriages, provided it protected religious liberty.
Some church members, like Noah Hanson, worry that Oaks’s ascension might cause setbacks in family acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals. "If Dallin H. Oaks doesn’t soften his stances on how marriage is only between a man and a woman, or that the act of homosexuality is a sin, like if he lays down that hammer, I feel like that’s gonna ruin my relationship with my parents," Hanson told AP News.
Stylistically, Oaks is known for his measured, reasoned approach—a contrast to Nelson’s more sentimental leadership. Patrick Mason, a professor at Utah State University, suggests that becoming president may push Oaks to adopt a more personal touch, given the weight of being "all things to all people within the church." Oaks has also spoken out about the need for civil public discourse, especially during politically charged times, urging members to "avoid what is harsh and hateful" and to be peacemakers in their communities.
As the church prepares for its upcoming General Conference in Salt Lake City, many are watching closely to see how Oaks will shape the church’s direction in a time of both internal and external challenges. Whether his presidency brings significant change or maintains the status quo, the transition marks another chapter in the storied history of one of the world’s largest and most influential religious organizations.
With a leadership system designed for stability and continuity, the church stands poised to weather this transition, even as its members—and the world—look on with anticipation and, for some, apprehension.
