LDS President Dallin Oaks Urges Members to Overcome Doubts

In his first major address, Oaks calls on Latter-day Saints to strengthen their faith and seek help from others.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In his first major address as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dallin H. Oaks urged members to draw closer to Christ and overcome any doubts about their faith. Oaks cautioned against the dangers of false information on social media and podcasts, and encouraged Latter-day Saints to remain humble and seek help from faithful, well-informed friends.

Why it matters

Oaks' message reflects the church's ongoing efforts to address the concerns and doubts of its members, particularly younger generations who may be questioning their faith or delaying traditional milestones like marriage and childbearing.

The details

Oaks, the 93-year-old former BYU president and Utah Supreme Court justice, said he felt the "heaviness of responsibility" after becoming the church's 18th president in October 2026. He said his goal is to "help all our members overcome present or future doubts" by strengthening their faith in Jesus, increasing their humility, seeking help from other believers, and practicing patience.

  • Oaks became the church's 18th president in October 2026.
  • Oaks delivered his first major address as president at a devotional at Brigham Young University on February 10, 2026.

The players

Dallin H. Oaks

The 93-year-old president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who previously served as a BYU president and Utah Supreme Court justice.

Russell M. Nelson

Oaks' immediate predecessor as president of the LDS Church, who passed away on September 27, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“You live in a season where the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don't have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived.”

— Dallin H. Oaks, President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sltrib.com)

“Don't be persuaded by false or inaccurate information. Discuss your concerns with faithful well-informed friends, and always take those concerns to the Lord.”

— Dallin H. Oaks, President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sltrib.com)

What’s next

Oaks encouraged Latter-day Saints to remain humble and seek help from faithful, well-informed friends to overcome their doubts about the church.

The takeaway

Oaks' message reflects the LDS Church's ongoing efforts to address the concerns and doubts of its members, particularly younger generations, by urging them to strengthen their faith and seek support from their community.