Latter-day Saints to Sustain New Church President in Solemn Assembly

Millions worldwide will gather to support President Dallin H. Oaks as the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:12am

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A vibrant, abstract silkscreen print composed of a repeating grid of a single iconic Mormon temple building, rendered in bold neon colors and heavy black outlines, capturing the celebratory energy of a major religious event.The solemn assembly marks a significant transition in the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as members worldwide gather to sustain a new prophet.Salt Lake City Today

This weekend, Latter-day Saints around the world will gather in a solemn assembly to sustain President Dallin H. Oaks as the new prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two-day general conference will also feature the sustaining of a new First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Presiding Bishopric.

Why it matters

The solemn assembly is a significant tradition in the church, with each new president being sustained by the entire membership. This marks a transition of church leadership and the beginning of President Oaks' tenure as the 18th president.

The details

During the Saturday morning session, church members worldwide will raise their right hands to sustain President Oaks as the new prophet and president. This will be followed by the sustaining of the new First Presidency, with President Henry B. Eyring as the first counselor and President D. Todd Christofferson as the second counselor. The conference will also feature the sustaining of a new acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, two new apostles, and a new Presiding Bishopric.

  • The solemn assembly will take place on Saturday morning during the 196th Annual General Conference.
  • President Oaks was ordained as the new church president on October 14, 2025.
  • The last general conference was held in October 2025, following the death of President Russell M. Nelson.

The players

Dallin H. Oaks

The 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, previously serving as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Henry B. Eyring

The new first counselor in the First Presidency, previously serving as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

D. Todd Christofferson

The new second counselor in the First Presidency.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The new acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Gérald Caussé

The new apostle called in November 2025 to fill the vacancy created by President Nelson's death.

Clark G. Gilbert

The new apostle called in February 2026 to fill the vacancy created by the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland.

W. Christopher Waddell

The new Presiding Bishop, replacing Elder Caussé.

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What they’re saying

“Sustaining church leaders is an indication a church member will follow, support and assist them with confidence, faith and prayer.”

— Brandon Metcalf, Archivist, Church History Department

What’s next

The new First Presidency and other church leaders will begin their service immediately following the solemn assembly on Saturday.

The takeaway

The solemn assembly is a sacred tradition in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marking the transition of church leadership and the beginning of a new prophet's tenure. This weekend's conference will be a significant moment for the global church community.