LDS Church President Oaks Emphasizes Resurrection and Peacemaking in Easter Conference Talk

New church president calls Resurrection 'a pillar of our faith' and urges followers to embrace Christ's teachings on love and peacemaking.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his first full general conference talk as the new prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dallin H. Oaks emphasized the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and called on church members to embrace Christ's teachings on love and peacemaking. Oaks and other speakers during the Easter-themed Sunday morning session implored listeners to fully appreciate the 'enormous significance' of the Resurrection and to follow Christ's example by 'forgoing contention' and using 'the language and methods of peacemakers'.

Why it matters

President Oaks' remarks come at a time when he has described the current era as 'toxic, contemptuous and hostile', with many whose 'Christian beliefs should orient them otherwise'. His focus on the Resurrection and peacemaking reflects an effort to guide the church and its members towards greater unity, compassion and understanding, even amidst societal divisions.

The details

In his talk, President Oaks described the Resurrection as 'the single greatest event in the history of this world' and 'a majestic and monumental event in our Father in Heaven's eternal plan'. He urged church members to fully appreciate its 'enormous significance' and let it transform how they interact with others, even those who do not share their values. Oaks called on followers of Christ to 'forgo harsh and hurtful words' and instead use 'the language and methods of peacemakers', noting that it is not always easy to balance following God's commands and showing love to those who contravene them.

  • The 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held on April 5, 2026.

The players

President Dallin H. Oaks

The 18th president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

President Emily Belle Freeman

The Young Women General President.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wonder if we fully appreciate the enormous significance of our belief in a literal, universal Resurrection.”

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

“Peacemakers! How it would change the world if followers of Christ would forgo harsh and hurtful words in all their communications.”

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

“It is 'the single greatest event in the history of this world.'”

— President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“It also was 'a majestic and monumental event in our Father in Heaven's eternal plan.'”

— Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“Jesus Christ knows all about best days and worst days. Because of him, no matter how bad things are right now, your best days are ahead.”

— President Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women General President

The takeaway

President Oaks' emphasis on the Resurrection and peacemaking reflects an effort to guide the LDS Church and its members towards greater unity, compassion and understanding, even amidst societal divisions. His call for followers to 'forgo harsh and hurtful words' and embrace Christ's teachings on love and reconciliation underscores the church's desire to model a path of healing and restoration for the broader community.