President Dallin H. Oaks Opens April 2026 General Conference with Key Remarks

The April 2026 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced with President Dallin H. Oaks leading the Saturday morning session. This significant event marked the first conference following his appointment as President on October 14, 2025.

President Dallin H. Oaks’ Opening Remarks

During his address, President Oaks expressed gratitude to the members for their supportive votes and participation in the solemn assembly, a unique feature of this session. Such assemblies are traditionally held during the first conference following the calling of a new Church leader.

He mentioned, “I am grateful to be among those whose leadership callings are formally recognized in this way.” He acknowledged the importance of the sustaining vote from the congregation, emphasizing their role in the Church’s governance and mission.

Leadership Acknowledgment and Responsibility

• President Oaks thanked Church members for their sustained prayers, support, and service.
• He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to serving God’s children worldwide, highlighting divine guidance in their efforts.
• Throughout the assembly, he recognized Jesus Christ as the head of the Church, reiterating the centrality of faith in the resurrected Lord.

The Role of President Oaks

As President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dallin H. Oaks has a remarkable background. He was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984 and became the first counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018. In 2022, he became the 19th latter-day apostle to reach the age of 90.

Before leading the Church, Oaks served as a law clerk under Chief Justice Earl Warren and as a justice on the Utah Supreme Court. His academic leadership at Brigham Young University included overseeing significant developments in its law and business graduate programs.

Personal Life

President Oaks is a father of six, having first married Sister June Dixon Oaks, who passed away in 1998. Later, he married Sister Kristen M. McMain in 2000.

Connecting with the Community

For those interested in further insights from President Oaks, recordings of his previous general conference addresses are available. Additionally, he maintains a presence on various social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.

As the 2026 General Conference continues, Church leaders and members alike look forward to the inspiration and guidance provided during these sessions.