LDS Church Sustains Dallin H. Oaks as 18th President at April 2026 General Conference
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held its 196th Annual General Conference on April 4-5, 2026, in Salt Lake City. Members sustained Dallin H. Oaks as the 18th President of the Church during a solemn assembly. Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson were sustained as his counselors.
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened its 196th Annual General Conference on April 4-5, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference fell on Easter weekend and drew worldwide attention.
The opening session featured a solemn assembly, a practice reserved for the first conference after a new Church President is called. Members sustained Dallin H. Oaks as the 18th President of the Church. Henry B. Eyring was sustained as first counselor and D. Todd Christofferson as second counselor.
President Oaks had presided over the October 2025 general conference as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, following the death of President Russell M. Nelson on September 27, 2025. He was announced as the new Church President on October 14, 2025.
Across four general sessions, 32 Church leaders delivered messages. President Oaks called on members to be peacemakers, urging followers of Christ to avoid contention and harsh language. He cited the Savior's commandment to love enemies.
The conference also announced eight new General Authority Seventies and released seven to emeritus status, effective August 1, 2026. A new Primary general presidency was sustained, also effective August 1.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performed during the Saturday and Sunday sessions, joined by 12 global members from 10 countries. A combined choir from Brigham Young University-Idaho performed during the Saturday afternoon session.
Broadcasts went out live in 80 languages through ChurchofJesusChrist.org and the Gospel Library app. On-demand viewing became available in over 90 languages after the live sessions ended.
