In his first public interview since being ordained as the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dallin H. Oaks described the faith as “a gospel of happiness and growth,” emphasizing its purpose in helping members find meaning, resilience, and joy in life.
President Oaks, joined by his counselors President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson, sat down with journalist Jane Clayson Johnson on Wednesday in the Relief Society Building on Temple Square for the presidency’s first official interview.
Over the past three years, nearly 900,000 people have joined the church, which President Oaks attributes to the “power of the restored gospel.” He said the doctrine “makes life more happy, more significant, more resistant to the difficulties of mortal life, and more able to serve and raise children.”
A message to those who feel on the margins
President Oaks offered reassurance to anyone who feels excluded or distant from the faith. “We are all children of God. God loves them and has a plan for them wherever they are on the pathway toward that divine destiny,” he said.
President Eyring reminded listeners that “the Savior’s arms are always outstretched,” urging those who feel alone to pray and feel included again. President Christofferson added, “Don’t wait to be invited off the sideline. Come forward and contribute what you can — every person and every contribution is valuable.”
Guidance for the rising generation
Speaking to the youth, President Oaks encouraged trust in God’s plan: “Trust in the Lord. Come and enjoy his blessings with us.”
President Eyring described this as “the most exciting time in the history of this work,” while President Christofferson emphasized that “no technology or other recourse can replace the Spirit — Jesus Christ is always the answer.”
On women’s roles and leadership
The leaders reaffirmed the importance of including both male and female perspectives in church decision-making. “When we bring both perspectives together, we get closer to the divine perspective,” said President Christofferson.
President Eyring praised women’s service as “remarkable,” while President Oaks acknowledged that “we have work left to do,” though he noted significant progress over the last decade in empowering women within the church.
Focusing on Christ
President Oaks closed with a testimony centered on the Savior: “Jesus Christ is the way.”
President Eyring invited members to “come and be,” finding peace in Christ amid worldly turmoil. President Christofferson pointed to the resurrection as proof of hope and divine promise.
Concluding, President Oaks said the restored gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions — our purpose, relationship with God, and eternal destiny:
“Because of the mission of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, we can live securely with those we love in the next life.”
