UChicago Law Professor Set to Become New Leader of Mormon Church

Dallin Oaks, a former law professor at the University of Chicago, is set to become the new leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon Church. He will be officially installed as the 18th president of the Church following the funeral of Russell Nelson, who passed away on September 27, 2023, and served as president since 2018.

Dallin Oaks: A Brief Background

Born on August 12, 1932, in Provo, Utah, Oaks graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1954 and earned his law degree from the University of Chicago in 1957. He was the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Law Review during his time in law school.

Career Highlights

• Clerked for Chief Justice Earl Warren from 1957 to 1958.
• Became a law professor at UChicago in 1961 and advanced to full professor by 1964.
• Served as associate dean in 1962.
• Left UChicago in 1971 to become president of BYU.
• Appointed to the Utah Supreme Court in 1981, serving for three years.

Church Leadership Transition

Oaks has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1984 and was serving as first counselor to Nelson before his elevation to president. The tradition dictating the appointment of the longest-tenured member of the Quorum as president played a crucial role in Oaks’s selection.

Impact and Responsibilities

The Church, with over 17.5 million global members, manages a substantial portfolio, boasting nearly $300 billion in assets. It was the fifth-largest private landowner in the United States as of 2022. The Church generates an estimated $5.5 to $6.5 billion annually from tithes.

Humanitarian Efforts

In 2024, the Church disbursed $1.45 billion in humanitarian aid worldwide, reflecting its commitment to global outreach.

Controversies

Oaks’s tenure has faced scrutiny regarding past disciplinary actions at UChicago, where he chaired a committee that expelled 42 students during a controversial sit-in in 1969. Additionally, his presidency at BYU saw incidents targeting LGBTQ+ individuals under the institution’s honor code.

Personal Views

In a memorandum after joining the Quorum, Oaks expressed significant opposition to same-sex marriage, claiming it could lead to societal decline. His remarks and policies have sparked considerable discussion within and outside the Church.

As Oaks prepares to lead the LDS Church, his past and future actions will be closely observed by members and observers alike.