President Dallin H. Oaks was officially set apart as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday, October 14. His rich life and leadership qualities have been highlighted in various Church News videos, which often feature his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks. These videos delve into his experiences, teachings, and deep testimony of the Savior.
In one notable Church News video titled “Teachings of Women,” President Oaks reflects on the significant influence of women in his life, particularly his mother and grandmother after losing his father. He continued to learn valuable lessons from women, including his wife, Sister June Oaks, and later, Sister Kristen Oaks. “The most important teachers that I’ve had in the area of Church doctrine and service and family responsibilities — ranking right up there with the prophets of the Church — have been women,” stated President Oaks.
Celebrating his 90th birthday on August 12, 2022, President Oaks shared insights accumulated over nine decades in the Church News video “Celebrating 90 years.” He touched upon various stages of his life, including his youth, education, distinguished legal career, and his calling as an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
During his tenure as an Apostle, President Oaks served as the Philippines Area president from 2002 to 2004, where he led significant efforts to establish the Church in the region. In the video “Establishing the Church,” the Oaks reflect on their love for the Philippines, highlighting that his time there was the most transformative period of his growth as an Apostle.
Reflecting on the strength and influence of Filipino women, President Oaks remarked on their pivotal role in advancing the work of the Church during his time there. He later returned to dedicate the Urdaneta Philippines Temple on April 28, underscoring the importance of not just building temples, but filling them, as depicted in the video “Filling the Temples.”
His passion for temples resonated when he addressed the significance of visiting them, describing temples as a “great symbol of the continuity of life” from the Rome Italy Temple visitors’ center. He expressed exhilaration at the opportunity to construct a temple in such a historically rich city.
Additionally, President Oaks made a significant appearance at the 2022 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit in Rome, advocating for the global defense of religious freedom. He encouraged collaboration across faiths to protect this fundamental right, emphasizing the importance of standing up for all individuals, regardless of their beliefs.
President Oaks also highlighted the responsibility of Church members to support refugees, sharing insights from his visit to the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center in Rome. He drew on the shared heritage of humanity, noting, “We are all descended from refugees,” advocating for compassion and self-reliance for those in need.
In another heartwarming segment, he discussed the painting “Forgotten Man” during his time as president of Brigham Young University, embodying a message of hope and divine recognition.
Through his experiences and teachings, President Oaks has created a profound impact within the Church, calling on members to uplift one another and embrace their roles in strengthening communities worldwide. The Church News videos provide a glimpse into his inspiring journey, showcasing the lessons learned and the enduring influence of women in his life, leaving a hopeful message for future generations.
For those interested, more Church News videos can be accessed at TheChurchNews.com/videos, on the Church News app, and the Church News YouTube channel in various languages.