President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said during the Sunday morning session of the October 2026 general conference that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people. Speaking in Salt Lake City, Oaks addressed how individuals can overcome personal concerns and struggles by seeking closeness to the Savior.
Oaks noted that every individual faces present or future concerns or struggles they are attempting to overcome. He stated that regardless of these challenges, the way to overcome them is to get closer to Jesus Christ. He suggested that these challenges of mortality offer opportunities for people to develop faith in Heavenly Father and His Son.
Regarding the development of faith, Oaks said that strong faith requires more than just strong desire, meaning it involves daily effort through prayer and scriptural learning. He also noted that reconciling potential conflicts between science and religion may take time but can help build faith and strengthen humility.
The President of the Church expressed his prayer that Heavenly Father wants all members to be active and to proceed forward on the covenant path into the eternities. He noted that members need one another's prayers to navigate personal trials and challenges.
Oaks also addressed the requirements for forgiveness, stating that for sins to be forgiven through the Atonement, individuals must comply with prescribed conditions, including repentance, faith, and baptism.
President Oaks, who was set apart as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 14, 2025, following the death of President Russell M. Nelson, previously served as an apostle for 41 years. His career included serving as a Utah Supreme Court justice and as president of Brigham Young University from 1971 to 1980, where he oversaw the creation of the J. Reuben Clark Law School and the graduate business school. He also served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren at the U.S. Supreme Court.
The 196th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints includes various sessions, including the Sunday morning session where these remarks were delivered at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
