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| New First Presidency Discusses Key Issues in First Interview |
The newly named First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—President Dallin H. Oaks, President Henry B. Eyring, and President D. Todd Christofferson—sat down for a wide-ranging interview with award-winning journalist Jane Clayson Johnson on October 15, 2025. This conversation, held in Salt Lake City, was the first of its kind since their recent call.
The leaders addressed topics including the role of women in the Church, its recent strong growth, a message for those who feel marginalized, and encouragement for the rising generation.
On the Role of Women
The First Presidency emphasized the essential contribution of women and the need to include their perspectives in Church decision-making.
* President Christofferson highlighted that bringing both male and female perspectives together provides a "better perspective," one that is "closer to the divine perspective."
* President Eyring simply added, “Leadership is serving, and women do that in a way that is just remarkable.”
* President Oaks acknowledged that the Church has "not always been wise in using the great qualification and powers of the daughters of God," but affirmed that while "we have work left to do," the Church is "a lot better off than we were even a decade ago."
Explaining Church Growth
In response to a question about the Church's continued growth—including 900,000 new members in the past three years—despite global trends toward religious unaffiliation, the leaders pointed to the power of the restored gospel.
* President Oaks stated the secret is "the power of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ," which is a "gospel of happiness and growth." He noted that its doctrines make life "more happy, more significant, more resistant to the difficulties we all experience."
* President Eyring attributed the acceleration of growth to the hope that people find in the message of the gospel presented by missionaries.
* President Christofferson saw the growth as part of the Lord's work, connecting it to President Russell M. Nelson’s teachings on the gathering of God’s covenant people. “He is moving in His power. I see the Lord moving across the earth and His Spirit influencing people in their lives.”
A Message to Those on the Margins
When asked to address members who feel they do not fit in or are on the margins of the Church, the First Presidency offered strong messages of love and inclusion.
* President Oaks stressed that "We are all children of God," and "God loves them, and He has a plan for them wherever they are."
* President Eyring reminded listeners of Christ's love, assuring them that "they can’t get far enough away from the Savior that He would ever not be reaching to them." He encouraged them to "just pray and you’ll have a feeling of being back from the margin and included."
* President Christofferson urged those feeling excluded to turn to Christ and join in service: “Come forward and contribute what you can to the body of Christ. Everyone is valuable. Every contribution is valuable.”
Counsel for the Rising Generation
Addressing Millennials and Gen Z, the leaders provided optimistic counsel focused on faith in Christ.
* President Oaks encouraged the youth to “Trust in the Lord” and come enjoy the blessings of the Church, which provides an explanation for "the purpose of life" and activities that lead along the "covenant path to a heavenly destiny."
* President Eyring expressed his optimism, telling the youth, "The Lord has saved you for the most exciting time in the history of this work in this world." He promised a "glorious future" to those who trust in Jesus Christ and serve Him.
* President Christofferson acknowledged their unique challenges, urging them to use technology for good but to always remember: “there is no substitute for the Holy Ghost.” He reaffirmed, “Turn to the Lord... Jesus Christ is always the answer.”
The Ultimate Message: Jesus Christ
When asked for the single phrase they would want people to remember as they begin their ministry, the First Presidency was unified:
* President Oaks declared, "Jesus Christ is the way," emphasizing that salvation comes only through His name.
* President Eyring invited people to “Come and be and find the peace that you’re finding such difficulty discovering in the world around you.”
* President Christofferson cited the Resurrection of Christ as the ultimate proof of His power to fulfill all His promises and "the proof of who He is."
President Oaks concluded the interview by bearing his testimony that "the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness is the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," where the answers to life’s greatest questions can be found.
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