President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued global invitations urging youth and young adults to strengthen their relationships with Jesus Christ, trust in His divine plan, and become peacemakers. These foundational messages have marked the opening months of his service as the 18th President of the Church.
In a video interview released on October 16, 2025-just two days after he was set apart as President of the Church-President Oaks addressed the rising generation directly. He reminded young members of their divine identity and eternal potential.
“You have a Heavenly Father who loves you,” President Oaks told the rising generation. “He has provided a plan for you, and it is best explained in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where we have an explanation for the purpose of life and challenges and activities that lead you along what we call the covenant path to a heavenly destiny. Trust in the Lord. Come and enjoy His blessings with us.”
As part of these ongoing efforts to guide youth and young adults, President Oaks has emphasized active participation in Church educational programs as a primary means of drawing closer to the Savior during challenging times.
Prioritizing Seminary and Institute Attendance
A central pillar of President Oaks’ messaging to the rising generation focuses on consistent participation in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. In dedicated video messages released in multiple languages worldwide, he invited teenagers aged 14 to 18 to make seminary a regular priority.
“Make consistent attendance at seminary a priority,” President Oaks said in his message to youth. “As you attend seminary, you will feel God’s love; find answers in your life; deepen your testimony of Jesus Christ; build emotional and spiritual strength; prepare for the temple, missions, education and a future family; and gain courage to stand for truth.”
For young adults progressing past high school age, President Oaks issued a parallel invitation to attend institute classes regularly. He noted that institute provides an essential sanctuary amid modern noise and confusion.
“One of the greatest opportunities to learn, gather and lift others is found at institute,” President Oaks shared, promising that consistent attendance will bring “the Savior’s peace, joy and divine love.”
Milestone Growth in Global Enrollment
President Oaks’ focus on religious education coincides with an unprecedented milestone for the Church’s educational programs. Enrollment in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion has officially surpassed 1 million students worldwide for the first time in history, reaching this mark during the 100th anniversary year of Institutes of Religion.
Church leaders report that enrollment has expanded by more than 200,000 students in recent years, including approximately 75,000 individuals from other faiths who participate in institute communities. Young participants worldwide have expressed gratitude for the spiritual refuge, friendships, and deepened scriptural understanding found in these classrooms.
Broader Invitations to Trust and Become Peacemakers
Beyond educational programs, President Oaks has extended several sweeping invitations to all Latter-day Saints to anchor their lives in the teachings of Jesus Christ:
- Trust in the Lord: Encouraging members to maintain optimism, look forward to the future with faith, and rely on the Savior’s timing and promises.
- Draw Closer to Christ: Emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Ghost and foundational scripture study to navigate doubt and modern secular distractions.
- Be Peacemakers: Urging followers of Christ during Easter and general conference messages to eliminate harsh rhetoric, forgo contention, and practice Christlike love even toward adversaries.
Through these collective invitations, President Oaks continues to guide Latter-day Saints of all ages to stay firmly on the covenant path, deepen their faith, and share the peace of the gospel with a global audience.
