List of Announcements and Changes iin the Church Since President Oaks Becamew Prophet

 List of Announcements and Changes in the Church Since President Oaks Became Prophet

Since that day, the Church has announced the creation of 55 new missions, the lowering of the minimum age of missionary service for women from 19 to 18, a new schedule for Sunday second-hour meetings, new names for Young Women groups, and the construction of three new temples — each announcement made during a devotional in the area where the temple will be built.

Feb. 

12, 2026 — President Oaks announces Elder Clark G. Gilbert as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Jan. 9, 2026 — To prepare for the Salt Lake Temple open house, the Church announces an adjustment to how sister missionaries serve at Temple Square. 

Feb. 4, 2026 — As institute celebrates 100 years, President Oaks issues special invitation to young adults across the world. The video was shown during a worldwide devotional with Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon.

Feb. 12, 2026 — President Oaks announces Elder Clark G. Gilbert as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Feb. 26, 2026 — Twelve songs added to “Hymns for Home and Church” include the familiar children’s song “When I Am Baptized” with updated lyrics.

March 13, 2026 — With the United States celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the First Presidency invites all to participate in a unified fast of gratitude on July 5 for religious liberty.

March 30, 2026 — The Church announces a new Sunday class meeting schedule effective Sept. 6. With the schedule change, members meet for all meetings during the second hour rather than alternating weeks for Sunday School and for class and quorum meetings.

April 19, 2026 — A temple is announced for Marysville, Washington, during a local stake devotional. 

April 20, 2026 — The First Presidency announces new names for Young Women groups: Builders of Faith (young women turning 12-13), Messengers of Hope (young women turning 14-15) and Gatherers of Light (young women turning 16 or older). 

May 14, 2026 — A temple is announced for Otavalo, Ecuador, during a local tri-stake devotional. 

May 18, 2026 — The new Temple Square Visitors’ Center opens its doors to the public.

July 23, 2026 — 10 new hymns are released in “Hymns for Home and Church,” bringing the total to 82 new hymns and songs in the new hymnbook in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Sept. 1, 2026 — The Church announces the theme of the Salt Lake Temple Celebration — “Rejoice in Christ” — and begins releasing tickets for the open house, which will be held April 5 through Oct. 1, 2027. 

Sept. 17, 2026 — Updates to the Gospel Library app include new music features for listening, singing and accompanying.

Sept. 18, 2026 — The worldwide missionary force surpasses 90,000, thanks to the largest cohort of young women serving full-time missions — more than 30,000.

Oct. 4, 2026 — The Church releases part one of a six-part video series called “Dedicate” where young adults from different countries tour Salt Lake Temple renovations and testify of Christ, temples and temple covenants.