President Dallin H. Oaks Encourages Members in Europe to Follow Christ and Seek Unity

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed members across the Europe Central Area on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during a special devotional broadcast from Brussels. The meeting, translated into 23 languages, reached Latter-day Saints in over 30 countries throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

More than 700 members and friends of the Church gathered in person at the Church’s Grimbergen meetinghouse, representing both Brussels stakes. This historic event marked the first time a member of the First Presidency has spoken live from Belgium to the Latter-day Saints in many countries in Europe.

President Oaks was accompanied by his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, as part of a brief visit to Europe. Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, President of the Church’s Europe Central Area, also spoke at the meeting.

In his address, President Oaks emphasized that the key to resolving the many divisions seen in society—whether political, economic, or doctrinal—is to follow Jesus Christ.

“The only permanent solution to the differences that divide us,” President Oaks taught, “is for all of us to follow our Savior’s teachings and to gradually become even as He is. Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice, but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies to all persons at all times and in all places”.

He spoke of the Savior’s invitation to become more like Him and encouraged members to develop Christlike attributes such as humility, obedience, repentance, and love. He also bore testimony of the strength that comes through making and keeping sacred covenants.

“We are helped by the covenants we make under the Father’s Plan of Salvation,” President Oaks said. Quoting President Russell M. Nelson, President Oaks reminded listeners that “as we keep our temple covenants, we gain greater access to the Lord’s strengthening power. In the temple, we receive protection from the buffetings of the world.”

He emphasised that even the most devoted acts of service are ultimately hollow without charity—the pure love of Christ—and that true discipleship requires both outward service and inner transformation.

Sister Kristen M. Oaks also focused on the importance of service in the Church and in society. “We are not alone and we need each other. We serve as angels to each other on this earth.” Sister Fabiana Alliaud, reflected on unity and working for the same objective. “May the Lord bless us to work together with one mind and one heart to prepare the world for His Second Coming”, she said.

Elder Rubén V. Alliaud expressed deep gratitude for President Oaks' visit and encouraged members to act on the counsel received. Reflecting on the diversity in the church he emphasized “in the true and living Church of Jesus Christ all are welcome, all are loved, and all are needed”, he said. “In the true and living Church of Jesus Christ, no one sits alone; no one sings alone, no one cries alone. This is an important part of who we are as we strive to follow Jesus Christ”, Elder Alliaud concluded.

Members all over Europe from Spain to Türkiye expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be taught by a senior Church leader and to reaffirm their faith in Jesus Christ.