Salt Lake City Hosts Annual General Conference for Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City, October 5, 2024 – This weekend marked the annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where faithful members gathered for spiritual instruction and encouragement. The biggest question heading into this year’s conference was whether President Russell M. Nelson, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, would attend. Despite being the oldest prophet in the history of the church, he was seen just for part of the gathering.
During the morning session, Nelson was absent from the conference center but viewed the meeting from the comfort of his home. The session was conducted by Henry B. Eyring, the president’s second counselor in the First Presidency. Joining him was the First Presidency’s first counselor, Dallin H. Oaks, who is also 92 years old. For the afternoon session, Nelson made a surprise appearance, arriving in a wheelchair, while Gerrit W. Gong conducted. By the evening session, both Nelson and Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland watched from home, again in wheelchairs.
Key Announcements and Messages
One of the highlights of the session was Apostle David A. Bednar, who emphasized the importance of the Book of Mormon as a guide for modern challenges and warned against the dangers of pride. He encouraged members to be humble and to seek the Lord’s guidance, as allowing pride to take hold can lead to serious spiritual consequences.
Another significant address was given by General Authority Seventy Jorge M. Alvarado, who shared a touching story about repentance and its power. He recounted how Joseph Smith struggled with feelings of unworthiness, ultimately leading him to seek God’s forgiveness. This spirit of repentance, he argued, is essential in our daily lives to remain connected with the Savior.
Apostle Kyle S. McKay also reflected on Joseph Smith’s deep desire for forgiveness, illustrating how continuous prayer and seeking divine direction can shape an individual’s life. He expressed that God’s love is constant and available to guide and uplift those who ask sincerely.
Themes of Hope and Holiness
The notion of hope was recurring throughout the sessions, especially highlighted by Apostle Neil L. Andersen, who spoke about the importance of maintaining faith during difficult times. He contrasted two families facing challenges, one rooted in faith and another struggling with despair, showcasing the peace that comes from hope through Jesus Christ.
Apostle Gerrit W. Gong emphasized finding holiness in daily life. He explained that everyone can experience moments of sacredness and invited members to focus on being their authentic selves in a world that often promotes negativity. He encouraged the faithful to foster love and compassion, enhancing their connection to each other and to God.
Messages on Repentance and Service
Throughout the conference, leaders urged members to recognize the need for repentance. D. Martin Goury, another general authority, illustrated how daily repentance enables individuals to maintain clarity and connection with the Holy Ghost, likening it to essential daily practices like cleaning a hearing aid for optimal function.
Service was a strong theme delivered by various speakers. General Authority Seventy Aroldo B. Cavalcante reminded attendees that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life, pushing everyone to be good neighbors and uplift those around them.
Discussion of Current Issues
Addressing modern challenges, President Dallin H. Oaks spoke about the need for calm discourse amid the divisive climate leading into the U.S. presidential election. He urged members to practice love and kindness even in the face of differing opinions, reinforcing that maintaining peace is essential in interactions both in public and private life.
As the conference continued, church leaders inspired the congregation with stories of personal transformation and divine love, emphasizing that through sincere efforts in repentance and service, individuals can find renewed hope and a sense of belonging within the church.
Conclusion
The annual General Conference served as a reminder of the power of faith, the importance of community, and the opportunity for growth through service and connection with the divine. As Latter-day Saints gather for this event, they carry forth the teachings and messages shared to better navigate the complexities of life.
