SALT LAKE CITY-Saturday, the 192nd annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced at the Conference Center on Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City.
The first speaker was Church President Russell M. Nelson. Pres. Nelson called upon nations of the earth to find peaceful resolutions to their conflicts. He also stressed the importance of all worthy young men to serve missions, calling it a “priesthood responsibility.”
In regard to sisters desirous to serve missions, Pres. Nelson said it is “optional” for them.
The next speaker was Elder M. Russell Ballard, the acting president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.
Elder Ballard cited his new trial as he is suffering from macular degeneration. Nevertheless, he swiftly shifted directions and reiterated Pres. Nelson’s message that all worthy young men should serve missions.
Elder Ballard spoke of his previous experiences in serving missions in both The British Isles and in the Canada Toronto Mission, where he served as the mission president.
The next speaker was Sister Reyna I. Aburto, the second counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency of the Church. She stated that the church is the members.
Next to address the conference was Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He advised his listeners to not succumb to “secular scoffing” as the world ridicules the works of the Lord.
In using the analogy of the iron rod from Lehi’s dream in the Book of Mormon, Elder Bednar advised his listeners to “hold fast” unto the rod as opposed to merely clinging onto it.
Up next was Elder Neil L. Andersen of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles who spoke of the tenets taught by the Savior during the Sermon on the Mount, sharing such doctrines as “blessed are the peacemakers.”
He continued his remarks by citing the examples of several prominent peacemakers he has interacted with, such as Amos Brown, the pastor of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, and a civil rights activist with the NAACP.
He also continued his remarks by encouraging the Saints to be peacemakers.
Elder Eduardo A. Gavarret of the First Quorum of the Seventy then spoke, stressing the importance of the Saints keeping their covenants they have entered into.
The next speaker was Elder Larry S. Kacher of the Quorum of the Seventy who spoke extensively of faith. He declared that “how far we climb on the ladder of faith is our decision.”
The concluding speaker in the morning session was President Henry B. Eyring of The First Presidency.
Pres. Eyring spoke of the warning given by the Spirit to repent, citing that we will stand before Christ at Father in Heaven’s Tribunal at the end of this life.
He also cited King Benjamin’s instructions to put off the natural man and become more Christlike through the formula the ancient king and prophet prescribed.
In the Saturday afternoon session, President Eyring conducted the proceedings.
President Oaks then conducted the annual sustaining of the prophets, Apostles, General Authorities and auxiliary leaders of the Church.
Pres. Oaks also announced the calling of six new general authorities:
Elder Mark D. Eddy
Elder James W. McConkie III
Elder Isaac K. Morrison
Elder Ryan K. Olsen
Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt
Elder Deneson Silva
Furthermore, as of August 1, 2022, Pres. Oaks continued, the new Relief Society General Presidency will assume their respective roles. They are as follows:
President: Sister Camille N. Johnson
1st Counselor: Sister. J. Anette Dennis
2nd Counselor: Sister Kristin M. Yee
Also, as of August 1, 2022, Pres. Oaks said the following women will comprise the Primary General Presidency of the Church:
President: Sister Susan H. Porter
1st Counselor: Sister Amy Wright
2nd Counselor: Sister Tracy Y. Browning
Brother Jared B. Larson, the managing director of internal audit of the Church then shared some remarks as directed by Pres. Eyring.
The first speaker in this session was Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He accentuated the need to look at the good in life while giving credit for the impetus of all goodness: Father in Heaven.
The next speaker was Elder Patrick Kearon of the First Quorum of Seventy. He spoke of the multitude of promises the Lord has given to Israel, His covenant people.
Elder Kearon confirmed that abusers who do not repent of their sins will be held accountable before the Tribunal of Father in Heaven to pay for their heinous crimes as he explained Christ is a god of both justice and mercy.
Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis of the First Quorum of the Seventy next spoke to us, citing the importance of serving a mission. He suffered through some arduous trials before going on a mission but pressed forward to honor his commitment to his Father in Heaven.
The next speaker was Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles who spoke of the importance of genealogy.
He reminded the Saints of the importance of reaching out to ancestors as well as younger generations to ensure the family line remains intact via temple work and family history.
Elder Adrian Ochoa, a General Authority Seventy then spoke, citing the importance of following Christ and remaining on His covenant path.
The next speaker was Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, a General Authority Seventy. He denounced Satan’s lie that change is impossible.
While it can be done, however, he stated that repentance and humility must be used by the sinner so that change can occur.
Elder Hamilton also spoke that, by virtue of Christ’s Atonement, our greatest weaknesses can become our greatest strengths.
The concluding speaker at the afternoon session was Elder Quentin L. Cook of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles.
Elder Cook commenced his remarks by speaking of his brother, Joe, being asked by his bishop to serve a mission.
Because this occurred during the Korean War, only one missionary per ward per year was called for missionary service.
His father, who was inactive in the Church, was adamantly opposed to Joe serving, but he served nonetheless, fulfilling the command of the Lord.
Elder Cook also proceeded to share his testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith during his remarks.
Elder Cook also spoke of the proceedings of the Kirtland Temple April 3, 1836 of when Moses restored the keys of the gathering of Israel, signifying missionary work, and when Elijah appeared to signify the importance of family history labors.
