SALT LAKE CITY-Saturday morning, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced its second semiannual general conference of 2020.
It was again broadcast in a virtual format from a room at the Church Office Building located at Church headquarters at Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City.
Conducting the first session of General Conference was President Henry B. Eyring, the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Salt Lake City-based faith.
Musical selections for this session were virtually performed by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
The first address of the Saturday morning session was given by Church President Russell M. Nelson.
President Nelson cited how the Church has handled the unique circumstances imposed upon the world by covid-19.
Next was Elder David A. Bednar of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles who spoke of the importance of Latter-day Saints, and all others, to think for themselves. Elder Bednar cited numerous Scriptural references to this effect.
Particularly, Elder Bednar exhorted Latter-day Saints to be as the five wise virgins who had oil in their lamps ahead of the advent of the coming of the Bridegroom.
Elder Bednar also instructed his listeners to be “doers of the word and not hearers only.” (James 1:22).
Elder Bednar also cited his contemporary in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, by saying “polarity will no longer be an option for Latter-day Saints.”
"As we 'press forward with a steadfastness in Christ' we are blessed with an eternal perspective and vision that stretches far beyond our limited mortal capacity. We’ll be enabled to “gather together, and stand in holy places.” —Elder @BednarDavidA #GeneralConference
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 3, 2020
Elder Scott D. Whiting, a General Authority Seventy, then spoke. Elder Whiting spoke of the importance of daily repentance.
He also cautioned that in the process of becoming more Christlike, Latter-day Saints should not disparage themselves should they fall short of their own expectations.
The next speaker was Sister Michelle Craig, the first counselor in the Church’s Young Women’s General Presidency.
She cited previous experiences wherein she did not serve others as effectively as she could because she was preoccupied with multi-tasking.
In resolving to do better, Sister Craig said she no longer desires to be as the “priest or Levite,” alluding to Christ’s parable about The Good Samaritan.
“As with all gifts the Father so willingly offers, seeing deeply requires us to ask him and then act.” #SisterCraig | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/xI7YScopMj
— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 3, 2020
Elder Quentin L. Cook of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles then spoke about the importance of uniting hearts in righteousness or unity with non-members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
“Unity is enhanced when people are treated with dignity and respect even though they are different in outward characteristics.” #ElderCook | #GeneralConference
— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 3, 2020
Elder Cook also cited the importance of being Christlike, even if previous behavior in the Church did not always entail such practices.
“As leaders, we are not under the illusion that in the past all relationships were perfect, all conduct was Christlike, or all decisions were just. However, our faith teaches that we are all children of our Father in Heaven, and we worship Him and His Son.” —Elder @CookQuentinL pic.twitter.com/OKee2Dnxqi
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 3, 2020
While saying the Constitution was devised by imperfect men, Elder Cook still called this an inspired document during his remarks.
Up next was Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles who spoke of his experience to commence 2020 in dedicating the Church’s Temple at Durban, South Africa. This temple was officially dedicated February 16, 2020.
Elder Rasband then spoke of the recipient of a temple recommend who said to Elder Rasband that he hopes to be “recommended unto the Lord” when he visits the temple.
Elder Rasband’s additional thoughts on the matter were expressed as follows:
“Attending the temple increases our understanding of the Godhead and the everlasting gospel, our commitment to live and teach truth, and our willingness to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” —Elder @RonaldARasband #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/5lJpvrU02V
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 3, 2020
In conclusion, Elder Rasband then gave an Apostolic promise that Latter-day Saints who attend the temple worthily, whenever possible, will feel the peace from the Holy Ghost that they have been “recommended by the Lord” in ensuing in the parlance of his address.
The concluding speaker in this session was President Dallin H. Oaks, the First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church.
President Oaks’ remarks primarily consisted of political beliefs giving rise to hatred and vitriol among Christians, especially Latter-day Saints. President Oaks proceeded to denounce such inappropriate practices.
“As followers of Christ we must forego the anger and hatred with which political choices are debated or denounced in many settings.” —President @OaksDallinH #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/nLg5oR9Avu
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 3, 2020
As he ensued in his remarks, President Oaks said racism against all nationalities is wrong. He continued, saying that Christ’s teaching of “rendering unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s” is best epitomized in modern times by global citizens obeying the laws of the governments under which they live.
