SALT LAKE CITY-Sunday, the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints resumed from the Conference Center Theater on Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City.
Sunday Afternoon
President Henry B. Eyring, the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church conducted this session.
President Dallin H. Oaks, the First Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated his statements to the Constitution, more particularly the United States Constitution. He espoused the importance of religious freedom as well as the “rights and protection of all flesh.”
As Pres. Oaks continued, he confirmed the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1820; 1830) could not have occurred in a nation that did not possess a Constitution of the caliber of the United States (September 17, 1787).
Pres. Oaks declared that residents of all nations should uphold Constitutional laws in the countries throughout the world where they live.
The next speaker was Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. Elder Rasband testified concerning the Resurrection of the Savior and of how miracles play an integral role in Father in Heaven’s plan for His children.
More specifically, Elder Rasband spoke of how he and his wife witnessed a miracle at Goshen, Utah as they engaged in a broadcast for young adults in the Church throughout the world. When a power outage occurred prior to the broadcast, Elder Rasband prayed for a miracle and the Lord heard his prayer, acting accordingly.
Next, Elder Timothy J. Dyches of the Seventy spoke. Elder Dyches spoke of the role of the Holy Ghost in our lives and how he can lead us to further light and knowledge from the Lord.
The next speaker was Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. Elder Christofferson spoke of the importance of making and keeping covenants.
Elder Christofferson stated that keeping covenants is instrumental in cleansing the world from sins.
He concluded his remarks by testifying of Christ’s Resurrection.
The next speaker was Elder Alan R. Walker of the Seventy. He recounted the Church’s history and reminded his audience of the importance of preparing for the Second Coming of the Savior.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles then addressed the conference.
He spoke of the importance of principles and how men should be taught correctly so they can govern themselves.
In alluding to previous remarks from Church President Russell M. Nelson, Elder Bednar said that letting God prevail makes decisions that were once difficult much easier.
The concluding speaker at this session was Pres. Nelson. He spoke of the phases of temple reopening and gave a review of Phase 2-B at temples.
Pres. Nelson confirmed that temples will reopen as soon as covid-19 restrictions will permit this to occur.
Pres. Nelson announced the construction of 20 new temples worldwide as he concluded his remarks. They are as follows:
Oslo Norway
Brussels Belgium
Vienna Austria
Kumasi Ghana
Beira Mozambique
Cape Town South Africa
Singapore Republic of Singapore
Belo Horizonte Brazil
Cali Colombia
Queretaro Mexico
Torreon Mexico
Helena Montana
Casper Wyoming
Grand Junction Colorado
Farmington New Mexico
Burley Idaho
Eugene Oregon
Elko Nevada
Yorba Linda California
Smithfield Utah
Sunday Morning
President Dallin H. Oaks, the First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church conducted this session.
Musical numbers featured the talents of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and choirs from Mexico and South Korea, respectively, who sang Church hymns and primary songs in Spanish and Korean.
Per the instruction of Church President Russell M. Nelson, Pres. Oaks outlined the nations of origin of the various speakers at this session.
The first speaker was native Brazilian Ulisses Soares of the Church’s Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He spoke on Christ’s Atonement and how it makes redemption from sin possible for all mankind.
Elder Soares concluded his remarks by saying that the Lord’s work and glory is to redeem all mankind as recorded in Moses 1:39 of the Church’s Pearl of Great Price.
The next speaker was Nicaraguan national, Sister Reyna I. Aburto, the Second Counselor in the Church’s Relief Society presidency.
She recounted Christ’s Resurrection through Mary Magdalene’s eyes as recorded in the Scriptures. She later told of her own experiences with the Resurrection as she received a witness from the Holy Ghost that her deceased brother’s spirit still lives and is progressing beyond the grave.
The next speaker, via a prerecorded message, was native New Zealander S. Mark Palmer. He presently serves as the Church’s president in the Africa South area.
Elder Palmer echoed the sentiments of the previous speakers as he also testified of the significance of Easter and Christ’s Atonement.
Elder Edward Dube, a native Zimbabwean, the first counselor in the Church’s Africa South Area then spoke. He shared his thoughts on the Apostle Paul’s joy in Christ and exhorted the world to follow this example.
In conclusion, Elder Dube said it is more important to focus on what we are becoming rather than what we are enduring at any given time in our lives.
The next speaker was Portuguese national, Jose A. Teixeira of the Seventy. He spoke of how the Saints can prepare themselves how to return to Father in Heaven.
He encouraged the Saints to pray always and said that any sacrifice Christ’s disciples may suffer in this life are worth the everlasting glory they shall consequently receive.
The next speaker was Fijian national Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy. He spoke of spiritual excavation and how if the world builds themselves us spiritually, they will be prevented from falling prey to distractions. Elder Wakolo currently serves as a member of the Philippines Area Presidency.
He reminded the Saints that sins, if applied properly, can lead to opportunities for repentance.
The next speaker was Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, of the Seventy, a native of Hong Kong. He spoke of the importance of building our foundation upon the rock of Christ as this is a sure foundation.
Next, Elder Michael John U. Teh of the Seventy spoke. He testified of Christ’s Atonement and how this brings to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
The concluding speaker for this session was Church President Russell M. Nelson. He testified that the Church is a global Church and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is what is needed in this world.
Pres. Nelson exhorted the Saints to increase in their faith. This makes it possible to move mountains that stand in the way of those who are suffering.
Pres. Nelson outlined five steps to help the world become more effective in their lives. They are as follows:
- Study (know the doctrine of Christ). This particularly entails miracles as Pres. Nelson said many of the Saints need miracles in their lives.
- The world needs to choose to believe. We are to take our questions to the Lord and other trusted sources.
- The Saints are to allow the Lord to lead them in their journey toward spiritual discovery
- Saints must act in sacred ordinances worthily
- We are to ask the Lord for help in the name of Jesus Christ.
