Cultivate faith and care for others, speakers urge at worldwide Church conference

Following Jesus Christ will bring peace in difficult times. And it brings along a responsibility to care for the poor and for the earth. These messages were heard by thousands of faithful gathered in Salt Lake City for a general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and millions more worldwide watching online.

General conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints take place every six months. Global leaders of the Church address members and friends around the globe. The five sessions of the conference held 1-2 October 2022 were broadcast live in 70 languages.

Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pleaded with his audience to find rest from the intensity, uncertainty, and anguish of this world by firmly committing to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

Living His way brings joy and peace, and He invited others to that way of living with gentleness, kindness, and love, J. Anette Dennis reiterated. Sister Dennis serves as First Counselor in the General Presidency of the Relief Society, the Church’s women’s organisation.

The light and Spirit of Jesus Christ guides all in helping the poor and distressed throughout the world, said President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency. He reemphasized the Church’s mission to work with other charitable organisations to provide on a global scale humanitarian aid to those suffering.

Among those contributing to conference proceedings were several Europeans.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles introduced a redesigned guide for Latter-day Saint youth ages 11 to 18. The new guide, “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices,” is based on gospel principles, agency and inspiration. “The best guide you can possibly have for making choices is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the strength of youth,” German-born Elder Uchtdorf taught.

The care of the earth and of our natural environment is a sacred responsibility entrusted to humankind by God, stated Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop of the Church. He recommended to adopt personal lifestyles and behaviours that respect God’s creations. Bishop Caussé is a native of Bordeaux.

During the Saturday afternoon session, Elder Hans T. Boom of the Seventy offered a prayer. He pleaded with God to help believers understand their calling and their part in the world. Elder Boom was born in Amsterdam. He currently serves as president of the Church’s Europe North Area with headquarters in London.

During the conference, Church members sustained changes within the leadership. Eight General Authority Seventies were released and granted emeritus status. Six new Area Seventies were called, among them Bernhard Cziesla from Jakobwüllesheim in Germany and Yves S. Weidmann from Burgdorf in Switzerland.

Seventies in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serve as “especial witnesses” and assist the Twelve Apostles in “in building up the church and regulating all the affairs”.

During the closing session of the conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to build 18 additional temples.