Faith leaders at worldwide conference extend a call to inspire, build and lift others

While commemorating the sacred Easter week, millions of people gathered around the world for the semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on April 1-2. During five sessions, which were broadcast live in 70 languages, global leaders of the faith addressed members and friends with messages centred on Jesus Christ.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles commenced the conference by quoting English New Testament scholar N.T. Wright, inviting to “take further steps to celebrate Easter in creative new ways: in art, literature, children’s games, poetry, music, dance, festivals, bells and special concerts as this is our greatest festival.” He echoes further: “Take Easter away and you don’t have a New Testament; you don’t have a Christianity.”

Bonny H. Cordon, Young Women General President said that true joy rests on one’s willingness to come closer to Christ and witness for themselves that He is their personal Saviour.

In the Saturday Afternoon session, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged parents to help their children build faith in Jesus Christ, love His gospel and prepare for a lifetime of righteous choices. He reassured that God loves and always stands beside families.

During the Sunday morning Session, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson encouraged listeners to find relief in Jesus Christ, who can lighten loads and lift burdens. The Relief Society is the Church’s women’s organisation.

Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, concluded the Sunday Morning Session with a plea to become peacemakers and respect others. In a world, where vulgarity, fault-finding, and evil speaking of others are all too common, one should seek to follow the Saviour by being kind to others. President Nelson taught that charity defines a peacemaker and that it is the antidote to contention.

During the conference, Church members also sustained changes within the leadership. Five new General Authority Seventies were called, among them Elder Alan T. Phillips, a native from Kent, England and Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier, a native from Lyon, France.

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

At the conclusion of the Sunday Afternoon Conference, President Nelson announced plans to build 15 new Temples across the world, one being located in Hamburg, Germany. This marks the country’s third temple, in addition to the Frankfurt Germany Temple and the Freiberg Germany Temple.

There are 14 temples in Europe, with six additional temples having been announced in recent conferences.