Speakers at worldwide conference emphasize hope in Christ

Followers of Christ are called to seek hope in the Saviour and bring light to the world. This became a general theme during the worldwide general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 2-3 October 2021. Faithful from Europe contributed to conference proceedings.

When one’s spiritual foundation is built solidly upon the Savior, “you have no need to fear,” President Russell M. Nelson said during the Sunday morning session. The retired surgeon has served as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since January 2018. General conferences are held twice a year.

Elder Erich W. Kopischke is a member of the Church’s three-person governing body in Europe, the area presidency. His conference address was prerecorded in Germany. He shared of his family’s struggles with mental illness and offered encouragement to those having similar experiences.

“For all who are personally affected by mental illness, hold fast to your covenants, even if you might not feel God’s love at this time. Do whatever lies in your power and then ‘stand still … to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed’,” he said.

“Our individual efforts [to care for those in need] don’t necessarily require money or faraway locations; they do require the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a willing heart,” Sister Sharon Eubank explained.

The first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency shared two examples of how the Church provided relief to those in need in Germany. In Ahrweiler, missionary volunteers shoveled out mud and assisted with clean up after severe flooding. Members of one of the Church’s congregations in Ramstein gathered to sew traditional Muslim clothing for Afghan women. The refugees’ head coverings had been ripped off in the frenzy at the Kabul airport.

For the first time in two years, general conference returned to the Conference Centre auditorium in Salt Lake City in the U.S. State of Utah, even though it remained nearly empty. Speakers, leaders, and their families were invited to attend in person. Conference sessions were made available around the globe via television, radio, and livestreaming.

Taking its traditional spot in the loft, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square was at half-strength, allowing members to sit distanced as did other attendees. Sonja Poulter conducted a combined choir of students from Brigham Young University which provided music during the Saturday evening session. The native of Germany is adjunct faculty member in the university’s Choral Conducting and Ensembles Division.

At the close of the conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to build 13 new temples throughout the world.

Six General Authority Seventies were released and given emeritus status: Elder J. Devn Cornish, Elder Timothy J. Dyches, Elder David F. Evans, Elder Robert C. Gay, Elder James B. Martino and Elder Terence M. Vinson. President Henry B. Eyring also acknowledged the call of two new Area Seventies and the release of two others.