Experiencing an unforgettable conference Prophet counsels Church members, students and faculty react to one-of-a-kind conference
Above: President Nelson announced eight new temples. Photo by the Associated Press. Below: Logo provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
BY: LEIANI BROWN April’s semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – previously promised to be “different from any previous conference” by President Russell M. Nelson last October – brought a new symbol for the Church, a solemn assembly with a Hosanna Shout, a bicentennial proclamation and a call for another worldwide fast. The conference, broadcast from a nearly empty auditorium in Salt Lake City, Utah, commemorated the First Vision of the Church’s first president, Joseph Smith, which took place 200 years ago. “We pray that this conference will be memorable and unforgettable because of the messages you will hear, the unique announcements which will be made, and the experiences in which you will be invited to participate,” said Russell M. Nelson, president of the Church, in his opening statement during the Saturday Morning Session.
have to be six feet apart, not really being able to greet each other when that was something they’ve always done. “It makes me want everything to go back to normal and see everyone all together [again] … but I also really love the Church and Church leaders even more that they’re taking it seriously and showing that [they’re] doing this but still following regulations.” In accordance with these restrictions, music was prerecorded for all five sessions.
Saturday Evening Session: New symbol and worldwide fast The Saturday evening session, usually a time for either all male members of the Church President Nelson recapped the Church’s or all female members to meet, was opened up efforts to focus on the full name of the Church. this year to all members ages 11 and up. He added the purpose of this new symbol is to The session included two youth speakers, further “help us remember Him and to identify Laudy R. Kaouk and Enzo S. Petelo, teenagers The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from two different congregations in Utah. as the Lord’s Church.” Traditionally, talks are given by general Theinsymbol, Nelson explained, authorities church leadership. to Conference amidst pandemic © 2020 by Intellectual Reserve,and Inc. All rights reserved. Version:According 1/20. PD60010469 000. Printed the United President States of America includes the full name of the Church inside a LDS Living, the last youth to speak in General Because of restrictions due to the cornerstone – representing Christ’s centrality Conference was Matthew S. Holland in April coronavirus pandemic, only participants of in the doctrine of the Church – and a depiction 1983, who was called as a general authority in the session were allowed to attend, instead of the Christus statue as the focal point of the Saturday Afternoon Session this year. of the usual mass gathering at the Church’s the symbol, positioned underneath an arch In this special bicentennial conference Conference Center, in efforts to “be good representing the Savior emerging from the commemorating Joseph Smith, President global citizens,” explained President Nelson. tomb following his resurrection. Nelson introduced a new symbol to be used Isabella Reed, a sophomore from Mililani Aubriela Blair, a junior from Utah studying on all Church “literature, news and events.” He studying history education, said it was hard for added, “It is important to remember that while psychology, said she usually gets anxious around her to see the First Presidency sitting six feet General Conference, but after talking with a we revere Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, apart, but she said she admires their respect for friend who helped her identify some personal this is not the church of Joseph Smith. Nor is it the situation. anxieties and deciding to take notes, she was the church of Mormon. This is the Church of “They take the pandemic very seriously ... able to have a spiritually uplifting experience. I can’t even imagine what that’s like for them to Jesus Christ.” 16
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