The Relief Society General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught a class as part of BYU Education Week on Monday, Aug. 19, at the Marriott Center. They discussed the Relief Society's role in providing both spiritual and temporal aid and relief to women and children throughout the world.
President Camille N. Johnson on the legacy and mission of the Relief Society
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson began her address by discussing the origins of the Relief Society, noting its establishment on March 17, 1842, when Elder John Taylor proposed changing the name from the Nauvoo Female Relief Society to the Nauvoo Female Benevolent Society.
President Johnson said while "benevolent" was a popular term of the time, Emma Smith and Eliza R. Snow argued that "relief" better captured the organization's mission.
President Johnson noted that the Relief Society was organized alongside the construction of the Nauvoo Temple, with members contributing both physically and spiritually.
“Likewise in this day the Relief Society and its members bring relief to all of God's children, preparing them temporally and spiritually for the blessings of the house of the Lord,” she said.
The core objective of the Relief Society remains unchanged, President Johnson explained.
“Our purpose is to help all of God's children desire and qualify for exaltation in the celestial kingdom,” she said, adding that the Relief Society's vision is to foster a covenant relationship with God and Jesus Christ as a vital step toward eternal life.
President Johnson drew from the Book of Mormon to recount the story of Korihor, who preached against the prophets and mocked ordinances as bondage.
"Let us not be naive to Satan's tactics, particularly with us," she said. "The same tactics Korihor used to lead away many women are being employed against us now."
President Johnson encouraged attendees to understand that a covenant relationship with God is liberating, not limiting.
In closing, President Johnson invited attendees to reflect on how they have felt God's love in the past week and shared her testimony of God's support.
"Whenever we bring relief to others, temporal or spiritual, we are bringing them the love and relief of Jesus Christ and will be blessed to find our own relief in Him," she said.
Sister J. Anette Dennis on Ministering as the Savior Would
Following President Johnson, General Relief Society First Counselor Sister J. Anette Dennis spoke about ministering in the manner of the Savior.
“Ministering is not about checklists," she said, "it is about relationships, our relationship with others and with God.”
She referenced section 21 of the Church's General Handbook, which reads, “‘Ministering means serving others as the Savior did. He loved, taught, prayed for, comforted, and blessed those around him.’”
Sister Dennis expressed her appreciation for the concept of ministering as trusted friends and spiritual first responders.
She shared a story about a ministering sister in a stake in New Zealand who, after experiencing a separation from her husband, found herself most active online during late hours. Her ministering sister decided to reach out and support her by staying up late to message her online, addressing the times when the woman felt especially lonely.
“By seeking the Lord’s inspiration, this ministering sister was led to a very unique way she could help and ultimately that inspired ministering that led this sister back to the temple and the blessings of a covenant relationship with God,” Sister Dennis said.
Sister Dennis highlighted that ministering out of a sense of duty alone is not sustainable long-term.
“The Savior’s example is one of individual ministering and love. As we practice ministering as the Savior would, we will be transformed to become like Him. Ministering will become who we are, not just what we do,” she concluded.
Sister Kristin M. Yee on the Church’s Global Initiative for Women and Children
The concluding speaker, General Relief Society Second Counselor Sister Kristin M. Yee, spoke about the Church’s Global Initiative for Women and Children.
The initiative, announced in June 2024, has four areas of focus: child nutrition, immunizations, maternal and newborn care and education.
“We bring His relief to all of God’s children and we do so by His spirit, His delegated priesthood authority, and His priesthood power which we receive through keeping our covenants," Sister Yee said.
As part of this initiative, the First Presidency approved a $55.8 million Church-led project to accelerate nutrition and healthcare improvement in countries around the globe.
“This is just the beginning of something extraordinary that will bless the lives of so many who will give and receive the Savior’s relief today and in the years to come,” Sister Yee said.
She also noted that some of the best humanitarian aid is close to home, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to those in one's local community.
“Sisters, we have been entrusted with the sacred work of bringing the Savior’s relief temporally and spiritually to all the world and we can do so by tending to those within our own spheres of influence,” she said.
She highlighted a list of 25 ways to participate in the Global Initiative for Women and Children and a video, encouraging sisters to think and pray about how they can contribute within their own spheres of influence which can be found at caring.churchofjesuschrist.org.
The meeting ended with Sister Yee bearing her testimony and concluding remarks from President Johnson on the power of the Relief Society.
