The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broadcasted its 195th Semiannual General Conference as scheduled after the death of the prophet, Russell M. Nelson.
Thousands traveled through cold, heavy rain to attend general conference on Saturday morning. Speakers spoke about personal diligence and spiritual efforts. Attendees left with hope and anticipation for moving forward in this next chapter of the Church’s history.
The conference started with the congregation and Church members sustaining Dallin H. Oaks as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. President Oaks explained this sustaining was due to the First Presidency (formerly composed of President Russell M. Nelson, himself, and President Henry B. Eyring) being effectively dissolved after President Nelson's passing.
President Oaks shared that this was the first time in about 75 years that a prophet had passed away mere days before the general conference.
“We have asked that all our conference speakers hold any such tributes to a minimum, deferring elaborate tributes for the funeral, which we have already begun to plan,” President Oaks said.
President Oaks explained afterwards that the best way to honor President Nelson’s memory would be to go forward with the conference as closely as previously planned.
Though outright tributes were sparse, many topics covered in the Saturday morning session had particular connections to well known talks President Nelson gave during his lifetime.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, from the Quorum of the Twelve, alluded to President Nelson’s talk “Peacemakers Needed” from April 2023.
While discussing the power of kindness, Elder Stevenson said, “peacemaking is to lead with an open heart, not a closed mind.”
Though Elder Stevenson’s talk was first after President Oaks’ opening remarks, it left a lasting impression on listeners.
“I thought the peacemaker talk was really strong. We need to do better to help influence others to become peacemakers,” Rachel Hardy, a conference attendee, said.
The topic of peacemaking comes at a time of social upheaval in recent weeks, with the Michigan church shooting on Sept. 28 and the Charlie Kirk assassination on Sept. 10.
“We realize that our hearts are mourning loss and some feel uncertainty caused by violence or tragedy throughout the world,” Elder Stevenson said.
Attendees came to the conference center searching for peace and comfort in light of these recent events.
“I’ve been very familiar with Thomas S. Monson and President Nelson, so seeing these new faces is pretty different. I’ve been missing what it was like to be learning from the people I grew up listening to,” Kasi Pohahau, a conference attendee, shared.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf discussed the discipline required to maintain that early sense of faith and enlightenment Pohahau was searching for.
“The fire of yesterday’s testimony can warm us for only so long. It needs constant nourishment to keep burning brightly,” Elder Uchtdorf said.
Elder Ronald M. Barcellos, a General Authority Seventy, spoke on the physical and spiritual conditions of one’s heart. Talks related to hearts were popular to commemorate President Nelson due to his past as a famous heart surgeon.
“The Savior has provided excellent spiritual medication and treatment to help you. He has even promised to give you a new heart,” Elder Barcellos said.
When the conference ended, attendees lamented the recent loss of President Nelson while looking forward with anticipation for what will come next in future sessions.
“It’s really sad. President Nelson may not be here with us physically, but he’s definitely here in Spirit,” Carolann Samani, a conference attendee, said.
The Saturday morning session was the first of five broadcast sessions of the 195th Semiannual General Conference.