On a beautiful afternoon in sunny Salt Lake City, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered together from all over the world to hear from Church leaders in the last session of the 195th semiannual General Conference.
Each year, members of the Church look forward to hearing counsel from appointed leaders and apostles. Since the recent passing of President Russel M. Nelson, many were especially eager to hear from Dallin H. Oaks President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“The sealing powers of the priesthood, directed by the keys restored in the Kirtland Temple,5 bring families together for eternity. This is real. Let us be part of it.” Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve
“For the times that we are in right now I feel like that talk was really needed by a lot of us around the world, I feel like it was perfect for us to really embrace that culture of a loving family. I think that we all really needed it.” Sebastian Tapia, Conference attendee.
For some, a hopeful message of the importance of families is just what they needed to hear.
“As a single mother myself, I just loved how he talked about families and how we can gain hope and come together again and how we can be happy even in the difficulties.” Karol Cintra, Conference attendee
Corey B. Cuvelier, a member of the Seventy, reminded those listening of their divine identity.
“In the end, our identity isn’t defined by the world. We are indeed children of God. Children of the covenant. Disciples of Jesus Christ.” Corey Cuvelier, General Authority Seventy
“God’s not expecting us to be perfect, he just wants the desires of our hearts.” Ava Olsen
Attendees come from all over to hear the words of chosen Church leaders. Getting tickets to conferences is not always an easy task. Some wait for hours in standby lines or view from the tabernacle next to the conference center. But for members like Henique, it is worth the sacrifice.
“It was very spiritual. I feel the power of the Holy Ghost inside of the tabernacle…” Henique Walker
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the twelve spoke of the positive impact when they make God a priority.
“The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power. ... [that] strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better. We have more courage to confront seemingly impossible circumstances. We are strengthened more in our resolve to follow Jesus Christ.” Elder Renlund, Quorom of the Twelve
“I love just how there’s a theme of the church growing worldwide, and there’s so much inclusion.”
Today’s sessions brought messages of faith, love, and light, leaving attendees and listeners with a renewed assurance of hope.
“I know the Lord will provide a way, I missed President Nelson’s talk but President Dallin Oaks will continue to do the work. I know that he will hold up the teachings of Christ and l trust in him and things are going to be alright. Everything is going to be well.”
With that, the October 2025 195th Semiannual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comes to a hopeful close.