Jean B. Bingham, general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2017 to 2022, has continued serving as a disciple of Jesus Christ since her release.
This article is part of a series looking at former General Officers of the Church and where they are now.
After serving on the Primary general board for six years, Bingham was called as first counselor in the Primary general presidency in April 2016. Just one year later she would be called as general president of the Relief Society.
Almost immediately after her call, Bingham spoke at the United Nations in New York. While there, she represented the Church in discussions surrounding “the role of faith-based organizations in relieving suffering and building capacity among the peoples of the world — particularly those who are most vulnerable.”
Throughout her presidency, Bingham assisted millions in growing closer to Jesus Christ. In 2020, she published "Women of Purpose," a short booklet helping women recognize their purpose in life.
Her efforts to grow others closer to Jesus Christ extended beyond the Church into government and political venues.
While president, she spoke about religious freedom at a European Parliament conference, prayed at the White House on the National Day of Prayer and met with First Lady Jill Biden.
Now released, Bingham continues to represent the Church to the world.
“A year after I was released as general president of the Relief Society, my husband and I were called to serve in the Belgium/Netherlands Mission as government relations representatives, assigned to the European Union and International Affairs Office of the Church in Brussels," she said.
In this assignment, Bingham focuses on three main topics: “freedom of religion or belief, family values and humanitarian assistance.”
Focusing on freedom of religion or belief, she often attends sessions at the European Parliament, striving to make connections with “like-minded individuals, organizations and faiths.” Her hope is to “create a positive change in places in the world where these concepts are not well accepted.”
She also works with members of Parliament who represent a variety of political parties from the 27 states of the European Union. In March, she attended a meeting where President Camille N. Johnson, current Relief Society general president, spoke on helping women exercise freedom of religion or belief on a panel with members of Parliament and other supporters of that cause.
Bingham and her husband, Bruce Bingham focus on family values by setting an example of a successful covenant relationship. They also work with organizations who promote these values.
“We hosted a webinar series in cooperation with a Utah-based think tank that culminated in an awards event to highlight individuals and organizations who encourage family values in Europe,” she said.
In her role as a government relations representative, she has continued to work with her former counselor, Sharon Eubank. Eubank is the director of humanitarian services for the Church. Bingham and Eubank’s responsibilities align to support humanitarian assistance worldwide.
Bingham recently moderated a roundtable discussion on the “Power of Partnerships to Accelerate the Well-being of Women and Children” with Eubank. While there, Eubank addressed a group of ambassadors and non-governmental organizations who are “good partners with the Church in providing humanitarian assistance to countries around the globe.”
Bingham explained that “each of these activities demonstrate our values as a Church, helping others see what we believe and how we show that in our actions.”
Bingham also does a lot of diplomatic outreach, working with ambassadors from the 183 countries around the world who have embassies in Brussels.
Bingham noted these ambassadors often “love the BYU performing groups who come to Brussels and are always impressed with the outstanding talent, personal warmth and high standards of the young adult students. They are great advertisements for the Church.”
These events help break the ice between her and the ambassadors. She also visits them in their embassies to tell them about “the work of the Church in their home country, including how many members of the Church there are, where the congregations meet, and if there is a temple or FamilySearch center in their country.”
She explained at times ambassadors have concerns about congregations in their countries being led by “imports.” She reassures these ambassadors, explaining that this is a worldwide Church, and “local members lead the congregations.”
“We also inform them about the humanitarian assistance the Church has provided, the extent of which is often a surprise to the ambassadors. They reciprocate by inviting us to the celebration of their national day of independence or another exhibition of their native culture,” she said.
Bingham feels that these three focuses, and the work that she is doing will help share the “good news of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world” and open “hearts and doors” for the Church.
Bingham looks back on her opportunity to serve as a general officer fondly. She explained that it was great preparation for her mission.
“In visiting people around the world during that assignment, I gained a greater understanding of their circumstances and needs as well as their strengths and abilities. I saw what a difference the Church can make as it quietly goes about doing good, encouraging others to follow suit because doing so simply makes people happier,” she said.
As she visits with ambassadors from each country, she is delighted to exchange memories and “wonderful experiences” that she had in their home country as a general officer.
“Those experiences made the world much smaller as we found many ways to connect, yet also expanded my vision of this very wide world," she said.
Now two years after being released, Bingham bears witness that it’s all about Jesus Christ and His gospel.
“We are so blessed to know what we know and have what we have in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ,” she said.