NOTE: Audio and video archives, as well as written transcripts of the 180th Semiannual Conference in English, are now available HERE. For any other language, first go HERE and select the language of your choice.
The Sunday morning session of the 180th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought forth counsel on trust in God, sexual purity, and maintaining proper lines of communication with the Lord. Deseret News photo gallery of the Sunday morning session available HERE; story on KSL Channel 5.
Visit my static Conference page for information regarding times and broadcast options for all Conference sessions.
-- Summary of Saturday morning session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday afternoon session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon session HERE.
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency: Spoke about the need to trust in God. Cited numerous examples of those who refused to extend complete trust in God, including Peter, who sank when he attempted to walk on water because he was hesitant and fearful, and Naaman, who could not get healed of his leprosy because bathing in a river was too simple and beneath his dignity. Cited Nephi as a positive example of one who would trust in God, when Nephi proclaimed that he would do what the Lord commanded because he knew the Lord would give no commandment save He prepared a way for it to be accomplished. President Eyring said trust in God can bless families, communities, and nations; he told members of the congregation that they can show their trust in the Lord as they listen with the intent to learn, to repent and then go and do whatever He asks. Deseret News story HERE.
President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve: President Packer expounded upon the powers of procreation, characterizing it as a double-edged sword that carries with it the greatest joys —- and the most dangerous temptations. Pure love presupposes that only after a pledge of eternal fidelity —- at the very least, a legal and lawful ceremony —- and ideally after the sealing ordinance of the temple, are those life-giving powers released for the full expression of love. He also reminded congregants that if one is denied such blessings in mortality, the promise is that they will be provided for in the world to come. But President Packer reserved his strictest condemnation for pornography, characterizing it as a plague, saying "Pornography will always repel the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt the communications between our Heavenly Father and His children and disrupt the tender relationship between husband and wife."
President Packer also challenged the popular notion that any persuasion to enter into any relationship not in harmony with the principles of the gospel might be "pre-set", saying that our Heavenly Father would not do that to anyone. President Packer criticized those who not only tolerate, but advocate voting to change laws that would legalize immorality, as if a vote would somehow alter the designs of God's laws and nature. A law against nature, he said, would be impossible to enforce. Deseret News story HERE.
Elder Jay E. Jensen of the First Quorum of Seventy: Elder Jensen spoke out on the subjects of Holy Ghost and revelation. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man. It is not restricted to men, nor to apostles or prophets; it belongs to every faithful man and woman and to every child who is old enough to receive the gospel of Christ. The Holy Ghost is real and He is the testator, revelator, comforter, guide and supernal teacher. Deseret News story HERE.
Sister Mary N. Cook, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency: Sister Cook said that parents, grandparents and leaders must be an example of the believers to keep their children and the youth of the Church on the path to eternal life. Part of being an example of purity includes being modest in dress and appearance. Urged parents to obtain a personal copy of the "For the Strength of Youth" and read it often. Deseret News story HERE.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve: Elder Oaks spoke out on the two lines of communication we have with the Lord; the "personal line" and the "priesthood line". In the personal line, members pray directly to their Heavenly Father and He answers them by the channels He has established, without any mortal intermediary. Success is dependent upon personal worthiness. In contrast, the priesthood line of communication has the additional and necessary intermediaries of our Savior Jesus Christ, His Church and His appointed leaders. Like the personal line, it too is dependent upon personal worthiness, but the priesthood line does not supersede the need for the personal line. Both lines are essential to accomplish Heavenly Father's purpose to bring about the immortality and eternal life of His children. Deseret News story HERE.
President Thomas S. Monson: President Monson spoke out on the attitude of gratitude. Are we remembering to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love. Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings. This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. To express gratitude is gracious and honorable; to enact gratitude is generous and noble; but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. Deseret News story HERE.
Several unofficial LDS bloggers continue to live-blog the event, including By Common Consent, Feminist Mormon Housewives, and Faith Promoting Rumor. Useful summaries by Times and Seasons.
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