Summary Of 182nd Annual LDS General Conference, Sunday Morning General Session

The Sunday morning general session of the 182nd Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was headlined by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who delivered what could be considered a "red-letter address" calling upon Church members to be less judgmental and more forgiving. The primary beneficiary of forgiveness is the forgiver. In addition, the departing Relief Society President Julie M. Beck gave an exit address that effectively communicated the vision and purpose of Relief Society.

Audio archives of each session available eight hours after the session, video archives available 24 hours later, and written transcripts in English available four days later, all on the Archive Page. For those who don't want to wait, LDS Church News makes summaries of each talk available through their own General Conference portal, subdivided by session.

-- Summary of Saturday morning general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday afternoon general session HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon general session HERE.

Summary: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, delivered a sharp and succinct message calling upon people to stop being judgmental. "When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges or wanting to cause harm — please apply the following: Stop it!", proclaimed President Uchtdorf. He characterized refusal to forgive, to include one's own self, as a grievous sin. Forgiveness is required so that we ourselves can be forgiven. Forgiveness requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking — even a change of heart, which is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring about.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of the relationship between body and spirit. Noted that although our Heavenly Father gave us a wondrous physical body, that it is animated by the spirit tabernacle it encloses, which also gives it personality. Elder Nelson noted that the attributes by which we shall be judged one day are all spiritual, including love, virtue, integrity, compassion and service to others.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Seventy discussed how trusting in God's will is central to mortality. He cited the example of parents who willingly and knowingly bring a disabled child into this world, and how their anguish of knowing that this will continues every day, without relief, during the lifetime of the parent or the child is countered by countless heavenly and earthly ministering angels prepared to lighten the burden when it becomes critical. Though many people face trials, adversities, disabilities, heartaches and all manner of afflictions, a loving Savior will always be there.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve noted the growing public interest in the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and used this opportunity to publicly address confusion about our doctrine and how it is established. Unlike some faith traditions, where theologians claim equal teaching authority with the ecclesiastical hierarchy, and doctrinal matters may become a contest of opinions between them, in the LDS Church today, just as in the first Christian church, establishing the doctrine of Christ or correcting doctrinal deviations is a matter of divine revelation to those the Lord endows with apostolic authority. The president of the Church may announce or interpret doctrines based on revelation to him. Doctrinal exposition may also come through the combined council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Revelation is the centerpiece.

Sister Julie M. Beck, the outgoing Relief Society President, summarized the vision of Relief Society in three words: Faith, family, and relief. From the counsel given by living prophets, it is clear that the purposes of Relief Society are to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes and seek out and help those in need. Sister Beck characterized Relief Society as more than just a "program", explaining "It is an official part of the Lord's Church that is divinely ordained of God to teach, strengthen and inspire sisters in their purpose regarding faith, family and relief. Relief Society is a way of life for Latter-day Saint women and its influence extends beyond a Sunday class or social gathering. It follows the pattern of female disciples who served with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles in His ancient Church."

President Thomas S. Monson talked about the race of life. Many get caught up in everyday concerns, but a life crisis a diagnosis of a potentially fatal medical condition can cause one to suddenly shift focus upon more important concerns such as family, friends and the gospel. President Monson noted "It is the celestial glory which we seek. It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings are earned through a lifetime of striving, seeking, repenting and finally succeeding..."

Bloggernacle Reaction: Discussion threads and reaction posted on Feminist Mormon Housewives, By Common Consent, Times and Seasons, and Latter-Day Snark.