LDS 180th Semiannual Conference, Sunday Afternoon General Session: Aaronic Priesthood, Holy Ghost, A Good Name, And Addiction

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 afternoon session of the 180th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought more counsel to the membership, focusing on the Aaronic Priesthood, how to receive the Holy Ghost, the value of maintaining a good name, and avoiding addiction.

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 morning session HERE.

KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve: Elder Perry focused on the "wonderful young men" of the Aaronic Priesthood. He explained that not only do young men of the Aaronic Priesthood receive the power and authority to be agents of the Lord in carrying out their priesthood responsibilities, but they receive the keys of the ministering of angels. He promised Aaronic Priesthood holders that if they heed the voice of warning of the Holy Ghost and follow His direction, they will be blessed with the ministering of angels. He challenged them to build their lives on a foundation of truth and righteousness and to prepare themselves to eventually receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. Parents are charged with the responsibility of teaching their children the doctrines of the holy priesthood, and bishops are charged with the responsibility to be certain each young man who is worthy to receive the Aaronic Priesthood fully understands the attendant obligations and blessings. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve: Elder Bednar held forth on the idea of receiving the Holy Ghost. These four words – ”Receive the Holy Ghost” – are not a passive pronouncement; rather they constitute a priesthood injunction–an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon. The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed receive the Holy Ghost and its attendant spiritual gifts. To receive the Holy Ghost, one must meet three criteria: Sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and faithfully obey God’s commandments. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Larry R. Lawrence of the First Quorum of Seventy: Directed his counsel towards parents. Because our bright and energetic youth are the future of the Church, they are also a prime target of the adversary. Parents are responsible for the protection of their children; that means spiritually as well as physically. Parents who love their children cannot afford to be intimidated by them. Elder Lawrence also suggested that fortifying homes comes by establishing righteous patterns. He listed five ways families can fortify the youth of the Church: family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, family dinner together and regular one-on-one interviews with each child.

Elder Lawrence also warned parents about allowing their children to spend nights away from home. He warned that too often, violations of the Word of Wisdom, law of chastity, and exposure to pornography and sometimes even encounters with the police occur when spending a night away from home. This is being interpreted by many as a warning against "sleepovers" for kids. However, Elder Lawrence later states "if you have ever felt uneasy about an overnight activity, don't be afraid to respond to that warning voice inside". This implies he's aware that some parents allow their kids to participate in sleepovers; he's just merely advising caution. This is NOT a "worthiness" issue. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Per G. Malm of the Second Quorum of the Seventy: Elder Malm proclaimed that it is by coming unto Christ that individuals are able to find rest unto their souls. "To find rest unto our souls includes peace of mind and heart, which are the result of learning and following the doctrine of Christ, and to become Christ's extended hands in serving and helping others," he said. "Faith in Jesus Christ and following His teachings give us a firm hope, and this hope becomes a solid anchor to our souls. We can become steadfast and immovable. We can have lasting, inner peace; we can enter in to the rest of the Lord. Only if we turn away from light and truth, a hollow feeling of emptiness ... will occupy the innermost chambers of our souls, and we even might attempt to fill that emptiness with things of no lasting value." Recognizing earth life as a day of probation, Elder Malm spoke of the need for individuals to not waste their days but, rather, choose to follow the invitation of the Savior. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Jairo Mazzagardi of the Second Quorum of Seventy: Elder Mazzagardi urged members to remain awake and alert so sin is not allowed to grow about them. What may appear to be of little importance, such as going to bed late, not praying for a day, skipping fasting, or breaking the Sabbath — such little slips — can make us lose sensitivity little by little, allowing us to do worse things. Decisions about standards to follow must be made in advance — not when temptation appears. Elder Mazzagardi identified two key parameters in avoiding sin: First, "This I will do because it is right, it comes from the Lord, and it will bring me happiness"; and second, "This I will not do because it will drag me away from truth, from the Lord, and from the eternal happiness He promised to the faithful and obedient." Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Mervyn B. Arnold of the First Quorum of the Seventy: Elder Arnold spoke of the value of having a good name. The Bible speaks of the importance of having a good name: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold" (Proverbs 22:1). But as Latter-day Saints, we also take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, and someday, each one of us will have to account to Him for what we have done with His name. Our kind, wise and loving Heavenly Father has given us commandments — not to restrict us, as the adversary would have us believe — but to bless our lives and to protect our good name and our legacy for our future generations. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Russell M. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve: Elder Ballard spoke out on the problems of addiction. He noted that Satan does not believe in catch-and-release; his desire is to catch-and-enslave. While medical research describes addiction as a disease of the brain, once Satan has someone in his grasp, it also becomes a disease of the spirit. Satan knows how to exploit and ensnare us with artificial substances and behaviors of temporary pleasure. Elder Ballard notes he has observed the impact when one struggles to win back control, to become free from destructive abuse and addiction, and to regain self-esteem and independence.

But Elder Ballard also notes that no matter what addictive cycle one is caught in, there is always hope. If anyone who is addicted has a desire to overcome, then there is a way to spiritual freedom, a way that is proven. It begins with prayer – sincere, fervent, and constant communication with the Creator of our spirits and bodies. There is hope for the addicted; this hope comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and by humbling oneself before God. Fervent prayer is key to gaining the spiritual strength to find peace and overcome an addictive craving. Set aside all pride and turn your life and your heart to Heavenly Father. Ask to be filled with the power of Christ’s pure love. You may have to do this many times, but your body, mind and spirit can be transformed, cleansed and made whole – and you will be freed. Deseret News story HERE.

President Thomas S. Monson: Summarized the Conference and expressed gratitude for the membership and their efforts further the Kingdom of God on earth. President Monson asked for heaven’s blessings to be upon them, filling their homes with love and courtesy and with the spirit of the Lord. He asked that the spirit felt at Conference may abide with us as we go about those things which occupy us each day. May we show increased kindness toward one another. May we ever be found doing the work of the Lord. 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 also posted on Times And Seasons.

LDS 180th Semiannual Conference, Sunday Morning General Session: Trust In God, Sexual Purity, And Communication With The Lord

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.

LDS 180th Semiannual Conference, Saturday Evening Priesthood Session; Obedience, Anger, Pride, And The Three R's Of Choice

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 Saturday evening priesthood session of the 180th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On the menu were talks about the value of missionary activity, obedience, and the dangers of pride.

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 Sunday morning session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon session HERE.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve: Discussed missionary service. Asked all full-time missionaries to stand, and expressed his gratitude to them. Urged everyone to follow the missionaries' examples and be ready to open the door to salvation for someone else. Invite someone to church, either for a service or a social activity. Explain to them that the Book of Mormon is not a novel or history book, but a testament of Jesus Christ. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Patrick Kearon of the First Quorum of Seventy: Elder Kearon spoke of the hazards of choosing a path different than what we covenanted to do, citing the example of someone, namely himself, who walked out in the desert in the Arabian Peninsula as a child wearing only flip-flops and getting bitten by a scorpion. We may tell ourselves it doesn't matter, since everyone else is doing it, but when we refuse to be obedient and hold back a part of our heart from the Lord, we get stung. We must lay down our weapons of rebellion, sin, vanity and pride, and cease fighting against God so he can cleanse and heal us. When obedience becomes our goal, it's no longer an irritation or stumbling block, but becomes a building block. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Juan A. Uceda of the First Quorum of Seventy: Spoke of the need to have the Holy Spirit dwell in our homes to promote peace and harmony. Related the tale of a father who got angry with his daughter for not joining a family scripture study. The father felt prompted to apologize to his daughter, did so, and she responded with a penitent attitude towards the scriptures. Cited one of the most meaningful verses, D&C 121:37, which cites the attributes by which priesthood power is maintained: persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness and pure knowledge. We must be humble, meek, and submissive, rather than haughty, arrogant, or assuming. Deseret News story HERE.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: President Uchtdorf talked about pride, referring to a May 1989 Ensign article by Ezra Taft Benson entitled "Beware of Pride". He spoke of the difference between being proud and being prideful. Pride is negative because it's sinful, breeding hatred and hostility. We end up violating the two great commandments, loving our God, and loving our neighbor. Pride is self-worship. In contrast, being proud is taking pride in someone else's achievements without glorifying one's self. President Uchtdorf reminded us, in football terms, that all of us wear the same jersey; namely, the Lord's jersey. Priesthood is not conferred upon us so we can take our bows and bask in praise, but to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We seek not our own honor, but to give praise and glory to God. Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power; humility turns it back on. Deseret News story HERE.

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency: President Eyring tailored his remarks more towards the missionaries. He spoke of the difference between the gift of the Holy Ghost vs. the companionship of the Spirit. When confirmed a member of the Church, we are told to seek the gift of the Holy Ghost. But to enjoy its constant companionship, it requires faith, repentance, and atonement. Just as we must be cleansed from sin, we must be humble before God and recognize our need for atonement.

President Eyring also said that magnification of power to serve will come as a priesthood holder responds with faith to go forward in callings with the help of the Holy Ghost, President Eyring explained. He suggested two services to which priesthood holders are called. "The first is as His agent to teach and testify to others for Him. The Lord included the youngest and the least experienced of the Aaronic Priesthood holders in that call to serve. … Somewhere in the world this week there will be a deacon asked by his quorum president to invite a member of their quorum whom they have never seen to a meeting. The 13-year-old president is not likely to use the words 'warn, exhort and teach.' But that is what the Lord expects of the deacon assigned to go to the rescue. To the deacon who receives the call, I will make three promises. First, as you pray for help the Spirit will calm your fears. Second, you will be surprised that you know what to say when you get to his home and during the walk with him to the church. What you say may seem jumbled to you. But you will feel that words were given to you at the moment you needed them. And, third, you will feel the approval of the Lord who called you, through your president, whatever the outcome." Deseret News story HERE.

President Thomas S. Monson: President Monson spoke of making choices, and described the "three R's of choice": Right of choice, responsibilities of choice, and results of choice. The right of choice was conferred by the Father when he gave us free agency. Lucifer thought that was too risky, so he opposed it and got cast out. Responsibility of choice means no neutrality; we're either on the Lord's side or the adversary's side. The Father sent us here with the tools necessary to make correct choices; the spirit of Christ is given unto all to distinguish between good and evil. In contrast, Lucifer, who became Satan, is cunning. Some he will pacify and others he will flatter -- with the objective of leading them down to hell. Before we can choose our path, we must choose our destination. Results of choice mean everything has consequences. Some have little to do with salvation, while others, such as viewing pornography, is a major step off the path. But no pressure or enticement can overcome us unless we allow it, as promised in 1 Corinthians 13:10. Repentance allows us to get back on the path once we've gotten off it. Deseret News story HERE.

Live-blogged at Patheos using a unique system. Also live-blogged by By Common Consent.

LDS 180th Semiannual Conference, Saturday Afternoon General Session; Agency, Faith, And Obedience To Counsel

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 Saturday afternoon session of the 180th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought forth wisdom about moral agency, faith, and obedience to counsel. Not blind obedience, but knowledgeable and voluntary obedience based upon faith. In addition, one Apostle cautioned us against being "offended" or "ashamed".

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 evening session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning session HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon session HERE.

To lead off the afternoon session, five members of the Quorums of the Seventy were released and designated emeritus general authorities. Elders Spencer J. Condie, Bruce C. Hafen, Kenneth Johnson, Glenn L. Pace and Lance B. Wickman — all serving in the First Quorum of the Seventy — were released and given emeritus status. Others released Saturday afternoon were Elders Spencer V. Jones and Wolfgang H. Paul of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and two Area Seventies, Elders Fernando Maluenda and Jose L. Torres.

Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve: Spoke at length about the ongoing this assault on morality and religious freedom, and how it's actually perpetrated only by a minority of people. He suggested we black out from our homes the lethal bombs that destroy spiritual development and growth, particularly pornography. Religious observance in the home must also increase. The faithful must also be a source of light in protecting communities, and exemplify leadership to the majority of people in the world who are respectful of basic moral values. The moral foundation of gospel doctrine can be a beacon of light to the world and a unifying force for both morality and faith in Jesus Christ. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve: Moral agency was the substance of his address. Agency is the ability and privilege God gives His children to choose and to act for ourselves and not to be acted upon, but it includes accountability and responsibility. Agency is an essential element of Heavenly Father's plan of salvation; without agency, we would be unable to make right choices and progress. Yet, with agency we could make wrong choices, commit sin and lose the opportunity to be with our Heavenly Father again. For this reason, a Savior was be provided to suffer for our sins and redeem us, if we would repent. By His infinite Atonement, He brought about the plan of mercy to appease the demands of justice. Elder Hales held up the example of Jesus Christ as a model for the proper use of agency; the Savior's mortal life offers a perfect example of how one should use his or her agency. Jesus taught us that when we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, our opportunities increase and we progress. Deseret News story HERE.

Bishop Richard C. Edgley of the Presiding Bishopric: Bishop Edgley spoke out on the need to choose faith. He suggested a single choice — a choice of peace, protection, and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith; choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen and choose faith over pessimism. Faith is a choice that must be sought after and developed. Because faith is a choice, individuals are responsible for their own faith — or lack thereof. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the First Quorum of Seventy: Elder Duncan stated that the only sure and secure road to protection in this life comes through trusting in and obeying the counsel from the prophets of God. Because the world is full of so many self-help books, so many self-proclaimed experts, so many theorists, educators and philosophers who have advice and counsel to give on any and all subjects, it is easy to get caught in the trap of looking to the 'arm of flesh' for advice on everything from how to raise children to how to find happiness, which oftentimes can lead people into a maze of contradictions. As members of the Church, we have access to the source of pure truth, even God Himself, thus we would do better to search out answers to our problems and questions by investigating what the Lord has revealed through His prophets. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the First Quorum of Seventy: Elder Gong spoke about how gospel conversion and temple covenants can help us see rich blessings in each generation of our forever families. Not only does he see a succession of generations but a succession of family relationships. "In one direction, I saw myself as son, grandson, great-grandson, back to First Dragon Gong. In the mirrors in the other direction, I saw myself as father, grandfather, great-grandfather", said Elder Gong. The bottom line: When Latter-day Saints enter the everlasting covenant, they open the way for ancestors to be sealed AND for posterity to be born in the covenant. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Neal L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve: Elder Anderson spoke about the adversity and challenges that we as members of the Church will face. Approached in a worldly way, these experiences can cloud our view and weaken our resolve. But Approached with faith, these refining experiences bring a deeper conversion of the Savior’s reality. The important thing to remember is that perfection in this life is not possible; we will not understand everything, we will not always be treated fairly, and we will be astonished to see the anger a few feel toward the Lord’s Church, and their efforts to steal the struggling faith of the weak. But Elder Andersen reminds us that this will not deter the growth or destiny of the Church, nor need it impede the spiritual progress of each of us as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should avoid being "offended" or "ashamed"; those two words can signal danger for Church members. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve: Elder Scott also spoke out about faith, encouraging those who have determined to live righteously to not become discouraged. He noted that faith and character are intimately related, and outlined several empowering principles; trust in God, obedience to his commandments, sensitivity to the Spirit, implementation of spiritual promptings, and patience and understanding when answers are ambiguous or slow to come. 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.

LDS 180th Semiannual Conference, Saturday Morning General Session: Five New Temples Announced, The Value Of A Living Prophet Highlighted

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 180th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began on Saturday October 2nd, 2010, and the major highlight was the announcement of five new temples to be constructed. Other important issues were a renewed call to serve missions, a reminder of the value of having a living prophet amongst us, and five elements to a consecrated life. Representatives of two of the Church's auxiliaries, Primary and Sunday School, also took the stand to remind congregants of the relevance of these programs. KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

The summaries combine highlights from single reports on the session from the Salt Lake Tribune and KSL Channel 5 with individual Deseret News stories on each speaker to provide a broader perspective. Video and audio archives will be posted on the Conference Page as soon as they are available; official written transcripts of each address will be posted on the LDS website in about a week from now. Deseret News photo gallery available HERE.

Visit my static Conference page for information regarding times and broadcast options for all Conference sessions.

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

President Thomas S. Monson: Began the session by discussing travels to previous temple dedications. Announced the intention to build five new temples; the lucky cities will be Hartford, CT; Indianapolis, IN; Tijuana, Mexico; Urdaneta, Philippines; and Lisbon, Portugal. Issued a renewed call for missionary work, specifying that missionary service is a priesthood duty, an obligation the Lord expects of those of us who have been given so very much. He cordially invited the sisters to get more involved, too, if they so desired, and reiterated the need for more more senior couples. Deseret News story HERE, and the full text of President Monson's address is at LDS Church News. More after the jump.

LDS Relief Society President Julie B. Beck Rebuts Misperceptions About LDS Women At The 2010 General Relief Society Meeting

Before 20,000 women at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City and millions more tuned in worldwide, the 2010 General Relief Society Meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took place. Founded in 1842, the Relief Society is the oldest and largest women’s organization in the world. Messages were delivered by the Relief Society Presidency and Church President Thomas S. Monson. The common theme was the empowerment of LDS women. Local media stories published by the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune, and KSL Channel 5. New.lds.org has posted excerpts from each of the four speeches HERE.

Unofficial LDS blogs addressing this event include Mormon Women, Becca and Jason's blog (particularly thoughtful analysis), Jenneology (transcribed notes) and By Common Consent.

You can also watch a video of the entire meeting HERE. Portal to written transcripts available HERE, where you can first select the language of your choice. KSL news story video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Leading off was Sister Julie B. Beck, the Relief Society President. She started out with a brief tribute to former Relief Society President Barbara Smith, who passed away on September 13th, 2010 at the age of 88 after a protracted battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She served as the 10th Relief Society General President from October 1974 to April 1984. But then Sister Beck took issue with society's misperceptions about LDS women. "Prevailing myths imply that we are of lower importance than men, that we are generally sweet but uninformed, and that no matter what we do, we will never be enough to be accepted by our Heavenly Father," she said. "In this day of mistaken identities, confusion and distraction, Relief Society is a compass and guide to teach the truth to faithful women." Written transcript now available HERE.

Next up was Silvia H. Allred, First Counselor. Sister Allred sought to rebut the misperception that single women are less valued within the LDS community than married women. "You don't have to be married to keep the commandments and to nurture families, friends and neighbors," said Allred. "Your gifts, talents, skills and spiritual strengths are greatly needed in building up the kingdom." Written transcript available HERE.

Next up was Barbara Thompson, Second Counselor. She spoke of blessings that come from the society’s visiting teaching program, in which women make monthly visits to other women in the church or keep in touch via phone, Internet or mail. “The beauty of visiting teaching is seeing lives changed, tears wiped away, testimonies growing, people loved, families strengthened, people cheered, the hungry fed, the sick visited, and those who are mourning comforted,” she said. Written transcript available HERE.

Finally, President Thomas S. Monson ascended the stand. President Monson emphasized the diversity which exists among the women of the Church, and stressed the need to avoid being judgmental, citing Mother Teresa as a positive role model. He also cited the Relief Society’s motto, “Charity never faileth,” and said charity means more than relieving suffering. It also means being tolerant, lenient, forgiving, patient and resisting the impulse to be easily offended. The latter is critically important, since popular culture teaches us to be hypersensitive under the guide of being "authentic". Written transcript available HERE.

180th Semiannual LDS General Conference To Begin October 2nd, 2010, Preceded By General Relief Society Meeting On September 25th

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.

It's that time of the year again, as the next General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at hand. Preceded by the General Relief Society Meeting on September 25th, 2010, the 180th Semiannual General Conference itself will take place on October 2-3.

-- Primary Location, Transportation & Parking: All sessions originate from the Conference Center Auditorium on North Temple unless otherwise specified. Overflow seating is available in the nearby Salt Lake Tabernacle, North Visitors' Center and Joseph Smith Memorial Building for all sessions and in the Conference Center Theater for the priesthood and Sunday sessions. The Assembly Hall will serve as overflow with Spanish-language audio for all sessions. Public parking downtown for conference-goers is even more limited, with the ongoing City Creek construction south of Temple Square. Utah Transit Authority is expanding its TRAX service to and from downtown Salt Lake City for conference weekend, with extra light-rail trains, extra cars and earlier service planned; however, the FrontRunner service between Salt Lake City and Ogden does not operate on Sundays. Additional information on fares and conference-weekend schedules is available at www.rideuta.com.

-- Dates:
---- Saturday September 25th, General Relief Society Meeting at 6:00 P.M. Attendance limited to women 18 and older. Audio and video options outlined HERE; four-page broadcast schedule HERE.
---- Saturday October 2nd, general conference sessions at 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. General priesthood meeting at 6:00 P.M.
---- Sunday October 3rd, general conference sessions at 9:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Audio and video options for Conference will be outlined HERE; a seven-page broadcast schedule is already available HERE.

------ Summary of Saturday 10:00 A.M. session now available HERE.
------ Summary of Saturday 2:00 P.M. session now available HERE.
------ Summary of Saturday 6:00 P.M. session now available HERE.
------ Summary of Sunday 9:30 A.M. session now available HERE.
------ Summary of Sunday 2:00 P.M. session now available HERE.

-- Cable and Satellite Broadcasting: Current information available via Bonneville Communications. Click HERE, then select either Cable/Broadcast or Dish/DirectTV/Satellite TV, depending upon which applies. Follow subsequent instructions to find out the information for your area. Most LDS wards also receive Conference proceedings via the Church Broadcast System. KSL Channel 5's dedicated conference page is HERE, and the Deseret News will create a dedicated information page as well.

-- LDS Media Talk contains an organized list of all the ways one can receive General Conference material.

-- Tickets are required for admission to all sessions in the Conference Center. Contact your local priesthood leader in advance to obtain tickets. Tickets NOT required for admission to the overflow locations. Those who plan to attend in person should be aware of the special considerations spelled out HERE

For those with kids and teens, the LDS Church has created General Conference activity packets to make the proceedings even more relevant to them:
-- Eleven-page activity packet for kids and teens HERE.
-- Activity packs for younger children HERE.
-- Junior Primary Activity Packet from a different source available HERE.
-- LDS.about.com lists a host of different games and activities for kids HERE.

Background: For those who are unfamiliar, Wikipedia describes a General Conference as a semiannual meeting where General Authorities and other key church leaders deliver sermons and give guidance to the members of the church. Changes to church leadership are also proposed and sustained through the principle of common consent. General conferences are held on the weekends containing the first Sunday in April and the first Sunday in October. The April conference is known as the Annual General Conference, and the October conference the Semiannual General Conference.

The April conference includes annual statistical and financial reports not included in the October meeting. Both conferences are identified by the number of years since the church was founded in April 1830; thus, the April 2008 meeting was the 178th Annual General Conference, and the October 2007 meeting was the 177th Semiannual General Conference. The conferences have been held in Salt Lake City, Utah since 1848; in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square before 2000 and in the Conference Center after that.