Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concluded the final session of its General Conference Sunday afternoon with leaders declaring the truth of the resurrection.
General Conference is always held the first weekend in April, and sometimes that coincides with Easter.
Church leaders Sunday spoke of the basis of their faith -- Jesus Christ -- and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir celebrated in music.
A senior leader of the Utah-based church on Sunday asked members to reach out to others with compassion, humanity and charity.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency of the Church, said church members should strive to live Christ's example of love and forgiveness, particularly to those in the Church who feel disenfranchised.
"Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand," Uchtdorf said Sunday on the second day of the 180th Annual General Conference. "Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion and charity so that they feel at long last they have finally found a home.
"Let our hearts and hands be stretched out toward others, for everyone is walking his or her own difficult path. As disciples of Jesus Christ, our master, we are called to support and heal, rather than condemn."
With the hymns of Easter and with words of affirmation, Latter-day Saints heard testimony of the risen Lord.
Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, "It is Easter morning, that holy day designated throughout all Christendom, to commemorate the victory of Jesus Christ over death."
"On this beautiful Easter morning, our thoughts and hearts are drawn to him, the hope of Israel and the light of the world," Uchtdorf said.
Another apostle linked Latter-day Saints' belief in Jesus Christ with the early Christians.
"Contemplated him, not as on the cross, but as on the throne. President Hinckley taught that our mission to the world is that He lives," Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught.
Pres. Thomas S. Monson said, "The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job's question, 'If a man die, shall he live again?' To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, if a man die, he shall live again."
In closing remarks, he said the world has drifted from the moorings of peace but urged Church members to look to the Lord.
LDS Church members gather by the tens of thousands in Salt Lake City over two days each April and October to hear words of inspiration and guidance for daily living from The Church's highest leaders.
Millions more view the proceedings on satellite broadcasts, radio or via the Internet. The broadcasts are translated into more than 80 languages.
The Church's First Presidency -- 16th Church President Thomas S. Monson and counselors Uchtdorf and Henry B. Eyring -- also issued a joint Easter message to the faith's 13.8 million members, saying they can find comfort and hope in the Christian belief of Christ's resurrection.
"At this Easter season, as we contemplate our own mortality and remember loved ones who have passed from this life, our hearts turn to Him who promised: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you,'" the First Presidency wrote.
As Pres. Monson prepared to leave, he joked a little with conference-goers and then greeted family members.
Idahoan Ashley Christensen said, "It's Easter weekend and it's all about Christ, and then we have general conference, too. It has a better spirit."
"I always love the atmosphere and the good feelings you get when you're around people who believe the same thing, literally strive to serve Christ. It's a good feeling," Simeon Lawrence of Philadelphia, Pa., said.
Pila Porras Ballensuela, of Mexico, said "You feel like you want to be a better woman, a better wife, a better human being."
Pres. Monson asked Church members to take what they heard and experienced this weekend into their homes, jobs, and every aspect of their lives.
"As you return to your homes around the world, I pray our Heavenly Father will bless you and your families," he said.
On Saturday, conference messages were focused on common themes of strengthening marriage, family life and the role of parents in helping their children live Church principles. Members were also cautioned against engaging in immoral behaviors and urged to obediently live the commandments.
The Church also named a new president of its Sunday school program for youths aged 3 to 11 known as Primary. Rosemary M. Wixom will serve as the general president of the program for the next five years. It is a volunteer position.
------
Compiled with contributions from Carole Mikita and the Associated Press.
