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Carole Mikita ReportingThousands of Latter-day Saint women gathered tonight in the Conference Center and by satellite for their annual conference.
Church President Gordon B. Hinckley told them they are a force for good in the world.
All Latter-day Saint women 18 years of age and older belong to an organization called The Relief Society. Membership is now more than 5 million worldwide.
Pres. Bonnie D. Parkin/ Relief Society General President: "Just as the motto of Relief Society reminds us that 'Charity Never Faileth,' we must believe that the love of Christ will never fail us. All that we do in Relief Society should reflect the love of our Savior and the love of our Heavenly Father."
The women chose artist Minerva Teichert's painting for their theme "Eternally Encircled in His Love".
Kathleen D. Hughes/ First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency: "But if you are like me, there are times when you are fearful, when the stress and busyness of life seems to overwhelm you." "When I encounter those feelings, the best antidote is my memory of the moments when Christ's peace has come to strengthen me."
Anne C. Pingree/ Second Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency: "When we do come to the Savior with 'full purpose of heart,' we will feel his loving touch in the most personal ways."
President Hinckley told them their organization stands for love, education, self-reliance, sacrifice and faith.
President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I remind you that you are not second-class citizens in the Kingdom of God. You are his divine creation." "You are fifty percent of the membership of the church, and mothers of the other fifty percent. No one can dismiss you lightly."
In closing, he called Relief Society a glorious organization, saying there is nothing to compare with it in all the world.
Next weekend Latter-day Saints will gather for their semi-annual general conference. KSL Channel 5 will air sessions both Saturday and Sunday.
