Sunday morning session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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 is holding its 193rd Annual General Conference Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2. This blog summarizes the key points from the Sunday morning session.

Follow along with our blog updates below, or watch each session live here.

For a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog, click here.

Sunday, 12:15 pm

President Russell M. Nelson — Peacemakers needed

President Russell M. Nelson, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ, warned members Sunday about the toxic nature of contention and anger and encouraged them to make their behavior represent a follower of Jesus Christ.President Nelson expressed concern that so many think it is acceptable to condemn those who don't agree with them. He said how members treat others matters — including in conversations at church, in homes, at work and online.

"I invite you to examine your discipleship within the context of the way you treat others. I bless you to make any adjustments that may be needed so that your behavior is ennobling, respectful, and representative of a true follower of Jesus Christ." —President @RussellMNelson pic.twitter.com/gcOjfDvXhQ

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 2, 2023"One of the best ways we can honor the Savior is to become a peacemaker. The Savior's Atonement made it possible for us to overcome all evil — including contention," President Nelson said.He said people need to experience Christ's love through members' words and actions, and that angry comments will not help online; building understanding is what people need instead."Contention drives away the Spirit — every time. Contention reinforces the false notion that confrontation is the way to resolve differences; but it never is. Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. … I urge you to be a peacemaker, now and always," he said.

"Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions." @NelsonRussellM | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023President Nelson said church members "can literally change the world" by modeling how to communicate with dignity and respect."Charity is the antidote to contention. … Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker," he said.President Nelson concluded by saying now is the time for members who are serious about building eternal relationships and gathering Israel to lay aside bitterness and anger. He said the temple can help them with this goal."Let us show that there is a peaceful, respectful way to resolve complex issues and an enlightened way to work out disagreements. As you demonstrate the charity that true followers of Jesus Christ manifest, the Lord will magnify your efforts beyond your loftiest imagination," President Nelson said.— Emily Ashcraft

"'If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy' that we can say about another person – whether to his face or behind her back – that should be our standard of communication."@NelsonRussellM | #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 2, 2023

Sunday, 11:53 am

Elder Kevin R. Duncan — A voice of gladness!

Elder Kevin R. Duncan, of the Seventy, recounted on Sunday morning the time when early church members first learned that they could be baptized for their deceased loved ones, and how they rejoiced.However, this wasn't the only truth the Lord would reveal and restore, Elder Duncan pointed out, and there were other gifts that God was eager to bestow upon his followers."These other gifts included priesthood authority, covenants and ordinances, marriages that could last forever, the sealing of children to their parents within the family of God, and ultimately the blessing of returning home to the presence of God, our Heavenly Father, and his son Jesus Christ," Elder Duncan said.

"What could become common or routine for us, is sometimes seen in its splendor and majesty by those who hear it or feel it for the very first time." #ElderDuncan | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023As the highest and holiest blessings, God instructed that sacred buildings were to be built to be his home on Earth and a place where he could confer the gifts upon his children.Elder Duncan said it can be easy for church members to take the "glorious eternal truths" for granted. Sometimes, he said, it can be helpful to see those truths through the eyes of someone who's learning about them for the first time — an experience he had while on a tour of the Tokyo Japan Temple with a thoughtful leader from another religion."This man was not moved simply by the exquisite craftsmanship of the temple, but rather by the stunning and profound doctrine that families are united and sealed to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever," Elder Duncan said.

"In this mortal life, we will never escape the war, but we can have power over the enemy. That power and strength come from Jesus Christ as we make and keep temple covenants." #ElderDuncan | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/9QmutFHukJ

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023He said that the need for temples is very clear."The adversary is on the alert. His power is threatened by the ordinances and covenants performed in temples, and he does anything he can to try to stop the work," Elder Duncan said. "As each temple is dedicated, the saving power of Jesus Christ expands throughout the world to counteract the efforts of the adversary and to redeem us as we come unto him. As temples and covenant keepers grow in number, the adversary grows weaker."— Logan Stefanich

Sunday, 11:38 am

Elder Neil L. Andersen — 'My mind caught hold upon this thought'

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invited church members to experience the joy that comes from focusing on Jesus Christ.He shared the story of Alma, the Book of Mormon prophet who was reproached by an angel after acting wickedly. Alma spent three days in a comatose state, learning about God, saying that his "mind caught hold upon this thought" of Jesus atoning for our sins (Alma 36:18). Afterward, his life was changed as he promised to follow God and share the joy of the gospel.Elder Andersen encouraged conferencegoers to focus on Christ the same way Alma did.

"By focusing our attention on Jesus Christ, all else around us — while still present — is viewed through our love for Him. Less important distractions fade." @AndersenNeilL | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/gQk1xDVdz6

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023"My prayer at this Easter season is that we will more consciously shape, strengthen and secure this preeminent thought of Jesus Christ in the chambers of our soul, allowing it to eagerly flow into our mind, guiding us in what we think and do and continually bringing the sweet joy of the Savior's love," Elder Andersen said.He said that when people focus on Christ, they see everything through the lens of their love for him. This can help them remove distractions from their lives and experience more power, peace and joy.

#ElderAndersen | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/z249ZIeTbm

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) April 2, 2023"Our love for him does not shield us from sadness and sorrow in this mortal life, but it allows us to walk through the challenges with a strength far beyond our own," Elder Andersen said.To church members, he promised, "As your mind has caught hold firmly and forever upon this thought, and as you focus your life more fully on the Savior, I promise you that you will feel his hope, his peace and his love."— Gabrielle Shiozawa

Sunday, 11:29 am

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita — When to receive your patriarchal blessing

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita, a general authority seventy, said he always interacts with the stake patriarch when he visits stakes as part of his calling as a member of the Seventy and has heard of patriarchal blessings given to people as young as 11 and as old as 93.In his Sunday morning conference address, Elder Yamashita encouraged leaders and parents to encourage youth and new members to seek help from the Lord to prepare for a blessing."Patriarchal blessings are not only for preparation to serve a mission. Worthy baptized members may receive their patriarchal blessing when the time is right for them," he said.He said his mother-in-law passed away at age 90, and he learned then she did not have a patriarchal blessing. He said she had many difficulties in life — he was sad to learn she had not received the blessing because it may have given her comfort.

"Just as scriptures we have read many times have new meaning to us later, our patriarchal blessing will have a different meaning to us at different times."#ElderYamashita | #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 2, 2023Elder Yamashita said a patriarchal blessing contains personal counsel from the Lord and is a direct message from Heavenly Father."When you receive your blessing, you will realize and feel how they love you and how they focus on you individually," he said.He said the blessing is not guaranteed to answer all questions or be a map of a member's life."A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and if you live worthy, promises that are not fulfilled in this life will be granted in the next," Elder Yamashita said.He said it also includes a declaration of lineage, showing members they are included in promises Abraham was given."Preparation for your patriarchal blessing will help you increase your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And when you receive your blessing and read and ponder it, you can focus on them more often," he said.— Emily Ashcraft

"I frequently and prayerfully read my patriarchal blessing; it always gives me encouragement. I recognize what the Lord expects of me, it has helped me to repent and be humble. ... I desire to live worthy of receiving its promised blessings." #ElderYamashita #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/B5WxTWA8Ws

— Trent Toone (@tbtoone) April 2, 2023

Sunday, 11:18 am

Elder Ulisses Soares — Followers of the prince of peace

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke Sunday morning about promoting the peace of Jesus Christ. Through this, church members can become closer to the Savior, he said."As his followers, we are his peculiar people, called to proclaim his virtues, promoters of the peace so generously offered through him and his atoning sacrifice," Elder Soares said.He added that President Russell M. Nelson has urged church members to do all that they can to end personal conflicts "that are raging in our hearts and in our lives."

"If we are not careful with our thoughts, words, and actions, we may end up being entangled by the cunning tricks of the enemy, destroying our relationships with the people around us and our loved ones."@Ulisses__Soares | #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 2, 2023Elder Soares said Jesus' behavior in the events preceding his martyrdom exemplifies what it means to own the bond of perfection and peace. Christ washed the feet of his disciples knowing that one would eventually betray him later that very night. Later, the Savior healed the ear of a man who had accompanied Judas to arrest him."During his earthly ministry, the Savior's teachings focused, not only, but particularly, on the virtues of love, charity, patience, humility and compassion — fundamental attributes to those who want to become closer to him and promote his peace," Elder Soares said.

"As we strive to develop attributes like the Savior's, we can become instruments of His peace in the world." @Ulisses__Soares | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023Through the development of these virtues, church members will begin to see people's differences and weaknesses with more empathy, sensitivity, respect and tolerance."One of the most evident signs that we are drawing closer to the Savior and becoming more like him is the loving, patient and kind way with which we treat our fellow beings, whatever the circumstances," Elder Soares said.— Logan Stefanich

Sunday, 10:47 am

President Camille N. Johnson — Jesus Christ is relief

President Camille N. Johnson, general president of the Relief Society, shared the hopeful message that we can find physical and spiritual relief through the healing power of Jesus Christ.President Johnson talked about a metaphorical backpack in which we carry rocks that could represent our sins, the mistakes of others or the natural consequences of being human."I joyfully declare that our mortal burdens, these rocks in our figurative backpack, need not feel heavy," she said. "Jesus Christ provides a way for us to be relieved of the weight of sin."

#PresidentJohnson | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/aJUyY1IJNn

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) April 2, 2023She encouraged church members to stop trying to carry their burdens alone and to, instead, turn to Christ through taking advantage of repentance, the Atonement and the ability to make covenants with God.President Johnson said part of the covenants church members make is to help Christ provide relief for the people around us through serving and caring for each other."Our covenantal blessing is to partner with Jesus Christ in providing relief, both temporal and spiritual, to all of God's children. We are a conduit through which he provides relief," she said. "As we do, we come to know him, become like him, and find his relief."— Gabrielle Shiozawa

Sunday, 10:38 am

Elder D. Todd Christofferson — One in Christ

In a talk given on Palm Sunday, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged church members to remember Christ's sacrifice and work to be united."Let us resolve never to forget what Christ endured to redeem us. And let us never lose the overwhelming joy we will feel once again on Easter as we contemplate his victory over the grave and the gift of universal resurrection," he said.Elder Christofferson said, at the Last Supper, Jesus Christ asked his father to help his apostles and those who believe them to "be one." He said this happens when "God prevails in all hearts and minds."

"It is only in and through our individual loyalty to Jesus Christ that we can hope to be one—one within, one at home, one in the Church, eventually one in Zion, and above all, one with the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost." @ChristoffDTodd | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/8t9qODqdwx

— Trent Toone (@tbtoone) April 2, 2023He said the key to unity in a diverse and discordant situation is finding unity through individual loyalty to and love of Christ."Only in Jesus Christ can we truly become one," Elder Christofferson said.He said the place to start the effort to develop unity is within each person. If members are individually working to follow commandments to love God and love others it will lead to unity between everyone. He said "putting on Christ" makes it possible to resolve or lay aside differences and disagreements."Unity does not mean simply agreeing that everyone should 'do his or her own thing' or go his or her own way. We cannot be one unless we all bend our efforts to the common cause," he said.

"Unity with our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ grows as we heed the second commandment — inextricably connected to the first — to love others as ourselves." @ChristoffDTodd | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 2, 2023Elder Christofferson said although members fulfill different functions in the body of Christ, they should still be working toward the same goal. He said people can cheer for different teams and disagree on politics, while still having unity — but they should not disagree with anger."Unity does not require sameness, but it does require harmony," he said.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 10:00 am

Sunday morning session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - April 2, 2023 at 12:15 p.m. | Posted - April 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Conferencegoers arrive at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City for the Sunday morning session of the 193rd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

President Russell M. Nelson — Peacemakers needed

Elder Kevin R. Duncan — A voice of gladness!

Elder Neil L. Andersen — 'My mind caught hold upon this thought'

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita — When to receive your patriarchal blessing

Elder Ulisses Soares — Followers of the prince of peace

President Camille N. Johnson — Jesus Christ is relief

Elder D. Todd Christofferson — One in Christ

Sunday morning general conference session begins

Photos

Related stories

Most recent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stories

Related topics

More stories you may be interested in

When the Salton Sea shrank, it took Bombay Beach with it. Utah should heed the warning

Utah artist creates new wildlife mural for Moab

Dear Katherine Heigl, you can find amazing Indian food in Utah

Most Viewed

STAY IN THE KNOW

KSL Weather Forecast