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

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 193rd Semiannual General Conference Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1. 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, 11:51 am

President Henry B. Eyring — Our constant companion

President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, concluded the Sunday morning session with what he described as a letter to his descendants to help them survive spiritually in the hard days ahead. Specifically, he wanted to share how to have the constant influence of the Holy Ghost in the way that many prophets in the Book of Mormon had it — line by line and minute by minute.

This message today is a brief letter to my descendants that might help them when I am not with them in the exciting days ahead. I want them to know what I have come to know that could help them. @EyringHB #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 1, 2023The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is not always easy to achieve because people will inevitably say or do things to offend the Spirit, he explained. But repentance and the weekly renewal of the sacrament help restore that companionship.President Eyring said when he feels distant from the Lord, he looks for opportunities to repent and better qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

We may be tempted to feel we are alone. It is important then to remember the sure promise we receive each week as we repent and partake of the sacrament, "that they may always have his Spirit to be with them." @EyringHB #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 1, 2023"If you want to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost, you must want it for the right reasons. Your purpose must be the Lord's purpose. If your motives are too selfish, you will find it difficult to receive the promptings of the Spirit," he said.People can get those promptings when they are motivated by the pure love of Christ and wanting what the Savior wants. And the Spirit can testify of truths that can guide listeners."Of all the things to which the Holy Ghost testifies, the most precious for us may be that Jesus is the Christ, the living son of God," he said.President Eyring shared a story of a call he received from a mother about her daughter who lived far away. The mother felt like something was wrong. When President Eyring contacted the daughter's home teachers, they shared they also felt a prompting the young woman was about to make decisions that would make her unhappy. She realized the only way they could have known these things about her life was through revelation."Your experiences will be unique, and the Spirit will guide in the way best suited to your faith and capacity to receive revelation for you and for those you love and serve," President Eyring said.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 11:40 am

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell — More than a hero

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, first counselor in the Office of the Presiding Bishopric, said it has been 167 years since President Brigham Young discovered the Willie and Martin handcart companies, Mormon pioneers traveling across the country to get to the Salt Lake Valley were still hundreds of miles away and without provisions.One of the rescuers, Ephraim Hanks, has been touted as a hero for his help in saving the handcart companies from their plight. Bishop Waddell said earthly heroes like Hanks are worth admiring, but we should not make them our idol, similar to the Israelites' golden calf.Bishop Waddell said anything distracting from God's teachings can negatively impact our progress on the covenant path and become an idol in our lives.

What was once innocent childhood fun can become a stumbling block when "hero worship" of politicians, bloggers, influencers, athletes, or musicians causes us to "look beyond the mark" and lose sight of what is truly essential.
-Bishop Waddell #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 1, 2023Christ offered himself as a ransom for all, and he did everything essential for our journey through mortality, Bishop Waddell said.Of all the bloggers, athletes and politicians we may be tempted to worship, Bishop Waddell cited Jesus Christ as the ultimate hero because of his willingness to complete the father's will.

"The hero, our hero, now and always, is Jesus Christ, and anything, or anyone, that distracts us from His teachings ... can negatively impact our progress on the covenant path." #BishopWaddell #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 1, 2023Buying the clothes sponsored by the people we look up to is not wrong, Bishop Waddell said, but it can be too much if we lose focus on Christ as a result.Bishop Waddell said we demonstrate our willingness to choose Christ over all else when we choose to keep the Sabbath day holy, choose Christ's words through scriptures and prophets, choose to hold a current temple recommend and choose to be peacemakers in our families and in our interactions."In a world of heroes, with monuments and museums devoted to the exploits of mortal men and women, there is one who stands above all others. I testify that Jesus Christ is not only our hero, he is our Lord and king, the Savior and redeemer of mankind," Bishop Waddell said.— Kaigan Mears Bigler

Sunday, 11:17 am

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf — The prodigal and the road that leads home

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, began his talk with the story of the prodigal son, which he said has been called the "greatest short story ever told."He said the parable is about members today.Elder Uchtdorf talked about how that young man's social media may have looked when he was enjoying life, but said the son's party did not last — he ran out of money and no one was willing to help him.

It wasn't just an empty stomach that troubled him. It was an empty soul. He had been so sure that giving in to his worldly desires would make him happy... Now he knew better. Oh, and how, what a price he had to pay for that knowledge! @UchtdorfDF #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 1, 2023Elder Uchtdorf then talked about the father, who prayed for his son and then saw his son walking toward him and ran to him.Church members could have wondered the same things as in the parable, and Elder Uchtdorf assured that when we come back to Heavenly Father he will run to us, and celebrate our return."Brothers and sisters, heaven will rejoice at our return," he said.

Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. He will embrace us, place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, sandals on our feet, and proclaim, "Today, we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!"… pic.twitter.com/tNFy0hkahJ

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 1, 2023He also talked about the other son, who had worked to help his father and witnessed his grief, and did not understand the celebration for the son who had caused so much pain.Elder Uchtdorf encouraged members to embrace and celebrate brothers and sisters who return."Your return will not diminish the blessings of others. For the father's bounty is infinite, and what is given to one does not in the slightest diminish the birthright of others," he said.Elder Uchtdorf said coming back to the church will be the hardest choice to make, but the moment someone makes that decision, Christ's "power will enter your life and transform it."He said he prays that members hear Heavenly Father's voice calling them home, and that they have the courage to repent and follow the path toward God.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 11:12 am

Elder Quentin L. Cook — Be peaceable followers of Christ

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared how he had recently seen many of his friends and family members pass away, including a 23-year-old grandson. Many others have left the church or experienced major medical issues."Bad things happen to good people on this mortal journey," he said.When people are tested, they often turn to two methods of dealing with difficulties: "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die," or stepping away from belief and toward the philosophies of men."Peaceable followers of Christ do not follow either path," Elder Cook said. Instead, they are warm and engaged, loving and welcoming and obedient to the counsel of the prophet.

As peaceable followers of Christ, we strive to live His commandments. It has never been easy for His followers. Nor was it easy for the Savior to faithfully fulfill His mortal mission.
-@CookQuentinL #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 1, 2023He recalled when Joseph Smith and the Saints were experiencing a particularly difficult time, the Lord counseled them to fear not and look unto him and they would "inherit the kingdom of heaven.""Clearly, our heavenly destiny is not altered when we suffer adversity," Elder Cook added.Trials are inevitable, and people often wonder why God allows these trials to happen, especially to good people.Elder Cook explained that although members of the church don't know everything, they do have principles that allow them to face hardships with confidence and faith in a better future, including singing praise to God and calling on the Lord. Followers of Christ can turn to him and his atonement to help them endure any trail, sickness, or pain with peace and joy.

It is clear we have a Father in Heaven who knows and loves us personally and understands our suffering perfectly. His son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer. -@CookQuentinL #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 1, 2023"We recognize that almost all of us have experienced physical and spiritual storms in our lives, some devastating. A loving Father in Heaven and his son, Jesus Christ, who is the head of his restored church, have provided us scriptures and prophets to prepare us, warn us about dangers, and give us guidance to prepare and protect us," Elder Cook said.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 10:59 am

Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella — Bearing witness of Jesus Christ in word and actions

Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella, of the Quorum of the Seventy, emphasized that a promise members of the church make at baptism is to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ.He said the purpose is to remind members of the church that taking upon them the name of Jesus Christ can be shown by bearing testimony of Christ in word and deed."As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have the blessing and privilege to stand as witnesses of the Lord and his name everywhere we are," he said.Elder de Paula Parrella shared three examples from his own life of how he's seen testimonies shared with others help teach them about Jesus Christ.As he visited a congregation in Spain, his wife sat with a woman who was not a church member. When he spoke with her, she said she attended because she could hear the teachings of Jesus Christ, which were shared because the members in Spain led by example in their testimonies of Christ.In his second example, he talked about a fast and testimony meeting his family attended upon moving to Salt Lake City from Brazil earlier this year. "What a blessing to see that our church meetings are choice opportunities for us to testify of Christ and signal to God that we rejoice in taking his Son's name upon us," he said.His third example was of a man who invited seven nonmember friends to a temple open house in California. The man's friends shared their love for him, and while he didn't impose his beliefs on them, he was always sharing and living his testimony.

"As we strive to live our lives in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ, our conduct will be a living testimony of our Redeemer and His name." #ElderParrella #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 1, 2023He closed with reference to President Russell M. Nelson's October 2018 talk about using the full name of the church. As Elder de Paula Parella made an effort to use the church's full name, he remembered Jesus Christ more often and had the opportunity to bear testimony of Christ.

"By following the prophet, we can all learn to testify more of Jesus Christ by using the correct name of the Church, thus taking upon us more fully the name of the Lord." #ElderParrella #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 1, 2023— Kaigan Mears Bigler

Sunday, 10:47 am

President Emily Belle Freeman — Walking in covenant relationship with Christ

Although she had recently broken her ankle, Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman said she was "stubborn" and decided to go to Jerusalem and walk along the path between Nazareth and Capernaum, known as the "Jesus path."After a while, her guide took out a rope and began to help pull her scooter — helping Sister Freeman accomplish a trail which she could not have done alone.She said Christ does not ask people to face challenges alone, and told members that covenants are how they can bind themselves to Christ and have the help of his companionship."No matter the heaviness of our story, or the current course of our path, he will invite us to walk with him," she said.

"The Lord stood beside Jacob, introduced Himself as the God of Jacob's father, and then promised: I am with you. I will keep you safe. I will bring you home again. I will not leave you. I will keep my promise to you." #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 1, 2023She said covenants are about relationships, specifically a relationship with God. Sister Freeman said there are expectations of members along the way, but the invitation is to come "as we are able, with full purpose of heart.""We must remember, it's not the course alone that will exalt us, it's the companion –– our Savior," President Freeman said.

"His is a mission of condescension. Jesus Christ will meet us where we are as we are. This is the why of the garden, the cross, and the tomb." #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/qRXzyjJFHP

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 1, 2023She said how a person acts toward their church covenants depends on "what degree of relationship" they want with Christ.President Freeman said she clings to her covenants because she wants a "committed covenant relationship" with Christ.She encouraged members to share their experiences with Christ, and to walk with him, no matter where they are or what their condition is.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 10:40 am

President M. Russell Ballard — A testimony of Joseph Smith

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum the Twelve Apostles, opened the Sunday morning session of general conference. Soon to be 95 years old, President Ballard has some challenges with his eyesight that make it difficult to read the teleprompter and deliver prepared remarks, so instead he shared his testimony of Joseph Smith.He talked about Joseph Smith's experience in the Sacred Grove, praising his courage to ask hard questions and seek forgiveness for his sins. President Ballard went on to express gratitude that through Joseph Smith, the world now has access to the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The understanding of the purpose of life, who we are. We know who God is, we know who the Savior is, because we had Joseph, who went into a grove of trees as a boy, seeking really a forgiveness for his sins. -@BallardMRussell #GeneralConference

— Church News (@the_churchnews) October 1, 2023"I think it's one of the most glorious and wonderful things that anybody in this world can know that Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ have revealed themselves in these latter days and that Joseph has been raised up to restore the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ," he said.President Ballard explained the steps that had to happen for Joseph Smith to translate the Book of Mormon. First, Joseph had to be worthy to get the plates. Then, he had to be inspired by heaven to translate them by the gift and power of God. Finally, he had to have the resources and guidance to publish it and give it to the world.President Ballard also paid tribute to Lucy Mack Smith for believing her son when he told her what happened in the Sacred Grove, as well as to Joseph's father and siblings for supporting him in his endeavor."My message this morning is simple. It's deep. It's full of love for the prophet Joseph Smith and for all of those my brothers and sisters who have and were willing to sustain him in his youth," he said.In his 50 years of traveling the world on assignment as a general authority for the church, President Ballard said he has seen almost all the parts of the world. He expressed his love for the members of the church he met all over the world during that time.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 10:00 am

Sunday morning general conference session begins

Join us as the KSL.com team keeps you up to date with the latest talk summaries, announcements and events during the October general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - Oct. 1, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 1, 2023 at 9:59 a.m.

People stand and look out at the Salt Lake Temple Saturday from the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. The church's general conference is underway this weekend. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

President Henry B. Eyring — Our constant companion

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell — More than a hero

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf — The prodigal and the road that leads home

Elder Quentin L. Cook — Be peaceable followers of Christ

Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella — Bearing witness of Jesus Christ in word and actions

President Emily Belle Freeman — Walking in covenant relationship with Christ

President M. Russell Ballard — A testimony of Joseph Smith

Sunday morning general conference session begins

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