Saturday afternoon session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 195th Semiannual General Conference Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5.

This blog summarizes the key points from the Saturday afternoon session.

Follow along with our talk summaries in the blog below, or watch the session live here:

Here is a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog.

General conference is being broadcast in multiple languages. Here is the link to watch the session live in Spanish.

Saturday, 04:06 pm

Elder Quentin L. Cook — The Lord is hastening his work

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles referenced Charles Dickens' iconic novel "The Tale of Two Cities," saying, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."In today's turbulent world, it may feel like it is the worst of times, Elder Cook said. But we are called to be peacemakers and foster unity in our communities while the Lord hastens his work.Elder Cook spoke of a surge of membership from missionaries in the U.K. in 1850. When the converts were asked to come to Utah, they were joyously welcomed into the valley.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025"In the spirit of that joyful occasion, let me once again assure all new converts and those returning to the Lord's church, we love you; we need you; the Lord needs you," Elder Cook said.He said that similarly, the church is growing today. Over the last three years, nearly 900,000 individuals have joined the church, representing approximately 5% of total church membership."These rising numbers are a clear witness that the gospel is touching hearts and changing lives everywhere," he said. "Our sacred duty is to accept and welcome new and returning members. As the Lord hastens his work, we should love, nurture and serve those who accept his gospel."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025He said all may feel inadequate at times in their understanding of the gospel, but learning "pure doctrine" is a lifelong pursuit we are called to accept. Prayerfully studying the scriptures can help you find the answers you seek, he added.He reminded the congregation that people are not perfect and that is part of the challenge of earthly life. Yet we must love one another and support each other even as we fall short."Following the Savior and his doctrine and teachings has never been easy in a world that is constantly in commotion. It was not easy for the Savior in the volatile world during his mortal sojourn; it was not easy for our early leaders and members, and it is not easy for us. Fortunately, living prophets provide the guidance we respectfully need for our day," Elder Cook said.— Cassidy Wixom

Saturday, 03:49 pm

Elder Michael Cziesla — Simplicity in Christ

Elder Michael Cziesla, a general authority seventy, stressed the importance of holding onto faith, despite the obstacles in front of us.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025Elder Cziesla recounted his early days serving in the Ogden Utah Mission after arriving from Germany and being impressed by the devotion of many Latter-day Saints attending worship services. He soon realized that true joy comes from a disciple of the Lord and has little to do with the size of a congregation."When the focus of our life is on Christ and His gospel message, we can experience the full blessings of discipleship wherever we live," he said.Elder Cziesla highlighted the challenges of maintaining faith in a secular world, advocating for small, consistent actions like prayer and scripture study.He shared a story of his grandmother and how she remained committed to her faith, despite the difficulties she faced getting to church. But as Elder Cziesla's father discovered the church, she reconnected with the congregation.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025He concluded by sharing encouragement that belief in small, faithful actions can lead to significant spiritual growth and miracles.— Curtis Booker

Saturday, 03:31 pm

Elder Gerrit W. Gong — No one sits alone

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invites all to come to the kingdom of God and for us to make all feel welcome."Preparing us for the kingdom of heaven, Jesus tells the parables of the great supper and wedding feast. ... Today, those invited to the supper of the Lord come from every place and culture. Old and young, rich and poor, local and global, we make our church congregations look like our communities.""Living the gospel of Jesus Christ includes making room for all in his restored church," Elder Gong taught.Elder Gong invited us to treat each other as we would treat Jesus."How we treat each other, especially the hungry, thirsty, those left out alone, is how we treat him."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025Elder Gong says that when we feel we don't fit in at church, we might sit alone."In His restored church, we are all better when no one sits alone. Let us not simply accommodate or tolerate. Let us genuinely welcome, acknowledge, minister to, love," taught Elder Gong. "May each friend, sister, brother, not be a foreigner or stranger but a child at home."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025Elder Gong says that our covenants unite us all in a common bond."Doctrinally, in the household of faith and fellowship of the Saints, no one sits alone because of covenant belonging in Jesus Christ," Elder Gong said."All are blessed when we define our cultural identity, as President Russell M. Nelson teaches, as a child of God, a child of the covenant, a disciple of Christ," Elder Gong said.— Matt Brooks

Saturday, 03:15 pm

Elder Kevin G. Brown — The eternal gift of testimony

Elder Kevin G. Brown, a general authority seventy, passionately advocated for each person to develop their own "sure witness" and testimony of Jesus Christ.He said three truths have blessed his life: Knowing God is our Heavenly Father, whose influence can be felt everywhere, choosing to use your agency to make responsible decisions and gaining a testimony through the Holy Ghost.Elder Brown impressed upon the importance of feeling the power of the Holy Ghost to confirm truth to your soul.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025He shared how, when he was young, he was criticized at school for believing in the Book of Mormon and the church. But he endured that ridicule because he knew he had a witness of the truth from the Holy Ghost."Looking back on those difficult days of testing and persecution that I went through as a child has helped me get to the place where I now know for myself. I not only believe, hope or trust, even though these are significant particles of faith on the pathway to a sure witness," he said.Elder Brown promised that it is worth every effort to pursue a testimony of the gospel."Choosing to believe is a wise and powerful way to use your agency. I cannot see a better way to use my agency than in defense of my testimony," he said.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025He encouraged everyone to take charge of their own testimony and use their agency to seek to emulate God. Testimony can be an anchor to your soul, motivation in difficult times, a weapon against Satan and a joy in your life, he said."I bear witness that the power is within you. No one can choose for you. No one can take this gift away. You can choose to believe," Elder Brown said.— Cassidy Wixom

Saturday, 03:12 pm

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi — Humble souls at the altars kneel

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, a general authority seventy, emphasized the role of altars in providing spiritual protection and strength.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025Elder Jaggi recounted a personal story about asking to miss a sacrament meeting for an important football game and the advice received from his father about the importance of keeping covenants. "He said that I was old enough to make that choice for myself and asked me to consider one piece of counsel. He said, 'If you choose to miss the sacrament once, it's easier to choose to miss it again,'" he recounted.Elder Jaggi acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals and families, including judgment, anxiety and illness and how Jesus Christ's sacrifice helps overcome these struggles."When we humbly and symbolically kneel at the altars of the Lord, it is an opportunity for reflection, checked as to the pride of (our) hearts ... (humbling ourselves) before God," he said.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025Elder Jaggi concluded by recounting a talk from President Russell M. Nelson, given during the 2022 general conference, who shared a story about a group of young people visiting the temple. Nelson described the visit as a place for people to rest on their temple journey.— Curtis Booker

Saturday, 02:51 pm

Brother Chad H. Webb — That all may be edified

Brother Chad H. Webb, the first counselor of the Sunday School General Presidency, encouraged people to teach the gospel in a way that invites us to focus on Jesus Christ and that invites the presence of the Holy Ghost.He spoke about using the following:

Invite diligent learning

Teach the doctrine

Focus on Jesus Christ

Brother Webb taught that inviting diligent learning includes inviting the presence of the Holy Ghost in the classroom."As we apply gospel principles, the Spirit again bears witness of their truthfulness."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025This effort is an effort we must choose."We search the scriptures to understand the narrative, the principles they teach, and the application of these truths in our lives."Brother Webb showed how our efforts can bless our lives."With consistent effort, we can learn to understand and love the scriptures and trust that they have the answers to the questions of the soul."Brother Webb also showed that focusing on Christ can come by speaking reverently of him."We can speak more often and more reverently of Him and seek more opportunities to express testimony, gratitude and love for Him."Brother Webb concluded his address by pointing people to Christ."Whatever the setting, as we remember him, we can have his spirit to be with us."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025"It can change the course of our lives to see our circumstances through the lens of God's eternal plan instead of seeing the plan through the lens of our temporal circumstances."— Matt Brooks

Saturday, 02:35 pm

Elder Ronald A. Rasband — The Family Proclamation - Words from God

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles focused his talk on family, referencing the 30th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World.""I have testified across the world from Africa to Australia and everywhere in between of the role of the family in God's eternal plan.The proclamation has a divine origin, so we must treat it with the reverence deserving words from God," he said.Elder Rasband shared the origin of the document, citing how the apostles in the '90s came together, wanting to create an official proclamation that would summarize the church's position on family.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025The proclamation was then officially released during the General Relief Society Meeting in 1995, in which the General Relief Society Presidency had already planned to focus on families."The Proclamation is a call for us to live in mortality, ever mindful of the divinity within us, and the eternal future that lies before us," Elder Rasband said.Elder Rasband testified that the proclamation is doctrine and that by following its guidance, people can find eternal joy. The "divine patterns of righteousness" outlined in it lead to the stability of families and society and fill lives with love, strength, purpose and eternal understanding.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 4, 2025For those who feel they don't fit in with the proclamation, "know that you are a child of heavenly parents, part of your Heavenly Father's family. No one knows you better or cares more deeply about you than He does. Turn to him, pour out your heart to him, trust him and his promises," he said.— Cassidy Wixom

Saturday, 2:00 pm

Saturday afternoon 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.

Saturday afternoon session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - Oct. 4, 2025 at 4:06 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 4, 2025 at 1:55 p.m.

A combined institute choir from Ogden and South Jordan sings during the afternoon session of the 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday. (Isaac Hale, Deseret News)

Elder Quentin L. Cook — The Lord is hastening his work

Elder Michael Cziesla — Simplicity in Christ

Elder Gerrit W. Gong — No one sits alone

Elder Kevin G. Brown — The eternal gift of testimony

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi — Humble souls at the altars kneel

Brother Chad H. Webb — That all may be edified

Elder Ronald A. Rasband — The Family Proclamation - Words from God

Saturday afternoon general conference session begins

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