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

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - Oct. 5, 2025 at 4:08 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 5, 2025 at 2:02 p.m.

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 Sunday 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.

Sunday, 04:08 pm

President Dallin H. Oaks — The family-centered gospel of Jesus Christ

President Dallin H. Oaks, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, closed the conference focused on the family emphasis in the gospel of Christ."The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan of our Heavenly Father for the benefit of his spirit children. We can truly say that the gospel plan was first taught to us in the council of an eternal family. It is implemented through our mortal families, and its intended destiny is to exalt the children of God in eternal families," President Oaks said.The world does not often agree with that sentiment, he said, citing a historic decline in marriage and birth rates nationally, and even in the church.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025While the national decline is understandable for "historic reasons," he said, "it is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children."Today's urban and modern society doesn't revolve around family-centered activities, he said, but parents should strive to foster connection and bonding in their families.God has given his disciples the responsibility to teach their children and prepare them for "our family destiny in eternity."Not all families will be perfect, he said, adding that he lost his father when he was only 7 years old. Despite that, he grew up happy with a widowed mother who taught him the gospel.While he acknowledged that not everyone gets to experience that in this life, President Oaks promised that all can feel those blessings through their heavenly family.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025"Our doctrine and our belief in eternal families strengthen and bond us," he said.The family circle is the "ideal place" to learn eternal values such as the purpose of life, the true source of joy, kindness, forgiveness and more, President Oaks said."More important, as families unite to strengthen one another, we should all remember that the sins and inevitable shortcomings all of us experience in mortality can be forgiven through repentance because of the glorious and saving Atonement of Jesus Christ," he said.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 04:00 pm

Elder Ozani Farias — The Book of Mormon: An immeasurable treasure on our journey

In his address, Elder Ozani Farias of the Seventy shared his experience receiving a copy of the Book of Mormon as a high schooler and how it was a life-changing gift. His classmate's example led him to meet with missionaries and accept Moroni's invitation to pray and ask God if the book is true."I felt in my heart that what I was reading was good and came from God," he said, and he recognized that as a spiritual witness that it was true.Even though some people tried to convince him it wasn't true, Elder Farias continued strengthening his testimony through study and prayer. He came to treasure the Book of Mormon as a constant source of strength and guidance.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025Elder Farias explained that the Book of Mormon is "another testament of Jesus Christ." He noted that it was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith in less than 75 days and that today, 80,000 missionaries worldwide testify of its truth.He recommended three ways to deepen conversion through the Book of Mormon.

Be diligent and consistent in study.

Feast upon the words of Christ. That means "more than just reading. It means savoring, pondering and applying," he said.

Bear testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025Elder Farias illustrated the power of sharing the book through a missionary's story whose marked copy inspired her brother to serve a mission. He concluded by testifying that those who sincerely study and pray about the Book of Mormon will gain their own witness.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 03:52 pm

Elder John D. Amos — The good news recipe

Elder John D. Amos of the Seventy, a Louisiana native, likened life's journeys to the creation of homemade Cajun dishes, such as gumbo and jambalaya.The former mission president in his home state recalled how he and his wife would invite their missionaries to learn the recipe for her homemade jambalaya.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025But recipes apply to more than just preparing food, he said."The simple secret for happy living," Elder Amos said, "is to just follow God's recipe as detailed in the scriptures. I call it the 'good news recipe.'"Among the special ingredients is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Elder Amos invited all in attendance to "add more Jesus Christ to your life" through prayer, scripture study and learning to receive personal revelation.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025"As you follow the good news recipe for happy living," he said, "remember President Nelson's teaching: 'Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Learn more about his Atonement, his love, his mercy, his doctrine and his restored gospel of healing and progression. Turn to him! Follow him!"— Sean Walker

Sunday, 03:35 pm

Elder Dale G. Renlund – Taking on the name of Jesus Christ

Elder Dale G. Renlund, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, encouraged all to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ.He spoke of Dr. Craig H. Selzman, who in 2018 was awarded the University of Utah professorship Dr. Russell M. Nelson and Dantzel W. Nelson Presidential Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery.Selzman realized if he was going to be linked to President Nelson's name, he had to be worthy of that connection.President Nelson had left a legacy of keeping his emotions in check, treating everyone with respect and never losing his temper with his fellow surgeons.Selzman decided to conscientiously work on becoming a better surgeon and leader in his department so he could be more like President Nelson.Now, Selzman teaches the entire cardiothoracic department at the University of Utah to work toward emulating "RMN" ethos, after President Nelson's initials, in all of the medical care they provide.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025Similarly, Elder Renlund urged everyone to ask themselves: "How have I changed since I linked my name with the name of Jesus Christ? Have I adopted a Christlike ethos as a result? Have I genuinely tried to become better and more like him?"He outlined five steps in the process:

Identifying yourself with Christ.

Remembering Christ in all you do.

Striving to emulate Christ in your actions.

Aligning your will with his by joining him in his work of salvation.

Be empowered by God to fulfill your mission in mortality.

Even when we are occupied with other matters, if we remain mindful of Jesus Christ, we can have his power to bless us, Elder Renlund said."We strive to become like him and seek to be blessed with his attributes," he said. "We join him in his work when we minister to others, especially the vulnerable and those who have been wounded, shattered or crushed by their earthly experiences."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025Elder Renlund said when we take upon ourselves Christ's name, we become more spiritually receptive, more courageous in adversity, stronger in our resolve and better at sharing the gospel."Etch his name in your heart, willingly and intentionally. This gives you 'standing' before God and qualifies you for the Savior's advocacy on your behalf," he said.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 03:15 pm

Elder Carlos A. Godoy — Smiling faces and grateful hearts

Elder Carlos A. Godoy shared that he and his wife had been serving in the Africa South Area — an area in which "many people of modest means are joining the church and transforming their lives through the blessings of tithing faithfulness and the educational opportunities offered by the church."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025"The greatness of our Saints in Africa becomes even more evident as they face life's challenges and the demands of a growing church. They always approach it with a positive attitude," he said.Elder Godoy described visiting a young, rapidly growing stake in Mozambique led by a 31-year-old president and his wife, who both served faithfully despite her serious illness and their personal challenges. He was deeply impressed by the faith and gratitude of the members, many of whom worked all day just to afford dinner that night, yet still came to conference with smiling faces and grateful hearts.In Malawi, Elder Godoy visited branches meeting in modest public schools. Despite the humble conditions, members were grateful for a nearby place to gather."Again, there were no complaints, only smiling faces and grateful hearts," he said.At a Sunday service in Zimbabwe, he attended Sunday services at a rented house with 240 people in attendance — all smiling despite the crowded conditions.Next, he described visiting Lesotho shortly after a fatal traffic accident (also referred to in Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk). Godoy found the Saints there strong and resilient, facing hardship with faith and hope."I expected a somber atmosphere. Instead, I encountered strong and resilient Saints who were coping with the situation in an uplifting and inspiring way," he said.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025That healing power came from the Savior, who knows their pain because he suffered through it before they did, he continued. Christ will give the heavy-laden rest.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 03:00 pm

Elder Matthew S. Holland — 'Forsake not your own mercy'

God commanded Jonah to go to Ninevah "to declare repentance" before the Old Testament prophet went "the exact opposite" direction. But a "great fish" swallowed Jonah during his travels, and he stayed inside for three days before being spit out on dry ground, and then resumed his prophetic call to go to Ninevah.Thus, "God patiently teaches Jonah that he loves and seeks to rescue all his children," taught Elder Matthew S. Holland of the Seventy."Even greater than manifesting the effects of the fall, Jonah's story powerfully directs us to him who can deliver us from those effects," he said. "Jonah's self-sacrifice to save his shipmates is Christ-like indeed. … As a symbol of the Savior's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jonah may be flawed. But this is also what makes his personal witness of, and commitment to Jesus Christ, offered in the belly of the whale, so poignant and inspiring."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025Whatever the cause of disaster we face, there is always a dry ground "for hope, healing and happiness," Elder Holland added.Like Jonah, men and women today have access to a higher power to help them accomplish their own missions."Follow the lead of the repentant Jonah," Elder Holland said. "Cry unto God. Turn to the temple, cling to your covenants. Serve the Lord, his church, and others with sacrifice and thanksgiving.""Whether we are facing a deep, Jonah-like catastrophe, or the everyday challenges of our imperfect world, the invitation is the same: Forsake not your own mercy," he added. "Turn to him. Believe in him. Serve him. Smile. For in him, and him alone, is found the full and happy healing from the fall we all so urgently need and humbly seek."

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025— Sean Walker

Sunday, 02:49 pm

Elder B. Corey Cuvelier — The name by which ye are called

Elder B. Corey Cuvelier, general authority seventy, emphasized the importance of knowing one's true identity.He said followers of Christ have been called by many names, such as disciples, sheep, friends and more — but the most important name to known by is the name of Christ."Those who take upon themselves the name of Christ become his disciples and witnesses," Elder Cuvelier said.To be called by the name of Christ means to keep his commandments, always remember him, make and keep covenants, and stand as a witness of God at all times.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025"It means standing with prophets and apostles as they carry Christ's message across the world — with its doctrine, covenants and ordinances. It also means serving others to relieve suffering, to be a light, and to bring hope in Christ to all people," he said.This endeavor is a lifelong pursuit that we must not get distracted from, Elder Cuvelier said."Following prophetic counsel to make discipleship a priority is both timely and wise, especially in an age of so many competing voices and influences," he said.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025Elder Cuvelier spoke about how the fruit of one person's efforts may not be easily seen, but it is still important to choose to live like Jesus. Your identity is not defined by the world, he said, but by your discipleship to Christ and how you treat others."Perhaps the greatest sermons are the ones we never hear but those we see in the quiet, unassuming actions and deeds observed in the lives of ordinary people who, trying to be like Jesus, go about doing good," he said.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 02:40 pm

Elder David A. Bednar — They are their own judges

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles opened the final session of general conference by referring to Moroni's description of the final judgment as "pleasing."He explained that Moroni's use of the word describes his confidence in meeting God and his understanding of the doctrine of Christ.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025Through faith, repentance and the Atonement, he said disciples can face judgment with peace and joy rather than guilt or dread.Elder Bednar explained that the plan of happiness gives people moral agency, the ability "to choose and act for ourselves in ways that are good, honest, virtuous and true." The ability to act was so crucial to the plan that Lucifer led a rebellion to try to destroy it, he said."The fundamental purposes for the exercise of agency are to love one another and to choose God," Elder Bednar said.In the plan, our mortal life is the opportunity to learn good from evil, act in faith and become more like Christ, he said. Through moral agency, we are judged by both our deeds and by what we have become during this life. Referring back to the beginning of his talk, Bednar explained that works and desires, refined through Christ's Atonement, determine whether judgment will be joyful or dreadful.He said people are their own judges."In the Lord's presence, we will acknowledge what we have chosen to become in mortality and know for ourselves where we should be in eternity," Elder Bednar said.

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— KSL.com - Utah Breaking News (@KSLcom) October 5, 2025If people exercise faith, love God and do good continually, the judgment bar will be pleasing through the love of God and the mercy of Christ, he said.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 2:00 pm

Sunday 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.