LDS general conference sees full attendance post-COVID

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles commenced the Saturday afternoon session of the general conference on October 5, 2024. He shared a narrative from the Book of Mormon about Lamanite converts who buried their weapons of rebellion. "We might ask ourselves what we could do to follow this pattern, to ‘lay down the weapons of [our] rebellion’ whatever they may be," he said, "and become so ‘converted to the Lord’ that the stain of sin and the desire for sin are taken from our hearts and we never will fall away."

Thousands gathered at Temple Square and Church headquarters for this second session of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 194th Semiannual General Conference. This marked a return to near capacity attendance in the Conference Center since restrictions due to COVID-19.

Church President Russell M. Nelson, who turned 100 on September 9, was present at this session. Elder Gerrit W. Gong conducted it, with remarks also delivered by Elder Ulisses Soares and Elder Patrick Kearon.

"To irrevocably and unquestioningly make the Lord’s will our own requires majestic and heroic discipleship," stated Elder Soares. Meanwhile, Elder Kearon emphasized that Latter-day Saints belong to a "church of joy" because of peace and light experienced each Sabbath day.

Speeches were also given by Elder Jose A. Teixeira from the Presidency of the Seventy along with General Authority Seventies: Elder Juan Pablo Villar, Elder David L. Buckner, Elder D. Martin Goury, and Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante.

A children's choir from Northern Utah provided music under Leslie Walker's direction with Joseph Peeples and Linda Margetts at the organ.

Elder Ciro Schmeil offered an invocation while Primary General President Susan H. Porter gave a benediction during this session.