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President Dallin H. Oaks began the Saturday morning session of the October 2025 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by paying tribute to President Russell M. Nelson, who died on September 27.
“I love President Russell M. Nelson and have learned more about the gospel and gospel leadership from my long friendship and association with him than from any other leader I have personally known,” said President Oaks, who is the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “He is our model as a servant and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Speaking at the Conference Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, President Oaks noted that this was the first time in 75 years that a Church president had passed away just before general conference. He emphasized President Nelson’s appreciation for general conference: “We honor him by following the planned conference schedule he approved,” he said, adding that extended tributes would be reserved for President Nelson’s funeral on Tuesday, October 7.
Elder Henry B. Eyring conducted the session and explained that after President Nelson’s death, the First Presidency was dissolved, and both he and President Oaks resumed their roles in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles according to seniority. Elder Eyring also led the sustaining of General Authorities and General Officers, mentioning two new Area Seventies called during a leadership session on October 2.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf concluded the session by teaching about faith in Jesus Christ. “Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift, but receiving it is a conscious choice that requires a commitment of all our ‘might, mind and strength.’ It is a practice of every day, every hour,” he said. “It takes constant learning and determined commitment. Our faith, our loyalty to the Savior, becomes stronger as it is tested against the opposition we face here in mortality. It endures because we keep nourishing it, we keep actively applying it, and we never give up.”
Elder Gary E. Stevenson spoke about peacemaking as an attribute taught by Jesus Christ: “Peacemaking requires courage and compromise but does not require sacrifice of principle,” he said. “Peacemaking is to lead with an open heart, not a closed mind. It is to approach one another with extended hands, not clenched fists... It was taught by Jesus Christ Himself, both to those in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Peacemaking has since been taught by modern-day prophets from the earliest days of the Restoration even to this day.”
Sister Tracy Y. Browning addressed how music can help teach children about Jesus Christ: “And the most sacred songs testify of His infinite Atonement and the love that flows from that act of salvation,” she said. “These songs hold the power to stay with children for a lifetime, becoming part of their discipleship and a normal and natural way for them to testify of the Savior.”
Elder Ronald M. Barcellos encouraged turning hearts fully toward God: “The Savior taught that if our hearts are fully turned to Him, because of His atoning sacrifice, we can be blessed with the strength and spiritual gifts we need to overcome our mortal challenges, resist temptation, receive direction and understanding, and feel joy and peace in our lives,” he said.
Elder Brik V. Eyre discussed communicating with God: “When we are confronted with the challenges of mortality, or when we feel like anyone is trying to label us by our weaknesses, we need to stand strong in the knowledge of who we truly are,” he said. “We must seek validation vertically, not horizontally, and as we do, we too can boldly proclaim, ‘I am a child of God.’”
Elder Kelly R. Johnson spoke about reconciliation: “Reconciliation brings not only relief from feelings of guilt but also peace within ourselves and with others. It heals relationships, softens hearts and strengthens our discipleship, bringing increased confidence before God.”
Music during this session was provided by The Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square under directors Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy; organists Brian Mathias and Andrew Unsworth accompanied them.
