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At the closing session of the October 2025 general conference, President Dallin H. Oaks emphasized the importance of families and temples within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He stated, “The ordinances received [in temples] enable us to return as eternal families to the presence of our Heavenly Father.” President Oaks, who serves as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, noted that while the Church remains committed to providing temple ordinances worldwide, there will be a slowdown in announcing new temple constructions. “With the large number of temples now in the very earliest phases of planning and construction, it is appropriate that we slow down the announcement of new temples,” he said. This decision was made with approval from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
President Oaks also reflected on President Russell M. Nelson, who passed away on September 27, 2025. During his tenure, President Nelson announced plans for 200 new temples. “He loved to announce new temples at the conclusion of each general conference, and we all rejoiced with him,” Oaks said.
The remainder of President Oaks’ address focused on family as central to church doctrine. “The doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family,” he said. “We are a family Church.” He explained that both mortal life and gospel teachings are framed in terms of family relationships and eternal progression. He added, “Our Savior Jesus Christ is our ultimate role model. We will be blessed if we model our lives after His teachings and self-sacrifice. Following Christ and giving ourselves in service to one another is the best remedy for the selfishness and individualism that now seem to be so common.”
Elder Gary E. Stevenson conducted this session from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Elder David A. Bednar spoke about moral agency and accountability, stating that one purpose of mortality is to allow God’s children “the opportunity to act and become what the Lord invites us to become.” He described moral agency as “the divinely designed ‘power of independent action’ that empowers us as God’s children to become agents to act and not simply objects to be acted upon.” Elder Bednar said that those who have sought righteousness and kept covenants will find judgment day pleasing.
Elder Dale G. Renlund discussed what it means to take upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ: “When we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we link our name with His,” he said. “We identify with Him. We gladly become known as Christians. We acknowledge the Savior and unapologetically stand up to be counted as His.” He added that focusing on Christ helps individuals change for the better and seek to develop Christlike attributes.
Elder B. Corey Cuvelier spoke about discipleship, noting that meaningful sermons are often seen in daily acts rather than heard in words: “Our identity isn’t defined by the world,” he said. “But our discipleship is defined by the ordinances we receive, the covenants we keep, and the love we show to God and neighbor by simply doing good.”
Elder Matthew S. Holland recounted the story of Jonah and taught that everyone has access to divine help through Jesus Christ: “This awe-inspiring mercy comes in and through Jesus Christ,” he said. He encouraged listeners to turn to Christ for healing and relief from personal struggles.
Elder Carlos A. Godoy shared experiences from Africa, highlighting how church members find joy despite challenges: “They find joy despite their challenges,” he said. “They have learned that our relationship with the Savior enables us to approach difficulties with smiling faces and grateful hearts.”
Elder John D. Amos spoke about finding happiness through living gospel principles: “The simple secret for happy living is to just follow God’s recipe as detailed in the scriptures. I call it the ‘Good News Recipe.’” He concluded, “The answer is always Jesus Christ.”
Elder Ozani Farias testified about the power of the Book of Mormon in deepening faith in Jesus Christ and answering personal questions: “I invite you to feast upon the words of Christ,” he said, “and they will open the door to revelation and show you what you need to do in the various circumstances of your life to draw closer to Him.”
Music during the session was provided by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square under Mack Wilberg’s direction, with Andrew Unsworth and Richard Elliot as organists. Prayers were offered by Brother Sean R. Dixon and Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson.
The session included summaries from each speaker, reflecting a range of messages centered on faith, family, agency, discipleship, and seeking guidance through scripture and service.
