LDS Church members sustain President Nelson in Solemn Assembly

SALT LAKE CITY — Solemn assemblies are rare in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but occur each time a new Church President is sustained for the first time.

An emotional moment for President Nelson during this morning’s session as President Henry B. Eyring pronounced, “It is proposed that the First Presidency sustain Russell Marion Nelson as prophet, seer and revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

With separate voting from the First Presidency, to the Quorum of the Twelve, to priesthood holders, the Relief Society, Young Women and the entire church membership, President Nelson was overcome with emotion at times as he was sustained.

Two apostles spoke specifically of the support the Church now pledges to him.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson said, “He has been profoundly prepared and tutored by the Lord to lead us at this time. It is a great blessing to now have dear President Nelson as our loving and devoted Prophet, the 17th President of the Church.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen added, “Why are we so willing to follow the voice of the prophet? For those who seek eternal life, the prophet’s voice brings spiritual safety in very turbulent times.”

Following the session, an energetic President Nelson, who is 93 years old, briskly exited the conference center, briefly stopping to wave to those in the auditorium.

One attendee noted about President Nelson, “I am seeing him being really healthy, it inspires me to want to be like that when I get older, I really hope to be.”

For those able to attend the solemn assembly in person, they say it was a memorable experience.

Madi Johansen said, “I just felt this overwhelming feeling of love and peace and I know that those men are qualified by God to do what they do.”

President Nelson did not speak at the earlier two sessions but we do expect to hear from him tonight in the priesthood session.