LIVE BLOG: Saturday April 2020 General Conference

SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time ever, the April 2020 General Conference sessions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were held virtually due to coronavirus concerns. Officials gathered in a small auditorium on the grounds of Temple Square to address Church members all over the world. Musical numbers were pre-recorded and sung by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

#GeneralConference begins today at 10 a.m. MDT. Join us via live stream on https://t.co/A4DbES4c4N. #HearHim pic.twitter.com/iIPvyMdDnc

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 4, 2020

No crowds outside the Conference Center this morning in Salt Lake City.

You can watch the 190th Annual #GeneralConference for @Ch_JesusChrist on #KSLTV pic.twitter.com/tFofKMpiRP

— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) April 4, 2020

Memorable in so many ways. #SocialDistancing #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/NbtvH5fnEW

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

Saturday Morning

President Russell M. Nelson addressed Church members first during the Saturday morning session. He said he was speaking in front of a visible congregation of fewer than 10 people. He addressed how the coronavirus has affected the way people do things all over the world, including how Church members attend their weekly services, serve missions, and conduct temple work.

For those who do not know, the auditorium being used is the main floor auditorium in the Church Office Building tower east of the Salt Lake Temple. The auditorium is behind the wall that holds the massive mural of Christ and his apostles. #GeneralConference #latterdaysaints pic.twitter.com/BnSt9EcjNv

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) April 4, 2020

What a difference six months makes… “Little did I know, when I promised… that this #GeneralConference would be memorable and unforgettable…” @NelsonRussellM. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/GkTE8kE3Aa

— Garna Mejia (@GarnaMejiaKSL) April 4, 2020

“We pray that this conference will be memorable and unforgettable because of the messages you will hear, the unique announcements which will be made, and the experiences in which you will be invited to participate,” he said.

The President announced that at the conclusion of the Sunday morning session of General Conference, Church members would participate in a worldwide solemn assembly where he would lead everyone in a sacred Hosanna shout. The unified moment was to express”our gratitude to God the Father and His Beloved Son” in global unison.

President @NelsonRussellM of @Ch_JesusChrist announced there will be a worldwide Hosanna shout at the conclusion of the Sunday morning session of General Conference to express "global unison and gratitude" for God and His Beloved Son. pic.twitter.com/Or1C5kYNd1

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) April 4, 2020

President @NelsonRussellM announced a worldwide solemn assembly and sacred Hosanna Shout to take place during the Sunday morning session of #GeneralConference. https://t.co/sU3dCTIWZ3

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 4, 2020

He concluded his message by saying, “I know that God is mindful of us.”

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke next, followed by Elder James R. Rasband of the Quorum of the Seventy and Primary General President Joy D. Jones.

“As we listen to the Spirit during this 200th anniversary celebration this weekend, consider what offering you will present to the Lord in righteousness in the coming days. Be courageous.” @BallardMRussell #GeneralConference #HearHim pic.twitter.com/MrwJZrCqVQ

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 4, 2020

“I have often wondered why Joseph and Hyrum and their families had to suffer so much. It may be that they came to know God through their suffering in ways that could not have happened without it,” said President Ballard.

“Accountability for sin depends on the light we have been given and hinges on our ability to exercise our agency. We know this healing and comforting truth only because of the Book of Mormon and other Restoration scripture.” #ElderJamesRasband | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/z9LolFvYIM

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

“Although the Savior has power to mend what we cannot fix, He commands us to do all we can to make restitution as part of our repentance,” said Elder Rasband.

“Heeding personal revelation leads to personal progression. We listen and act.” —Sister Joy D. Jones #GeneralConference #HearHim pic.twitter.com/KQmcLZlZno

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 4, 2020

“Women wear many hats, but it is impossible, and unnecessary, to wear them all at once. The Spirit helps us determine which work to focus on today,” Sister Jones added.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed Church members after they joined the choir in a musical number. Brother Douglas D. Holmes, First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, followed his address.

“These spiritually defining moments come at different times and in different ways, individualized for each of us.” #ElderAnderson | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/eEUE64o2GY

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

“Embrace your sacred memories. Believe them. Write them down. Share them with your family. Trust that they come to you from your Heavenly Father and His
Beloved Son.” #ElderAnderson | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/aV3RH3LKMA

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

“I promise, as we focus on these principles — relationships, revelation, agency, repentance and sacrifice — the gospel of Jesus Christ will sink deeper in all our hearts,” said Brother Holmes.

“Goals are simply a tool that help us connect with heaven through revelation, agency and repentance — to come unto Christ and receive His gospel deeper in our hearts.” #BrotherHolmes | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/KbOcDrleXZ

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

President Henry B. Eyring was the last speaker during the Saturday morning session.

“[Joseph Smith] showed us that the prayer of faith is the key to revelation from God.” @EyringHB #GeneralConference #HearHim pic.twitter.com/umIGt83Clg

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 4, 2020

“When I pray with faith, I have the Savior as my advocate with the Father and I can feel that my prayer reaches heaven. Answers come. Blessings are received. There is peace and joy even in hard times,” said President Eyring.

Saturday Afternoon

President Dallin H. Oaks announced the calls of nine new General Authority Seventies and 57 Area Seventies at the beginning of the Saturday afternoon session. Also called was a new Young Men General Presidency, composed of President Steven J. Lund and counselors Ahmad Corbitt and Brad R. Wilcox.

Dozens of new General Authorities and a new Young Men General Presidency have been called in #GeneralConference. Read more about the new leaders from all over the world. https://t.co/AUfLaLQvBY

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 4, 2020

Church officials also released the 2019 statistical report. Six temples were dedicated and seven were rededicated during 2019, bringing the total number of temples in operation to 167.

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles then spoke about the process of translating the Book of Mormon.

“Following the First Vision, the miraculous coming forth of the Book of Mormon is the second fundamental milestone of the unfolding restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation.” #ElderSoares | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

“As we study the coming forth of this holy book of scripture in these latter days, we come to realize that the entire undertaking was miraculous – from the prophet Joseph receiving the gold plates from a holy angel to its translation by the “gift and power of God,” its preservation, and publication by the Hand of the Lord,” Elder Soares said.

“The coming forth of @thebookofmormon began long before Joseph Smith received the golden plates from the hands of the angel Moroni. Ancient prophets of old prophesied about this sacred book’s advent in our day.” @Ulisses__Soares #GeneralConference #HearHim pic.twitter.com/olbNvYiBDZ

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 4, 2020

Elder John A. McCune, a General Authority Seventy, followed. He spoke about finding joy through Christ in difficult or trying times.

“Even in our deepest trials, we can feel the warm embrace of [the Savior's] love as we trust Him and accept His will. We can experience the joy reserved for His faithful disciples, for Christ is joy.”#GeneralConference #ElderMcCune

— Church News (@the_churchnews) April 4, 2020

“We understand clearly that not every trial we face will have a result we wish for. However, as we remain focused on Christ, we will feel peace and see God’s miracles, whatever they may be, in His time and in His way,” Elder McCune said.

Bishop Gerald Causse of the Presiding Bishopric was the third speaker of the Saturday afternoon session. He spoke about the statue of the Christus at the Paris France Temple, saying the original Christus statue was sculpted in 1820 — the same year as the First Vision.

“The statue stands in stark contrast to most of the artistic renderings of that period, which largely portray the suffering Christ on the cross,” Bishop Causse said. “Thorvaldsen’s work presents the living Christ, who gained victory over death and, with open arms, invites all to come unto Him. Only the prints of the nails in His hands and feet and the wound in His side testify of the indescribable agony He endured to save all mankind.”

“Receiving the full blessings of the Savior’s Atonement is conditioned upon our diligence in living the doctrine of Christ.” #BishopCaussé | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/3Vel6cVBbz

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles then spoke, talking about the goodness and greatness of God and the gifts we receive from God during our earthly lives.

“…each of us has received gifts that we could not provide for ourselves, gifts from our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, including redemption through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ,” Elder Renlund said. “We have received life in this world; we will receive physical life in the hereafter, and eternal salvation and exaltation — if we choose it — all because of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Every time we use, benefit from, or even think of these gifts, we ought to consider the sacrifice, generosity and compassion of the givers. Reverence for the givers does more than just make us grateful. Reflecting on their gifts can and should transform us.”

“I invite you to remember each day the greatness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and what They have done for you.” @DaleGRenlund #GeneralConference #HearHim pic.twitter.com/IJmBntRRiD

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 4, 2020

“The Savior loves to restore what you cannot restore. He loves to heal wounds you cannot heal. He loves to fix what has been irreparably broken.” #ElderRenlund | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/GhuKHegkYx

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

The next speaker was Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai, General Authority Seventy. He spoke about the power of the Book of Mormon in being converted to Christ.

“The Savior has given us the Book of Mormon as a powerful tool to aid in conversion,” Elder Tai said. “The Book of Mormon provides spiritual nutrition, prescribes a plan of action, and connects us with the Holy Spirit. Written for us, it contains the word of God in plainness and tells us of our identity, purpose, and destiny. With the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and teaches how we can know truth and become like Him.

“By consistently applying the doctrine of Christ in our lives, we will overcome inertia that impedes change and fear that foils action.” #ElderTai | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/FYHEoUElHP

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was the final speaker of the Saturday afternoon session. He spoke of the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, its renovation and how its renew can inspire personal, spiritual renovations.

“As I contemplate the next four years of the life of this beautiful, noble, exalted, and awe-inspiring Salt Lake Temple, I envision it more as a time of renewal rather than a time of closure!” Elder Stevenson said. “In a similar way, we might ask ourselves, “How could this extensive renewal of the Salt Lake Temple inspire us to undergo our own spiritual — renewal, reconstruction, rebirth, revitalization, or restoration?”

“May we allow these improvements made to the Salt Lake Temple to move and inspire us as individuals and families so that we too, metaphorically, will be built in a manner that will endure the millenium.” #ElderStevenson | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/1S6zhGIhCP

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) April 4, 2020

Special Saturday Evening Session

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles opened the session.

"As began two hundred years ago this spring, light and revelation continue to come forth through the Lord’s living prophet and His Church called in His name—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." @GerritWGong #HearHim #GeneralConference

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 5, 2020

He was followed by two youth speakers from Provo, Utah.

Sister Laudy R. Kaouk, a young woman from the Slate Canyon 14^th Ward in the Provo Utah Stake, and Brother Enzo S. Petelo, a priest in the Meadow Wood Ward of the Provo Utah Edgemont Stake, spoke.

They were followed by Sister Jean B. Bingham, General President of the Relief Society.

“When women and men work together, we accomplish a great deal more than we do working separately. Our roles are complementary rather than competitive.” —Sister Jean B. Bingham #GeneralConference #HearHim pic.twitter.com/cj2JuqZgc1

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 5, 2020

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency then spoke about the priesthood and its relationship to members of the Church.

“The priesthood is a divine power and authority held in trust to be used for God’s work for the benefit of all of His children.” @OaksDallinH #GeneralConference #HearHim pic.twitter.com/wq3Y5qpEJp

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 5, 2020

President Russell M. Nelson concluded the special session, speaking about the First Vision, the Restoration of the Church and the Church’s name.

He announced a new symbol that will be used for official Church news and events and called for a second global fast for relief from the COVID-19 pandemic.

President @NelsonRussellM has introduced a symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “that will signify the central place of JesusChrist in His Church.” #HearHim #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/SlbrWnIhn1

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) April 5, 2020