Day One of 192nd Semi-annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SALT LAKE CITY — Tens of thousands gathered in downtown Salt Lake City Saturday for the 192nd Semi-annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Each of the three sessions Saturday had a different choir: the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in the morning, a choir of missionaries sang in the afternoon, and the evening’s music was provided by a children and youth choir from South Jordan.

The evening session, previously alternating between a priesthood session for men and boys and a women’s session for women and girls, was for all members to attend.

The Saturday evening session in April 2022 was for women and girls, while the evening session in October 2021 was for all members.

History was made in the morning session as Sister Tracy Y. Browning became the first Black woman to speak in General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Her message encouraged Latter-day Saints to improve their spiritual vision.

“When we fix our sight on Jesus Christ, we recognize, and we understand that he is the only source and way to receive forgiveness and redemption, even unto eternal life and exaltation,” Sister Browning said.

Sister Tracy Y. Browning becomes first Black woman to give conference talk

In April, Sister Browning was sustained as the second counselor in the Primary general presidency. She is the first Black woman to serve in a general presidency.

Within the same session, a redesigned youth standards book was announced.

The new “For the Strength of Youth” booklet is already available online in 50 languages, and printed copies were being handed out Saturday.

Saturday morning, President Russell M. Nelson sat on a raised chair to deliver his five-minute address.

Afterward, on social media, the 98-year-old discussed his age, saying he doesn’t feel old but that a small adjustment, like using a chair, is helpful to those who “age on stage.”

President Nelson’s social media post ended by saying that while he may not ski black diamond runs anymore, he’s delighted to speak, whether standing or sitting.

What a marvelous first session of general conference we have had! I felt spiritually renewed as I listened to those who spoke. They were absolutely inspiring, and I am certain the next four sessions will be equally wonderful. pic.twitter.com/Nq6m2B24AS

— Russell M. Nelson (@NelsonRussellM) October 1, 2022

During his address, President Nelson strongly denounced the abuse of any kind after a series of Associated Press articles questioning the church’s response to child sexual abuse was released.

He said abuse is a grievous sin and that, as President of the Church, he affirms the teachings of Jesus Christ on the issue.

“Let me be perfectly clear: any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the lord. He grieves, and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed. He mourns, and we all mourn, for each person who has fallen victim to abuse of any kind,” President Nelson said.

He grieves and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed. He mourns, and we all mourn, for each person who has fallen victim to abuse of any kind. Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man, but will also face the wrath of God.

— Russell M. Nelson (@NelsonRussellM) October 1, 2022

He went on to say that those who commit abuse are accountable to man’s laws and God’s wrath.

President Nelson said that for decades the church has taken extensive measures to protect children from abuse and urged people to be alert to anyone in danger and to act quickly to protect them.