First Presidency
The 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be held on Saturday and Sunday. The conference will include a morning session at 12 p.m. and an afternoon session at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on both Saturday and Sunday – and a session for women and young women ages 11 and older on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
Due to the coronavirus, the event will be held virtually and broadcast from Salt Lake City to some 16 million Latter-day Saints in more than 50 nations, including those in the greater Chattanooga area. All, no matter religious affiliation, are invited to watch or listen. Officials emphasize that the messages, or sermons, are for the whole world. “As the world grapples with a global pandemic, economic hardship, social issues, political turmoil, and uncertainty, The First Presidency, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities and General Officers of the Church will focus on the Savior’s messages of love, understanding, acceptance, hope, connection, and inclusion.”
About the Savior, President Russell M. Nelson states, “During trying times, few things are as reassuring and comforting as truth. Amid the gloomy darkness of a troubled world, the light of Jesus Christ shines ever brighter. He can speak truth to our hearts and minds as we seek Him and learn to hear Him.”
This year, the Church is marking 200 years since the First Vision, when God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to 14-year old Joseph Smith in answer to his prayer. Joseph’s prayer ushered in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Six months ago, President Nelson introduced a proclamation to the world in honor of the anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. As officials state, the proclamation “invites people everywhere to know for themselves that God speaks and that this Restoration of truth is occurring to help them prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.” A copy of the proclamation may be accessed at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-restoration-of-the-fulness-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ/a-bicentennial-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng.
The Church states, “Joseph’s prayer can be a pattern for the world…General conferences are among the ways we try to hear God speak.” Regarding October General Conference, “We believe God will speak truth in unique ways to each person who watches and listens, Latter-day Saint or not.” Local officials of the Church invite everyone to participate