Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered by the thousands in the Conference Center and by the hundreds of thousands across the world via radio, television and Internet for the first two general sessions of the church's 173rd Semiannual General Conference on Saturday.
But church leaders, while wondering at the advanced technology used to deliver their message, also repeatedly and strongly warned the faithful against that same technology's dark side.
"As I speak to you today, most members of the church, regardless of where you live, can hear me," said President Gordon B. Hinckley in his opening address. "It is a miracle. Who in the earlier days could have dreamed of this season of opportunity in which we live?"
The church has been criticized in some circles for its political advocacy in Utah, California and elsewhere regarding moral issues, including same-sex marriage, but Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve was unapologetic.
"Church leaders have the responsibility to speak out on moral issues and to counsel individuals and families," he said. "The family is the basic unit of society; it is the basic unit of eternity. Thus, when forces threaten the family, church leaders must respond."
Elder Ballard went on to condemn much of the current content of television, movies, music and the Internet, counseling members to avoid it and to actively work to eliminate it.
"The time has come when members of the church need to speak out and join with the many other concerned people in opposition to the offensive, destructive and mean-spirited media influence that is sweeping over the Earth," he said. He encouraged members to write to television producers and other purveyors of questionable content, saying "letters and e-mails have more effect that most people realize."
President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, who often addresses moral temptation, sounded a similar theme. He advised using the weapons of opponents of the church against them.
"If they throw the word 'diversity' at you, grab hold of it and say, 'I am already diverse and intend to stay diverse.' If the word is 'tolerance,' grab that one too, saying, 'I expect you to be tolerant of my lifestyle — obedience, integrity, abstinence, repentance.' If the word is 'choice,' tell them you choose good, old-fashioned morality. You choose to become a worthy husband or wife, a worthy parent."
As has become customary, protesters gathered outside the Conference Center. For the first time since the church built the Main Street Plaza between Temple Square and the church's administration block, however, they were kept off the property. At press time Saturday, no arrests had been made, Salt Lake City police Lt. John Cardona said.
"It was all shouting back and forth between protesters, but they are staying on the public sidewalk and not doing anything out of the ordinary to get our attention," said Cardona.
In an unusual move, one member of the Quorum of the Twelve was not scheduled to speak at any of the conference's five sessions. Elder David B. Haight, at 97 the oldest latter-day apostle ever, is in poor health and left the Conference Center shortly after the morning session began.
"Here's a grand old warrior," President Hinckley said after his own opening remarks. Motioning Elder Haight to the pulpit, he said, "Do you want to wave to these people?"
"Yes, I'm waving," Elder Haight responded, supporting himself on his cane with one hand and waving with the other.
Many speakers reminded their listeners of the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith and other events surrounding the restoration to Earth of what members believe is Christ's original church. The once-fledgling faith has grown to include more than 11 million members worldwide.
"Our people have passed through oppression and persecution," President Hinckley said. "They have suffered drivings and every imaginable evil. And out of all of that has come something which today is glorious to behold."
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve likened gaining a testimony to the gradual latter-day restoration of the gospel. He noted Joseph Smith received the First Vision in 1820, but it wasn't until 1836 that all priesthood keys and other restoration events had taken place.
"Some newly baptized members become discouraged about their wisdom and stature in the gospel — about what they do not know," he said. "They forget the obedient effort, gospel tutoring and spiritual maturation that were part of Joseph's early experiences. … Every major event of the restoration — the First Vision, the appearance of Moroni and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the priesthood and the appearance of Jesus Christ following the dedication of his temple — all were preceded by prayer."
Some people admire the church's stands on morality and behavior but can't bring themselves to believe miraculous events such as an angel appearing to Joseph Smith. President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, responded by quoting the faith's modern founder. "I don't blame anyone for not believing my history. If I had not experienced what I have, I would not believe it myself."
Nevertheless, President Faust said, "when you pick up a stick you pick up both ends. And so it is with the gospel. As members of the church we need to accept all of it. Even limited spiritual assurance of some of the aspects of the gospel is a blessing, and in time the other elements of which you are uncertain can come through faith and obedience."
The church's general priesthood meeting, for male members 12 and older, was held Saturday evening and also broadcast via satellite to church units in many parts of the world. The conference concludes with a morning and afternoon session today.
Feature on the choir
Watch "The Mormon Tabernacle Choir: An American Experience," a documentary by Eyewitness News religion specialist Carole Mikita, Sunday at noon.
