Latter-day Saints gathered in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City and across the globe to participate in the Saturday morning session of the 185th Semiannual General Conference on Oct. 3.
"We welcome you to the 185th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," said President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency. "As we open this session of conference we note the passing of President Boyd K. Packer, Elder L. Tom Perry and, most recently, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We miss them. Each of these brethren gave his all in the service of the Lord and is undoubtedly engaged in this work on the other side of the veil. We express our love and heartfelt condolences to the Packer, Perry and Scott families. You are in our prayers."
President Eyring conducted the session, during which President Thomas S. Monson presided. Prayers were offered by Sister Mary R. Durham of the Primary general presidency, and Elder Adrian Ochoa of the Seventy. Music was provided by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
During his remarks, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, asked Latter-day Saints across the globe to “focus on ‘the simplicity that is in Christ’ (2 Corinthians 11:3) and allow His grace to lift and carry us during our journey from where we are now to our glorious destiny in our Father’s presence. As we do so, and someone will ask us, ‘How is being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints working for you?’ We will be able to say with pride and with great joy, 'It works wonderfully! Thank you for asking! Would you like to know more?'”
During his address, President Uchtdorf confirmed Church members will sustain three new apostles during General Conference.
"During this conference weekend, we will be privileged to sustain three who have been called by the Lord to take their place among the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles," President Uchtdorf said.
The new members of the Twelve will be the 98th, 99th and 100th apostles of the Restoration, and their appointment to the apostleship will mark the first time since 1906 that three apostles have been called at one time.
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