Sunday afternoon session: See photos and talk summaries of October 2023 general conference

During the Sunday afternoon session of the 193rd Semiannual General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson, the President of the Church, announced 20 new temples and spoke about what he has learned in nearly a century of living.

“I have learned that Heavenly Father’s plan for us is fabulous, that what we do in this life really matters, and that the Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s plan possible,” he said.

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He invited people to “think celestial” in everything that is happening today: “When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view — an eternal view.” 

When announcing the new temples, President Nelson explained that the Lord is directing the building of temples to help His children think celestial.

President Nelson spoke in a prerecorded message and participated remotely in conference as he recovers from a recent fall. 

Speaking about Jesus Christ as “the mark,” Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “As you come to Him, you will be rewarded with strength to face life’s challenges, courage to do what is right, and the ability to fulfill your mission in mortality.”

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a message on learning the gospel languages of warmth and reverence, service and sacrifice, and covenant belonging. 

“As we gather again each week to honor and rejoice in the Sabbath day, we can express our sacramental covenant commitment to Jesus Christ and each other through our Church callings, fellowship, sociality and service,” Elder Gong said.

Elder John C. Pingree, Elder Valeri V. Cordón, and Elder J. Kimo Esplin, each a General Authority Seventy, spoke about eternal truth, parental responsibility and temple covenants, respectively. 

Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier, who was named a General Authority Seventy in April, spoke about ministering to one another as fellow children of God. 

Music was provided by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, with directors Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, and organists Richard Elliott and Brian Mathias.

Prayers were given by Elder Michael A. Dunn, General Authority Seventy, and Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.