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

‘Because of Jesus Christ, we can repent and be forgiven of our sins,’ says President Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ — believing in Him, becoming like Him and coming unto Him — was the overarching theme of the final session of the April 2023 general conference

President Russell M. Nelson said Easter Sunday is the most important religious observance for followers of Jesus Christ. “Because of Jesus Christ, we can repent and be forgiven of our sins. Because of Him, each of us will be resurrected.”

He also announced 15 new temples, to be built in the following locations:

  • Retalhuleu, Guatemala
  • Iquitos, Peru
  • Teresina, Brazil
  • Natal, Brazil
  • Tuguegarao City, Philippines
  • Iloilo, Philippines
  • Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Hamburg, Germany
  • Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
  • San Jose, California
  • Bakersfield, California
  • Springfield, Missouri
  • Winchester, Virginia
  • Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, said most of the scriptures reporting Jesus’ mortal ministries are descriptions of what He did. “My message today consists of a selection of the words of our Savior — what He said,” 

In his remarks, President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke about the things that matter most: relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, relationships with family and friends, following the promptings of the Spirit and serving the Lord.

“I invite you to bear your testimony of Jesus Christ more often,” President Ballard said.

And Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said Jesus Christ invites all to abide in Him. This means taking upon one’s self His yoke through covenants and ordinances, strengthening one’s covenant bond with the Father and the Son, feasting upon the words of Christ, preparing to participate in the sacrament and serving God’s children. 

“We abide in Christ as we are firm and steadfast in our devotion to the Redeemer and His holy purposes, in times both good and bad,” Elder Bednar said.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Vern P. Stanfill, Elder W. Mark Bassett and Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt also spoke.

The session was conducted by President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, and prayers were given by Elder John A. McCune and Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, General Authority Seventies. Music was provided by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square under the direction of Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, with Brian Mathias at the organ.

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April 2023 general conference: Announcements, talk summaries and session highlights
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