Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and her counselors, Sister Tamara W. Runia and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, discussed the third chapter of the “For the Strength of Youth” guide, titled “Love God, love your neighbor,” in a video posted to the Young Women Worldwide Instagram account on Tuesday, May 6.

The chapter outlines eternal truths, invitations and promised blessings. Sister Runia began the discussion by explaining how love is at the heart of God’s commandments.

“When we feel love from God, it causes us to have love for God. So this relationship, this charity is something special, something unique, and the byproduct of this charity, this relationship with God, is it causes us to turn sideways and love like Him,” she said. “First we go up and then we go out. And I think that’s what this section is all about — loving God and then loving our neighbors.”

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President Freeman encouraged those watching to recognize God’s love for them first and build a relationship with Him through praying and reading the scriptures.

“Every commandment, be thinking to yourself, how does this commandment show God’s love for me, and how does the keeping of this commandment show my love for God?” President Freeman said.

The two great commandments, as found in Matthew 22:36-40, are to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” and “love thy neighbour as thyself.”

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The guide explains that the word neighbor means everyone, saying: “All people are your brothers and sisters.”

Sister Spannaus taught from the guide that when people serve their brothers and sisters — God’s children — they are serving Him.

“Sometimes we want to do something for God because we love Him so much,” Sister Spannaus said. “We start thinking, ‘How can I do something to show God that I love Him? God is not here with me.’ But there is a possibility — it’s to serve others.”

Mosiah 2:17 says, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.” In this way, people can be agents — they can act and do something, Sister Spannaus said.

The "For the Strength of Youth" guide promises that when people express their love through Christlike service, their relationships with others will deepen and they will find joy in making the world a more loving place.

Sister Spannaus found joy when she made blankets for babies in need and enlisted the help of family and friends. Sister Runia found joy on a trip to the Netherlands when she learned a few Dutch phrases to greet people she saw along her way.

President Freeman said on a recent rainy day, she had been feeling melancholy. She acknowledged that there are times when people feel that they are not enough or not doing enough. They might just need a reminder that God sees them and knows them.

She turned to the chapter’s questions and answers section on page 13 and read the first one: “How can I feel God’s love?”

The answer in the guide says, “Heavenly Father’s love is always available. Talk to Him often through prayer. Share your feelings with Him, and listen for impressions from Him. Read His words in the scriptures. Think about all that He has done for you. Spend time in places and activities where His Spirit is present.”

President Freeman explained how powerful it can be to listen for impressions and watch for God’s hand in her life.

“You may have been praying for something big for days or weeks — or some of us for years — and those are the times when maybe we do question, ‘If God really loved me, He would have sent me an answer,’” President Freeman said. “One of the things that I have learned to do when I’m waiting for that big answer is to watch for the little answers — those little things along the way. … Maybe those times when we don’t see His hand necessarily, we can look for His fingerprint.”

A gratitude journal is also helpful, Sister Spannaus added. She pointed out that youth can go to the JustServe website or app to find ways to serve other people because service is a wonderful antidote to sadness.

Sister Runia said words can be “our super power. … By our words we can change the way we feel or the warmth in a home.”

President Freeman invited young women to ponder the chapter on loving God and loving their neighbor and think about one thing they could try this week, whether it’s praying more or being in the scriptures or working on loving someone in their home or serving a friend. In these ways, their relationship with God and others will deepen.

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In a live video Tuesday, March 3, on the Young Women Worldwide Instagram and Facebook accounts, President Freeman and her counselors, Sister Tamara W. Runia and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, continued the presidency’s ongoing discussion of chapters in the guide. This time, they talked about what they learned from chapter five, titled “Your body is sacred.”

President Freeman said the guide, scriptures and inspired teachings can help people know how to take care of their bodies.

“There are people who are a little ahead of us, there are scriptures, there are helps like this that are going to help us know how we take care of this sacred and precious gift and be able to have all that God has in store for us,” she said.

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President Freeman invited young women to discuss these chapters with their presidencies and classes and learn from each other.

President Freeman discussed the word “virtue” with her counselors. She shared the story from Mark 5 of the woman with the issue of blood. She knew if she could touch Jesus’ clothes, she would be made whole. After she did so, verse 30 says that Jesus knew “that virtue had gone out of him.” The footnote on the word explains that virtue means power and strength.”

Meanwhile, Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 says “let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly” and then “shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God,” along with other promises.

President Freeman said youth may see people all around them making choices regarding their bodies that might be different than their choices. But as they remember that their body is sacred, there is virtue, power and strength that come, and “it becomes part of who we are.”

Sister Runia said these words from the chapter “jumped off the page” for her: “Your body is an amazing gift from your Heavenly Father. Having a body gives you increased power to exercise your freedom to choose.”

Her husband, Brother Scott Runia, once had the opportunity to drive a race car at an official track. Before he got into the car, he was given training about how to handle the turns at high speeds. But then it started to rain, and he was taken off the track for more training and told that now he would have to slow down.

“But he thought, ‘You know what, I’m going to be just fine,’” Sister Runia said. “So they got back in the car and sure enough, I think on the second lap, he started to spin out. He said it was the scariest feeling because he just felt out of control.”

He learned about the power he had been given and how to navigate and choose carefully, she said.

Sister Spannaus said this chapter in the “For the Strength of Youth” guide has the beautiful teaching that the soul is made up of the body and the spirit.

“I love that because it says ‘for this reason, physical health and spiritual health are closely connected,’” she said. “So when we take care of our physical body, it will affect our spiritual body” and vice versa.

She pointed out some of the teachings from the Word of Wisdom in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Blessings are given to those who keep the Word of Wisdom and take care of their bodies “and, of course, our spirits,” she said.

The presidency also discussed the section of this chapter in the guide that explains how “caring for your body includes caring for your mental and emotional health.”

The chapter goes on to say that reaching out for help from a parent, a leader, doctor or professional counselor can be a blessing from a loving Heavenly Father.

Sister Runia said when physical, emotional or mental health struggles come, “sometimes it can dull or mute the connection with heaven. It doesn’t mean you are being punished for that or that God doesn’t love you. There is hope and help ahead, and I invite you to seek that help.”

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He and his first companion, Bob Charmbury, who Wolfe said was well over 80 years old at the time, were visiting a woman who was confined to her bed and who received few visitors.

“I remember that Bob spoke softly and gently as he stroked her frail hand,” Wolfe said.

After that, they went to see a woman who was struggling with major life challenges — but the visit was pleasant, “likely because Bob was a man who was one hundred percent without guile,” Wolfe remembered. It was apparent that the woman trusted him and was glad to have him in her home.

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Finally, they visited a woman whose husband was not friendly to the Church. But he was a “car guy” just like Charmbury, and the two chatted about cars.

“It was amazing to see how well Bob knew his families in our Saskatoon ward, and how good he was at taking care of their spiritual and physical needs,” Wolfe said.

This taught Wolfe about the sacred responsibility of home teaching assignments — now ministering assignments — in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Ministering has richly blessed my life. I have built life-long friendships and enjoyed getting to know my fellow Saints,” he said.

Wolfe, along with his current ministering companion, Don Wright, each wrote essays for the Church’s Canada Area website about their learnings and experiences with ministering. Wolfe’s is titled “The Lord and His children need mighty ministers” while Wright’s is called “Ministering Musings…’I Just Have to Go.’”

Wright wrote that one night, Wolfe could not go with him to a scheduled visit with one of their assigned families: “I suggested that I go alone. His response was, ‘No, I just have to go.’ We rescheduled.”

Growing up in a small town in Alberta, Wright saw that if one person was sad, they all were — and when someone celebrated, they all celebrated.

“Today we would call that ministering. It came naturally, and we all ministered to each other,” he said.

One young man in their stake with cerebral palsy needed crutches to walk. When they hiked, his friends carried him up and down the mountain.

“Ministering is about carrying others and never leaving anyone behind,” Wright said.

When the late President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about ministering in April 2018 general conference, he said, “Brothers and sisters, we have a heaven-sent opportunity as an entire Church to demonstrate ‘pure religion ... undefiled before God’ — ‘to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light’ and to ‘comfort those that stand in need of comfort.’"

Wright said he knows that “the essence of effective ministering is to actually be there.”

He also knows that the fruit of some efforts may not be seen right away. One young couple he ministered to in his ward included a husband who was not a member of the Church. Wright taught him about the gospel. The couple moved away, and years later the husband called to say he had been baptized, thanks to the profound impression those lessons had on his life.

“I believe that through baptism we become ministers by covenant,” Wright wrote. “Should we not then ‘cheerfully do all things that lie in our power’ (Doctrine and Covenants 123:17) to minister to all?”

Wolfe said some may believe that their assigned families are “just fine.” But in Wolfe’s experience, no one is completely “fine.”

“The need and requirement to minister transcends wealth and notions of ‘all is well in Zion,’” he wrote. “The families to whom you are assigned to minister need to know they can trust you about the challenges they are facing now or in the future.”

Section 21 of the General Handbook can help everyone better understand their role, he said.

“Hopefully we will seek out opportunities to minister the way Heavenly Father expects us to minister.”

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Missionaries in the California Oakland/San Francisco Mission are finding out that sacred music helps them teach the gospel.

Sister Maewyn Tindall said in the beginning of her mission, she felt nervous while teaching a lesson to a family — she wanted everyone to be able to participate, even the children.

She learned that the youngest child loved the song, “Gethsemane.” As she played the song, he sat reverently and sang along, looking at his parents and siblings.

“The Spirit came into that moment very quietly, but very strongly,” Sister Tindall said. “I felt so much peace and love as I heard the words of the chorus, ‘Gethsemane, Jesus loves me.’ I thought of how Jesus loves me and how He loves this family so much.”

Sister Emilia Rabe also talked about teaching a family whose children had a lot of energy. She found that singing Primary songs helped them.

“We taught them the song ‘Follow the Prophet’ as we taught them about the Restoration. When we came back three weeks later, the only thing they remembered was the song,” Sister Rabe said.

Elder Justin Lemus and Elder Tanner Robertson wrote about visiting a family of four. After they shared a message, they felt prompted to sing a Primary song.

“We sang ‘I am a Child of God,’ and they recognized it from when they used to go to church with their parents, over 12 years ago. Since then, they started attending church and are continuing to meet with us,” the elders wrote to the Church News.

Now, during every lesson, the elders sing Primary songs with the family, who has now set a date to be baptized.

These missionaries also received a social media referral and set up a lesson to meet them at the chapel that same week. A family of four arrived with two sons; the youngest, who is 4 years old, is blind and has autism. The elders wrote that after their lesson, the boy tried to play the piano, so they started singing the chorus of “Follow the Prophet.”

Two weeks later, when they met again, the family told the missionaries that their young son had been singing “Follow the Prophet” ever since that day.

“They attended church for the first time, and he loved the hymns we sang during sacrament meeting. The connection he made with music, specifically Primary songs, has helped their entire family come unto Christ, and we were able to witness the effect that music can have,” Elder Lemus and Elder Robertson wrote.

Primary songs have not only helped children learn more about the gospel, they have helped adults too.

Elder Kade Newman and Elder Joseph Robinson said one woman they were teaching in 2024 connected with the Primary songs in particular.

Elder Robinson said during teaching appointments, as they sang hymns together, they would pause to discuss the words. Then they sang many children’s songs at the woman’s baptism.

“Some of my most treasured memories from my mission came from those moments and the powerful, peaceful spirit I felt,” Elder Robinson said in an email to the Church News. “I’m grateful for her love for the Primary hymns, which in turn engendered a deeper love in my own heart for the simple, beautiful lessons they teach.”

Elder Newman said children’s hymns teach gospel principles in a way that can make sense to someone who is new to the restored gospel.

“It was a beautiful reminder that the gospel of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation are so simple that even a child can understand them,” he said.

Some of his favorites that he still sings to himself daily are “A Child’s Prayer,” “I Lived in Heaven” and “Faith.”

Sacred music teaches the gospel in a way that’s easy to understand, said Steve Schank, the Church’s Hymnbook Committee chair, in a Church News podcast episode last year.

And he said there is joy in singing. He hopes members find that joy and take to heart what the Lord said in Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 — “The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.”

The Lord will bless people as they use sacred music, Schank promised.

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He takes the place of Elder Clark G. Gilbert, who was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles last month.

As the commissioner, Elder Rasband will oversee the entire Church Educational System, which includes BYU, Ensign College, BYU-Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, BYU-Pathway Worldwide and Seminaries and Institutes.

Nearly 1 million students are enrolled under the umbrella of the Church Educational System with some 70,000 instructors across four universities and a global online presence in more than 180 countries.

The First Presidency made the announcement Wednesday in a letter to General Authorities and other Church leaders.

“Elder Rasband comes to this assignment with extensive academic experience, including an undergraduate degree from BYU and law degree from Harvard University, service as dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School, and as the Academic Vice President of Brigham Young University,” the First Presidency said.

Who is Elder James R. Rasband

Elder James R. Rasband, a General Authority Seventy, has been serving as assistant executive director of the Temple Department and served for three years as a counselor in the Asia North Area presidency.

He was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 6, 2019, at age 56. He served a full-time mission in the Korea Seoul Mission as a young man. First an attorney in Seattle, Washington, he later served as dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU and academic vice president of BYU.

He is married to Sister Mary Rasband and they have four children.

As academic vice president at BYU, Elder Rasband spoke about his lifelong pursuit of spiritual and intellectual truth. In his address, titled “Paired Aspirations,” he speaks of combining faith and intellect, experience and theory, and unity and diversity to build a better experience and create a more effective education for students.

What is the Church Educational System

The Church Educational System operates in every country the Church is organized in, Elder Gilbert explained on the Church News podcast in February 2024.

“We all focus on becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, who can be leaders in their homes, the Church and their families. That’s the mission of the Church Educational System, and that unifies, no matter what we are doing, we are all aligned with that purpose.”

Each of the Church’s five institutions for higher education — BYU, Ensign College, BYU-Idaho, BYU–Hawaii and BYU-Pathway Worldwide — has a distinct role and strategy.

Seminaries and Institutes allow anyone — enrolled in a Church school or not — to involve the Lord in their learning.

The Church makes a huge investment into education. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said education is a core tenet of the Latter-day Saint faith when he spoke to the National Press Club in 2022.

“We give significant attention, energy and resources to educating our youth,” Elder Bednar said. “All secular and spiritual education fall under the umbrella of our Church Educational System.”

Part of the remarkable story of the Church Educational System today is that all members of the Church have a chance to be successful in school regardless of their station in life, previous academic experiences or their access to education, Elder Paul V. Johnson told the Church News prior to being released as Church commissioner of education in August 2021. “There are opportunities for everyone to be blessed by at least one of the institutions of CES.”

The Lord is using education in the great gathering of Israel happening in the Church today, Elder Gilbert said. “He is preparing the world for His return, and the Church Educational System is one of the many resources He will use in that effort.”

Previous commissioners

Besides Elder Gilbert and Elder Johnson (now the Sunday School general president), Elder Kim B. Clark, who served as president of BYU–Idaho from 2005 to 2015 and as a General Authority Seventy, served as the most recent commissioners. The late President Jeffrey R. Holland, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, also served as commissioners for many years.

Below is the list of commissioners, according to the Church Educational System.

Karl G. Maeser, Superintendent, 1888–1901

Joseph M. Tanner, Superintendent, 1901–1906

Horace H. Cummings, Superintendent, 1906–1920

David O. McKay, Commissioner, 1920–1921 

John A. Widtsoe, Commissioner, 1921–1924

Adam S. Bennion, Superintendent, 1924–1928

Joseph F. Merrill, Commissioner, 1928–1933

John A. Widtsoe, Commissioner, 1934–1936

Franklin L. West, Commissioner, 1936–1953

Ernest L. Wilkinson, Administrator, 1953–1965

Harvey L. Taylor, Administrator of Church Schools, 1965–1970

Neal A. Maxwell, Commissioner, 1970–1976

Jeffrey R. Holland, Commissioner, 1976–1980

Henry B. Eyring, Commissioner, 1980–1986

J. Elliot Cameron, Commissioner, 1986–1989

Henry B. Eyring, Commissioner, 1992–2004

W. Rolfe Kerr, Commissioner, 2005–2008

Paul V. Johnson, Commissioner, 2008–2015

Kim B. Clark, Commissioner, 2015-2019

Paul V. Johnson, Commissioner, 2019-2021

Clark G. Gilbert, Commissioner, 2021-2026

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Primary General President Susan H. Porter expressed her gratitude to each person throughout the world who serves and teaches children, in a social media post on Dec. 23, 2025.

“You may think, day after day, that your contribution as a teacher, as a music leader, as a member of the Primary presidency isn’t noticed and isn’t appreciated. But you are having an eternal impact on the souls of those children you teach,” President Porter said. “They are sent from Heavenly Father, pure and innocent. Your testimonies, through song and through word, can deepen their love for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and impact their entire lives.”

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Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, had this invitation for parents:

“Our sacred responsibility is to create a sanctuary in our homes, a refuge from the storms of life. We do this as we actively and diligently fill our children’s hearts and minds with so much light, truth and goodness that there is simply no room for the darkness of the world,” she told the Church News.

She pointed to the counsel in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Below are examples of resources and ideas for parents and Primary teachers to use in 2026.

‘Come, Follow Me’ and the Old Testament

Parents and Primary teachers can draw on material in the “Come, Follow Me” manual to study the Old Testament. The lessons have ideas for teaching children at home and at church, including a full-page picture and an activity with each lesson.

Appendices at the back of the manual contain material that can be used at home and church. For instance, parents can refer to “Appendix A: For Parents — Preparing Your Children for a Lifetime on God’s Covenant Path." And in months that have a fifth Sunday, Primary teachers can teach from “Appendix B: For Primary — Preparing Children for a Lifetime on God’s Covenant Path.” Appendix C has instructions for singing time and the sacrament meeting presentation.

Additional resources for teaching children — such as games, stories and activities — can be found under “Come, Follow Me” in the Gospel Library.

Printed copies of “Old Testament Stories” have been or will be sent to ward leaders for distribution to families with Primary-aged children. This collection of illustrated scripture stories will also be accessible digitally in Gospel Library and on the Gospel for Kids YouTube channel.

Social media accounts

Parents and Primary leaders and teachers can follow Primary Worldwide on Facebook and Instagram and the Friend magazine on Facebook and Instagram. These accounts include:

• Helpful ideas and resources
• Tips for teaching the gospel
• Animated videos
• “Come, Follow Me” activities
• Uplifting content

Also, follow the Primary general presidency members through their Facebook and Instagram accounts to see their teachings and invitations.

Primary music

Parents can create playlists in the Gospel Library app with new and current Primary songs to listen to and sing at home. Primary music leaders can create and then share their playlists of songs children are learning in singing time on Sundays. Many songs also have lyric videos available and options for children to learn to play the songs.

Friend magazine

Starting in January, the Friend is highlighting Primary service activities with a special “Find It!” activity each month as well as an invitation for children to trace and send in a handprint telling how they served. The magazine will also feature an expanded “Come, Follow Me” section, now at the back of the magazine. Use the coloring pages and other activities for family night or Primary lessons.

Gospel for Kids YouTube channel

In 2026, the Gospel for Kids YouTube channel will offer weekly videos to help families’ “Come, Follow Me” study, including:

• All-new, short-and-sweet craft videos with a quick lesson and a perfect-for-kids craft
• Interactive videos kids will love engaging with
• Animated stories from the Friend magazine
• New sing-along videos
• Animated scripture stories from the Old Testament
• New additions of the Growing Faith series

Gospel for Kids app

In 2026, the Gospel for Kids app, which is a gospel learning app, will be adding:

• New illustrated scripture stories
• New coloring pages
• New sing-along songs
• New interactive games

Friend to Friend broadcasts

Two new Friend to Friend broadcasts will be available in 2026 for Primary-age children and their leaders, teachers and parents. Those videos are expected on May 24 and Sept. 14.

As with previous Friend to Friend events, these videos can be used at home or as a resource for a Primary activity or Sunday lesson to help children better understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Children’s resources web page

A new web page on ChurchofJesusChrist.org combines all these helps and resources and more. It is called "Teaching Children the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

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Parker currently plays for the NBA G League and broadcasts high school games. He has also played professionally in Europe, after starting for the University of Utah Utes and serving a full-time mission in the Alabama Birmingham Mission.

Through all this, Van Dyke’s advice to others is to be builders — both on a team and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He joins Church News reporter Mary Richards in the church meetinghouse gym where he grew up playing in Salt Lake City.

Listen to this episode of the Church News podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, bookshelf PLUS, YouTube or wherever you get podcasts.

Transcript:

Parker Van Dyke: Your identity as an athlete should be like fifth or sixth on your list. And so my advice to a lot of athletes is: Yeah, don’t lose sight of your true identity. And so, like President Russell M. Nelson brought up, disciple of Christ, child of God, child of the covenant. Those will lead and guide you to a fulfilled life, and it will enhance your life as an athlete. And so that’s one of my things that I’ve always strived to be, is I want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ first. If I strive to do that first, then the other things in my career will tend to fall in place.

0:35

Mary Richards: This is Mary Richards, reporter at the Church News. Welcome to the Church News podcast. Today, we are taking you on a journey of connection as we discuss news and events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Parker Van Dyke is a collegiate and professional basketball player, a broadcaster and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He grew up in Salt Lake City, and his career has taken him around the country and around the world. He joins me now on this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss his life and his faith.

Welcome, Parker, to the Church News podcast.

Parker Van Dyke: Thank you for having me on. It’s an honor to be here, an honor to be on the Church News podcast.

1:21

Mary Richards: So, we’re recording in a very familiar place to you. This is the gym, can I say, where it all began, really?

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah, this is my home ward building and the court where pretty much my whole basketball journey began. I spent so much time in this gym working on my game, and I don’t think anyone has taken more shots in this gym than me. And so it’s a humble gym, but it’s beautiful to me because, yeah, this is where I grew up coming and working on my skills. And it’s also a place where I grew up coming to church and rubbed shoulders with my neighborhood and my community and really was the foundation of my basketball, but the foundation of my testimony, as well, was in this building.

2:04

Mary Richards: I’ve met some of the members of your ward, and they all told me, “He is such a nice guy. I’m so excited you’re talking to him.” You have fans, not just of your basketball career but of you as a person, of your life. And that was really sweet to hear.

Parker Van Dyke: I’m glad you were able to meet some of them. I’m so grateful, as I look back on the people I was able to grow up around, the people I was able to rub shoulders with, is the best that the world has to offer, honestly. And they’re a big part of what I was able to accomplish in my basketball career and who I am today. And so I’m so grateful for all the leaders I had and all the people I grew up in this neighborhood with. And they’re a big part of my journey.

I like to call this church, this gym, this is one of my Waters of Mormon places, a place where it’s beautiful to me because it’s a place where I was able to come to the knowledge of my Redeemer. And so it’s special to be in here and do this interview.

3:00

Mary Richards: You’ve got two brothers and family that supported you all the time. They would drive you here to play basketball.

Parker Van Dyke: Of course, yeah. Yeah, as I was driving up here and as I’m in here now, I’m reminded of all these memories of me and my brothers getting in the car with my dad on January days like today, and we’d come to the gym and play. And some of the best moments of my life. And it wasn’t anything — it’s not like we were doing this, “Oh, we’re doing this to be great basketball players. We do this to be professionals one day.” We’re just doing it because we love doing it.

And so, my family is also such a huge part of my journey. My parents were so supportive and laid the ground for me to be great. And then my brothers as well. My older brother, especially, he was the one that had the initial drive that I kind of followed. And it all started in this gym.

3:50

Mary Richards: That’s so amazing. We’re not far from the University of Utah. You grew up watching them and that basketball program, and then you joined it. What was it like to start for the Utes? You were a childhood fan, and then you started for them.

Parker Van Dyke: A dream come true, honestly. Growing up, going to the Huntsman Center — and again, it was such a big component of my family. And so, going with my grandparents and going with my aunts and uncles and cousins and all of that stuff, it was something that was a part of our family. It was something that we did.

And as a kid, you always envision yourself on the court. And I never really thought it would be a reality. But then once it was, it was, yeah, a dream coming true. I remember, I have memories of my first time running out of the locker room and hearing the Utah fight song and playing on the court. To be the local kid and to wear “Utah” across my chest was something that was, yeah, a dream come true in every sense of the word and something I’m still so grateful for.

4:47

Mary Richards: And we would watch you play. I went to BYU, but my husband went to the University of Utah. And so we’ve had basketball season tickets and gone to the Huntsman Center. And it was always so cool to see you, knowing, “He’s from Salt Lake City. He’s right — he grew up in these neighborhoods.” And we were at a game where you had seven three-pointers. That was so exciting.

What kind of memories do you have of playing? Is that one of your key memories?

5:08

Parker Van Dyke: That’s a key memory for sure. That was against University of Arizona, who’s obviously one of the top programs in the country, and a huge win for my team that year. It was the only time I actually beat Arizona, so that was a special, special moment.

And there are so many. I can go through so many games. I will say one very special moment in the Huntsman Center that stands out is actually my last game there. Like you’ve mentioned, being the local kid and being so close to the university my whole life, my senior night, I pretty much had my whole family, extended family, friends from high school and all of that, pretty much everyone in the Huntsman Center for my final game there.

And so, those are some of my cherished memories. After the game, we beat UCLA, and then we’re all on the court afterwards taking pictures and kind of soaking it all in. And it was one of those moments that once again confirmed to me that that was the place for me. That was the place for me to go and play. Man, it’s blessed my life in so many ways, even beyond basketball.

6:09

Mary Richards: And you had a time where you went on a full-time mission. So you were playing, and then you served, and then you came back.

Talk a little bit about your mission.

Parker Van Dyke: I loved my mission so much. I served in the Alabama Birmingham Mission. And for me, it only helped me in my basketball career. As I played my freshman year, like you mentioned, I left for two years. And on those two years, I really developed in every aspect of life, physically, spiritually, all of that. So I came back a much better leader. I came back much more confident, much more secure, a much greater perspective on life.

And ultimately, as I look back on my mission, there’s so many lessons that I gained and so many special experiences. And Alabama is so special to me, similar to this gym. There’s places there where that’s where I truly learned the gospel and grew a relationship with my Savior. And as I look back, I’m so grateful for the people. I think as more time goes on, that’s what I’m most grateful for, is the relations I’ve created on my mission, whether that was my companions, the other missionaries I served with, my mission president and his wife, the members, the people I was able to teach. Some of my closest and best relationships are from those moments.

And so, if there’s anyone watching this who is deciding whether to go as they’re an athlete, it’s such a beautiful thing. And to me, it only enhanced my athletic career because it made me such a better person, and it gave me the tools, from a gospel standpoint, to be a very successful athlete.

7:40

Mary Richards: Yes. It changed your life in so many ways. I think about how my son — who just returned — before he left, his grandparents told him: “Of course you’re going to try to spread the gospel, introduce others to the Church, but you’re also going for yourself. The only person, if you only convert one person on your mission, let it be you.” And he came back saying, “That was absolutely true. I’ve grown so much as a person.”

And my boys are athletes too. And it’s never been a question for them. But I love how you pointed out that for some, it could be a question. And they’re trying to think as they balance and look at their future. But our prophets and apostles have taught that serving a mission is so key. So I’m glad you had that experience.

And there were church gyms in Alabama, where you could do a little basketball.

8:22

Parker Van Dyke: Of course, which is great. It’s great to go stateside because there was an opportunity for me. I was able to play quite a bit of basketball and use basketball as a way to connect with people. I love in Matthew 5, we read, “Let your light so shine” that other men will — you’ll be able to glorify God through your works and through your talents.

And so I was able to use that as a tool to help the community come into the Church. You know, “Let’s learn the gospel, Let’s —” because there’s so many people out there. We take for granted our great community and culture, I think, we have in Utah. And a lot of it’s because of the gospel and the Church. And there’s people out in the world who are longing for something like that. And so to use basketball as a tool to help bring that to people was very special.

And another thing I think about as my mission, as I look back, we always talk about it as a sacrifice, like, “It’s this big sacrifice. I’m leaving things for two years.” As time goes on, you realize it’s an investment. “I’m investing two years of my life” because investment is I’m gaining way more than I’m giving up. And so that’s how I view it. I’ve gained so much from my mission. And so it’s been one of the best investments I have ever made.

9:26

Mary Richards: That makes me think about covenants in a different way. I love that, because I think about we covenant to sacrifice. But in this way, it’s this blessing where you’re getting those blessings back from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in those covenants you’ve made with Them.

I keep thinking, too, of the phrase from “The Family Proclamation,” “wholesome recreational activities.” Of course, that’s part of what we want our families to be, but that can be a part of a community focus as well.

I think my son played a lot of soccer in Bolivia and other sports where you’re meeting people, you’re talking to people.

9:57

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah, I think sports are one of the best, probably the best, worldly platform to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ. I really think so. You think of discipline and teamwork, and it’s kindness and compassion, things like that, working with your teammates, working out differences, things like that, trying to become unified through our differences. To me, that’s the gospel.

As I think about memories back on this court, I was kind of learning those attributes without even knowing that I was. And so I’m grateful for that aspect of sports that can bring people together and use it as a way to apply in a gospel-centered life.

10:39

Mary Richards: Yeah. I love that. I can imagine you and your dad or your brothers on this court, and he’s not saying, “Pause, we’re going to stop a moment and talk about this lesson.” It’s part of that, as you’re working together and playing and learning and practicing and building on your skills and everything.

I think too about spiritual self-reliance and building that. I love how you connected that with sports. That’s really cool.

11:03

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah, I think the older you get, you realize it’s all connected. It really is. And so, I think about on my mission or at times in this building, as I was working on my game in this gym, and then on Sundays I was going to Young Men’s and I was going to sacrament meeting and I was serving, things like that, they were all kind of interconnected.

And that’s just a beautiful thing that I’ve been able to realize through a talent that I’ve been blessed with. And, yeah, I’m forever grateful for that connection. I was forever grateful to be able to utilize that to help people come unto Christ while I was a missionary, too.

11:40

Mary Richards: I want to talk about after college, you then really had the opportunity to play around the U.S., but around the world, too. Talk about some of your years playing in Mexico and Europe and all of those things.

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah, when I finished my career at the University of Utah, I wanted to continue to play. And the beautiful thing about basketball is there’s plenty of opportunities. Even if you don’t make the NBA, there’s basketball leagues all over the world.

Got a great opportunity to play in Mexico, which was a great experience. It was cut short, unfortunately. COVID hit, which delayed some things in my life. And I learned a lot during that time because doors weren’t necessarily opening that I wanted to open and I felt like I deserved. But through continued patience and continued working, doors began to open.

So I was able to go to Europe. I started in Estonia, which was another rough experience because it was the middle of COVID. But then once again, that opened another door to go to Germany, and I was there for two years, which was an amazing experience. And then Spain after that.

And so, I look back at my time in Europe and, again, it’s these moments I’m so grateful for. They weren’t easy, but through faith and through persistence and kind of relying on God’s timing, there were opportunities that presented themselves. And sometimes that’s — there’s sometimes times when you are waiting for that door to open and you want to give up. But right before you’re about to give up, if you just keep going a little bit longer, something will open. And I learned a lot during that process.

13:09

Mary Richards: Faith and trust and perseverance. Yes, absolutely. And you probably met a lot of really amazing people too.

Parker Van Dyke: I did. Great, great people, people I still am connected with. And again, as time goes on, it’s the relationships I’m most grateful for. I remember great games and great moments, but it’s the teammates that you have, it’s the coaches you have.

The beautiful thing we take for granted, again, here in Utah is the organization of the Church, where I can go anywhere in the world, any of us, and there’s a church there, there’s a community there. And so, members of the Church that I met over there, these are people I’m still connected with, and they’ve just enhanced my life in so many ways.

And I’m so grateful, so grateful for that. It makes you want to keep doing things because you continue to build those relationships that help your life and help your faith.

13:58

Mary Richards: Yes. I love how you talk about meeting people all over the world. I’ve had the opportunity to travel on assignment for the Church News, and I love going into a building, seeing a picture of Christ that I recognize, opening the hymnbook and being like, “I know this hymn. These words are different, but I know this hymn,” and realizing we’re all in this.

It’s that unity, I guess, that you were talking about too.

14:19

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah, you can be in such a foreign place, so far from home, yet there is a place, yeah, you can be unified in there. And there’s always a place where you can go and feel familiar. And that was very important, especially when you are living abroad and alone, you can rely on that.

And I also think I’m grateful for those moments in my life as well, because it allowed me a chance to really rely on Heavenly Father as well and rely on these things that we talk about so often — relying on prayer, relying on gospel study, relying on church attendance, things like that — because those are things that really help you during those hard times, but they also enhance the good times as well. Those aren’t things we should do when life is bad. We should always — it’s a continual process.

And those experiences overseas kind of just reinstituted and reiterated all of the things that I learned on my mission and all the things I learned in this building growing up.

15:17

Mary Richards: Yeah. It’s who you’re becoming. You’re not siloed, like, “And then I sometimes do this and sometimes —” it’s who I am, and that sort of thing.

And now when you’re here back and not traveling and here in Salt Lake, you go to a YSA ward.

And what’s that like to meet and worship with those of your same age and situation?

15:35

Parker Van Dyke: It’s a great experience, and it’s inspiring, honestly, because you go to these wards, and you’re around people around your same age who are in the same phases of your life. We’re all just kind of trying to figure it out, that next step. We’re leaving school or we’re entering adulthood, and everyone’s just trying to kind of figure it out.

But it’s inspiring because everyone, even though things haven’t happened maybe that they have hoped for or they’ve wanted for — whether that’s professionally or relationshipwise — yet they’re still coming. They’re still pushing forward, and they’re still putting their faith in Christ. They still have hope for those better days to come. And so you can kind of lean on one another during this weird transitional phases of life.

And so that’s what I would think and say: I get inspired when I’m around my peers, because even though there might not be ideal situations, we’re going to keep coming, we’re going to keep serving, and we’re going to keep relying on God.

16:32

Mary Richards: You’re making me think of some previous podcast interviews we’ve been able to do. For example, with President D. Todd Christofferson. He talked to us about the strength of this generation, these young adults who are just so good. They’re trying their best, and they’ve got such strong testimonies. They’re filling institute buildings. They’re serving in callings. They’re going to these YSA conferences. Or maybe they’re in their family wards, and those kinds of things, I think, it’s just so impressive.

Now, as I move into a stage of my life where I’m parenting young single adults, I want to think: How can I encourage them, uplift them and keep them on this path?

17:12

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah. Well, I hope to be a part of that. President D. Todd Christofferson is probably my favorite. I love hearing him and love hearing his conference talks. I’m so grateful for the way I was brought up. And I think maybe some advice from a nonparent to a parent here, continuing allowing your kids and allowing those growing up the opportunities to be around gospel-centered things.

So, I used to think on my mission, there were times on my mission where I was like, “OK, I now understand why my parents taught me that.” In the moment, I didn’t quite understand it. But once I — so what I guess I’m trying to explain is no effort is wasted in invitation or in teaching because eventually, I think, it’ll click. And so I’m just grateful for all the opportunities the Church has provided for people around my age or in my same phase of life to be involved and to be engaged.

I also think it’s important to be a producer, not always a consumer. Sometimes we think to ourselves, “What can the Church do for me? What can God do for me?” And it helps to be like, “Well,” to turn that around a little bit, it’s like, “Well, what can I do for the Church? What can I do for God? How can I be a producer?” rather than just always thinking like, “OK, what can be done for me?” I think that changes your perspective on why it’s important to be engaged.

18:34

Mary Richards: Be a part of building the kingdom, really. Yes. I love that. I love that thought.

This idea of collegiate athletes today who are members of the Church, or who aren’t, this kind of idea maybe can translate to them too: “What are you doing to be a producer, to build the kingdom?”

But you’re not that far removed from college, but there’s a lot of differences now.

18:57

Parker Van Dyke: There’s a ton of differences. It seems to be a completely different world that I even played in. And a lot of it’s because of the NIL and the, I guess, the relevance and the prevalence of the transfer portal. So this idea of someone going to one school and being there for multiple years, it almost is nonexistent, which saddens me because that was something that was beautiful for me, was that I wanted to be a Ute, I wanted to play at the University of Utah, and so there was no going anywhere else, because having success there meant a lot to me. Now there’s other things.

And I do think it’s actually a great blessing that these athletes are able to gain through the financial support and through the NIL opportunities. I guess my advice to that is make sure money isn’t the only reason why you go somewhere. Try to look at the things beyond basketball. How are you going to fit in there? How are you going to fit in with the community, with the coach, things like that?

And so I think, just like in life in general, money can be a great thing and a thing that can enhance your life, but it just can’t be the utmost priority. Because no money or not, the same things to be successful need to be applied — great work ethic, great energy, great attitude, great skills, things like that, being coachable. Those things will never be replaced. Even though the game has changed, the way to be successful is still the same.

20:22

Mary Richards: They might want to be careful of the voices they’re listening to, then. Maybe somebody’s telling them, “Oh, because of XYZ, oh, let’s get you over here or over there.” But what is it in the end, like you said, “Are you coachable? Do you have those skills? Are you doing these things for the right reasons and really looking at all of that?”

20:40

Parker Van Dyke: I think value of a place to go to play in school can be quantified in other ways other than money. So if you’re in a place that you are valued, that you’re developing, that you’re playing well, that your team’s really good, It may be worth taking a little less money to stay there than risking going somewhere else for more money but that may not be the same situation.

Those are tough decisions to have, because as I look back at my recruiting process, I didn’t have a wrong decision in front of me. And I think these kids as well, I don’t think they have wrong decisions. I think it’s good, better, best. And that’s where I think, as Latter-day Saints, we can really rely on the gifts that we’ve been given, the gift of the Holy Ghost and reliance on prayer and God to make those decisions. And that’s something that would be my advice to those who are in similar positions as me or trying to make decisions between multiple good options and which one’s the best.

21:37

Mary Richards: It’s making me think, too, maybe a discussion about identity and remembering who you really are. And I think about President Russell M. Nelson teaching so beautifully about your first identity is a child of God.

If you wrap it up too much, maybe, in your being an athlete, could that be detrimental in some ways?

21:55

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah, I love that. That’s one of the first things that came to my mind when we were preparing for this, is your identity as an athlete should be like fifth or sixth on your list. And so my advice to a lot of athletes is: Yeah, don’t lose sight of your true identity. And so, like President Russell M. Nelson brought up, disciple of Christ, child of God, child of the covenant. Those are things, if those are your top priorities, those will lead and guide you to a fulfilled life, and it will enhance your life as an athlete.

And so that’s one of my things that I’ve always strived to be, is I want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ first. If I strive to do that first, then the other things in my career will tend to fall in place. And so I think if that is your driving force as your identity, then that will really benefit you as an athlete.

22:48

Mary Richards: I love how we began, because at first I thought, “Let’s talk about this gym and all the memories you have here.” But you expanded that to the memories in this building and the way you grew in the gospel. And so I thought that is so beautiful.

And plus, not everybody is going to be an athlete forever. You’ll always be an athlete, but that will ebb and flow, or there’ll be some changes in what’s happening in your life. And so there’s different times when maybe a chapter will close and a new chapter will open.

You’re still playing, but you’re also going into a lot more broadcasting, which I think is pretty exciting. Do you want to tell me about some of the things that are happening there for you in broadcasting?

23:26

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah, I’m taking some time off, I guess, playing basketball full time, I guess, right now. And so I’ve teamed up with a good friend of mine, and we’ve started broadcasting — something I’ve always been interested in; I did a little bit in college. And so we’ve started going around some of the top high school games here in the state of Utah and just doing full-on broadcasts of the games. And it’s been a really fun experience and another way to be a part of the game, but just in a different platform.

I think even when I’m done playing, the game will always be part of my life, and I still think there’s so much more for me to give to the game and, in that, give to the players behind me and try to help them achieve their goals and their dreams. And so I’ve been able to notice that these last couple months that we’ve been broadcasting games, is shining a light on the current players in the state and their talents and their abilities, and then also trying to lend some advice of like, “Hey, these are things that I did when I was your age. This is how I achieve my goals. This is how you can do the same thing.”

So it’s been a great platform, again, to provide a service and also enjoy it. And it’s something I’ve really enjoyed.

24:29

Mary Richards: Yeah, some mentoring, some things like that, some coaching. And that’s how we connected for this podcast. I saw you at one of those broadcasts for one of my son’s games. And it really is, I guess going back to what we were talking about with sports, I think it’s such — it’s exciting. How could you not — I don’t know. There are many people who have other interests. But I was excited to meet you because sports to me are just — they’re just exciting, and they’re fun and this way to connect.

And I love what you said about now looking at the next generation of players and helping them, because you want them to grow up to be good people. You’ve talked about this; being a good person on the court and off the court.

25:08

Parker Van Dyke: And again, I look back to this time spent in this building. I was surrounded by so many great people that helped me get to where I am now, and they’re going to continue to help me to keep going. I can give that back. I can be like someone who was older than me back then to these other kids and, again, try to teach them the way — use basketball as a platform to be great on the court and to be great off the court. That’s where I love this connection. I love that we’re here, because it’s this connection between the court and the chapel. I’m utilizing both to be a great disciple of Jesus Christ.

And so, my message to these kids is don’t — they can be together. You don’t have to separate them. Make sure the Lord is a part of your journey. Bring Him along for the ride, I guess, because one, He’s going to help you more than you could do on your own, and He wants to be a part of it. He wants to be a part of it.

26:02

Mary Richards: Yeah, that is so beautiful. I wanted to ask you about having Him help you as you build your skills and talents. Because at first I thought, “Well, Parker Van Dyke, he’s amazing. He was born this way. He’s so talented. He was just born with a basketball, and he’s just doing great.” But you’ve had to work at it.

You see a gospel lesson there too, where many of us have gifts and talents of all kinds. And some come naturally, and some we have to constantly work at. You probably shot thousands, millions of shots in this gym, even though you’re naturally talented. It goes hand in hand, I guess, that building and working in addition to letting your talents be magnified.

26:37

Parker Van Dyke: Yeah. And I think it’s just multiplying your talents. We know the parable of the talents. And taking what God has blessed you with and utilizing them to enhance your own life and enhance the life of others. And then finding joy in the work as well. I could go out, after this interview, I could go out and go do a basketball workout right here for no reason but just to do it itself, just because I enjoy it.

And I think that’s the same thing, that can be the same thing, with the gospel. We talk about enduring to the end, but it can be enjoying to the end. I ultimately do these things. I go to church, and I try to live the gospel, ultimately because I do enjoy it, and I like it. And that can be the same thing with practice in basketball and in sports.

One of my favorite scriptures is John 10:10, because Christ says, “I came to give life, but to give life more abundantly.” And I really do think that is a main message of the gospel, is we don’t just do these things out of duty. It really does enhance our lives when we live this way.

27:43

Mary Richards: Yeah. That’s beautiful. It kind of really does lead to what I was hoping to ask for our last question on the Church News podcast. And we always ask — we give our guests the last word — and we ask them, “What do you know now?”

And so, along those same lines, Parker, what do you know now about building your skills and talents and building your faith with the Lord’s help?

28:05

Parker Van Dyke: I think it’s all connected, like we’ve talked about. I think President Russell M. Nelson says along the lines that a life with God is much better than a life without. And I truly believe that.

Throughout all my travels and where all I’ve been, I’ve witnessed that in other people’s lives who also are believers, how their life is enhanced. And I’ve witnessed it in my own. And I’m so grateful for my faith and how it’s propelled me throughout this journey. Because there’s things I was able to overcome that I needed the help for. And I’m grateful for that.

And I’m also grateful for this idea of being a builder. Another thing I love about basketball and sports is when you’re part of a team and you’re a leader, you’re trying to build your teammates. A great attribute of a great player is you make the teammates around you better.

And so my message to, I think, YSAs or anyone in the Church is: Let’s all be builders. Let’s stay and lift. Anyone, it’s easy to leave, or it’s easy to tear down, but let’s build and uplift and fight the urge to tear other people down, or fight the urge to leave. But let’s stay and lift. We need the Lord, we need the Church, but the Church and the Lord need us as well. And so let’s be builders.

29:25

Mary Richards: Thank you for listening to the Church News podcast. I’m Church News reporter Mary Richards. I hope you learned something today about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had your faith in the Savior increase by looking through the Church News window as a living record of the Restoration. Please subscribe, rate and review this podcast so it can be accessible to more people. And if you enjoyed the messages we shared today, please share the podcast with others. Thanks to our guests; to my producer, KellieAnn Halvorsen; and to others who make this podcast possible. Join us every week for a new episode. Find us on your favorite podcasting channels or with other news and updates about the Church on TheChurchNews.com or on the Church News app.

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“At first glance, it might not seem like fun, but it is fun,” he said. “It gives you a good feeling after you do it to know you are helping people on the other side of the veil.”

Landon joined other youth from the Orem and Alpine, Utah, areas on a Saturday, March 7, panel at RootsTech to discuss involving younger generations in family history. The youth all help at the Alpine Family History Center, at summer family history camps and in their wards.

Youth are the perfect age to begin family history because they are not scared of technology and learn quickly, said Bonnie Dimond from the Alpine Utah West Stake, who works at the Alpine Family History Center.

“I found with teaching the youth that they go home and teach their families,” she said.

And their enthusiasm grows.

Lily Adams, 10, said, “You can find people that you know something about, and then you can learn more.”

Quincy Adams, 12, said that besides gathering Israel, which is the top priority, he enjoys finding ancestors’ stories and learning about what life was like. “It’s like a puzzle; finding one person unlocks others that have never been found.”

Landon’s advice is for people to jump right into FamilySearch apps like Family Tree app, Together app, Get Involved app and Memories app.

“Once you do it, the Spirit takes over, and then you let the Spirit guide you,” he said.

Quincy agreed. “Try it out, tinker with the app, and see, where does this button take me, or try to complete a tree.”

Seeing memories in the Family Tree app is a favorite feature for Beau Dixon, 16. “I feel like without these apps, those memories might have been lost. When people go in and put those in there, future generations can go and see it.”

Jane Sutherland, 17, said that starting simple is key. “There are so many different levels when it comes to family history. Just because there is something incredibly complicated you could be doing doesn’t mean you need to be doing that. If you get in and you are over your head, stop. There’s no need to get too worried about it because you are the one who chooses the level you work at.”

Baby steps, said Beau. “Start and take it slow. Then once you understand it, you can do the harder things.”

In order to help more youth become involved, Jane said other youth, as well as parents and leaders, can keep bringing it up. As the youth become more used to doing family history, they will realize they are learning more about actual people.

Being a youth consultant has given her something productive and good to do with her time. “I’m helping others find their family. I enjoy helping people find people they have been looking for.”

Youth taking family names to the temple

Rachel Trotter, from Ogden, Utah, also presented on Saturday about teaching youth in a ward how to get involved with family history — and then to go to the temple with purpose.

When she was the Young Women president of her ward, she worked with the bishop and the youth on setting goals for temple attendance and bringing family names with them.

While leaders may think youth always need a “fun” activity that always includes a treat, Trotter said youth don’t need everything to be fun. “They crave deep and spiritual.”

Regular temple visits help youth develop lasting habits of worship and service, fostering spiritual growth and connection, she said. Bringing family names with them connects the temple to families.

The ward leaders listened to the youth and encouraged ownership. Youth inviting other youth was key.

The ward also built early engagement with family history by introducing children to ancestors in Primary. Then, they helped set the youth up with FamilySearch accounts and taught them how to use Ordinances Ready and other features.

Using family history centers, hosting family history fairs and bringing in local experts to teach youth built confidence and knowledge. The ward also integrated family history into what it was already doing.

“Including ancestors in lessons helps youth connect family history to their spiritual lives,” Trotter said.

Above all, these efforts start and end with the Savior, she said.

“What we are doing is putting them on the covenant path. Really, what we want is for them to make those covenants — all of them that they can do,” Trotter said. “When we take our youth to the temple with a purpose, they are ready for those next steps when they get older.”

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The posts both praised and thanked women on Sunday, March 8, which is International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 and has been observed since 1911.

A post on the Church’s main social media accounts says the following:

“On International Women’s Day, we honor women around the world for their strength, compassion and influence for good. As daughters of heavenly parents, women have a divine worth that blesses families, communities and generations. May all feel peace, purpose and belonging today.”

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Also on Sunday, the 2026 Relief Society worldwide devotional was released for women to watch with their ward or stake on or around the 184th anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society on March 17.

The devotional features remarks from Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson; her counselors, Sister J. Anette Dennis and Sister Kristin M. Yee; and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Relief Society worldwide devotional emphasizes covenantal relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

A video on Relief Society Worldwide posted on March 8, showcased a slideshow of women around the world, saying, “Happy International Women’s Day from your worldwide, divinely instituted, covenant-cultivating, relief-igniting sisterhood.”

The caption goes on to say that “we wish to celebrate women who nurture, lead and serve in their sphere of influence. Through meaningful contributions to their families and communities, women in this global Relief Society reflect the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your faithful discipleship and devotion to the Lord.”

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Global initiative for women and children

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For International Women’s Day, the Church’s Caring social media account — which posts about the Church’s global humanitarian efforts — posted about a woman named Rokia in Meyeriguevogo, Ivory Coast.

“When her daughter faced severe malnutrition, Rokia didn’t give up. With the right support and collaboration from community health workers, she was able to support her daughter when she needed it most,” the post said. “This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women like Rokia who fight with everything they have for their children’s lives.”

The Church supports women through its global initiative for women and children, led by the Relief Society. This initiative seeks to make the greatest impact through the areas of child nutrition, maternal and newborn care, immunizations and education.

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President Johnson said the most impactful work of women continues to be done one by one as Jesus Christ did.

Thus, her invitation to those in the audience was simple and personal — to think about the one person in their life that they could help.

“While we must act justly and responsibly in our roles as women leaders, let us not neglect the individuals within our immediate circle of care,” she said.

President Johnson gave the keynote address at the 9th Annual International Women-in-Diplomacy Day luncheon, joining Mame T. Mbaye, the honorary consul general for Senegal in Los Angeles, who hosted the event, and other panelists who focused on the importance of mental well-being for women around the globe. More than 120 people were seated in the conference room inside the visitors’ center.

“I hope for women to live according to their highest aspirations and values,” President Johnson said two days after International Women’s Day was marked on March 8. “I wish for women everywhere to gather, share and organize for mutual support.”

President Johnson asked the audience to imagine what would happen if leaders unleashed the power of women to transform their personal inspiration into organized action — and how that would impact homes, schools, congregations, communities and nations.

A global sisterhood

While President Johnson is a lawyer by profession, a wife, a mother and a grandmother, she spoke in her capacity as the general president of the Relief Society. Organized on March 17, 1842, the Relief Society is one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations, with nearly 8 million women within more than 30,000 congregations.

Women are a part of a global sisterhood connected across cultural divides, language barriers and political differences, President Johnson said. Mosiah 18:21 includes the commandment to have “hearts knit together in unity and in love,” and when that happens, women can change the world, one life at a time, she testified.

“I make that bold claim not out of wishful thinking but from my lived experience,” she said.

President Johnson has seen women all around the world attend to the physical, spiritual and mental well-being of their sisters and neighbors. They provide consistent acts of service within their homes and communities — and most recently, as those in the audience knew very well, women have supported those who have been devastated by wildfires in Southern California.

In Uganda in February 2023, President Johnson saw women in dire physical circumstances, but she felt hope from all the ways she saw women learning, sharing, organizing and supporting one another.

The Relief Society leads the Church’s global initiative for women and children. President Johnson said that in the last two years, the Church has donated approximately $100 million to this effort to improve the health and well-being of women and children around the world.

“We want to empower women and families with greater understanding and resources, so that they are better equipped to make changes that can have a lasting impact in their homes, communities and nations,” President Johnson said, adding that global progress starts with women and children.

Two recent examples of this initiative include the Church collaborating with an Italian nonprofit organization to provide psychological counseling to migrant, refugee and other vulnerable women; and supporting Project Hope in its efforts in Colombia, Ecuador and Honduras, where migrants received mental health sessions and other aid.

The Church offers free emotional resilience classes in multiple languages, as well as group meetings facilitated by professionals for women who are healing from trauma and abuse.

Making a difference one by one

While the Church and Relief Society use their global reach for humanitarian efforts and offering the Savior’s relief, President Johnson said everyone can be involved in this sacred work as they reach out to their neighbor. A woman’s well-being will be enhanced and strengthened when she has a friend, a good listener or someone who can help her.

“That was my call to action, to really find the one. And that is acting as the Savior would,” President Johnson said after the event.

Mbaye, who began organizing this event nine years ago, said the foundation of resilience and leadership is close to her heart.

Those leaders, diplomats, policy makers and advocates who were at the event can offer strength, wisdom and compassion, she said. “I see how thriving women are and what abilities they have to make a difference in this world.”

Managing stress and anxiety

President Johnson led a panel with three diplomats about mental health concerns and how women in particular can help those they serve. They also spoke about promoting women’s leadership and the natural gifts of women.

President Johnson asked for their thoughts on managing stress and anxiety.

Hon. Joan Chanman-Forbes, the honorary consul for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Los Angeles, said to “call on Jesus” and let the Lord take it.

Hon. Tanya Bennett, the Australian consul-general in Los Angeles, told the audience that it is OK to be uncomfortable and to recognize that those emotions pass.

Ambassador Walkowa Odinga, who serves as the deputy head of the Kenya Mission in Los Angeles, said deep breaths can connect the body, mind and soul.

In conclusion, President Johnson invited all to express gratitude when feeling stressed or anxious. A reflection on her blessings always helps, she said.

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Relief Society global initiative for women and children seeks to provide the Savior’s relief

Women can find calm, peace, strength, confidence and increased capacity through God’s power

“By providing and receiving relief, both temporal and spiritual, we draw closer to Jesus Christ and become more like Him,” Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson said in her opening remarks to the Relief Society worldwide devotional, which became available for viewing Sunday, March 8.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called it a great responsibility to speak to the women of the Church.

“You have my love and admiration for who you are and your commitment to the Lord and His Church in this difficult world,” Elder Cook said. “Dear sisters, please do not underestimate the power and impact of your capable, loving and sensitive influence on those with whom you associate. You bless many as you strive to live Christlike lives.”

As part of celebrating the 184th anniversary this month of the organization of the Relief Society, women are invited to gather with their wards and stakes to view the devotional, which also features remarks and testimonies from President Johnson’s counselors, Sister J. Anette Dennis and Sister Kristin M. Yee.

A series of discussion videos was also released on March 8 from the Relief Society general advisory council. The discussion videos can be used at the same time as the broadcast or any time throughout the year.

All of the messages were prepared with the women of the Church in mind, President Johnson said.

Elder Cook invites women to deepen conversion

Elder Cook said that at times, women may feel that no matter how hard they work or what they do, it is not enough. But their work, kindness and love bless others beyond measure “and it is enough.”

This is a turbulent time with the world in commotion — and many of the challenges are spiritual.

“There has always been opposition in all things,” Elder Cook said. “The difference today is that the great and spacious building skeptics seem to be louder, more contentious and less tolerant than at any time during my life.”

He shared the counsel and comfort from the Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 6:34: “Fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.”

The Lord also counseled in verse 36, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”

In Alma 5, Alma emphasized four qualities in order to be blameless before God, which Elder Cook said are relevant to the issues that exist today:

• “Are we sufficiently humble?”
• “Are we stripped of pride?”
• “Are we stripped of envy?”
• “Do we mock or persecute a brother or sister?”

Much of the world is in a debate about temporal, day-to-day economic issues, but there is little discussion about returning to Christlike principles and preparing to meet God, Elder Cook said. “We need to focus our lives and increase emphasis on spiritual matters.”

Reviewing the events leading up to the dedication of the Nauvoo Temple is inspiring — particularly the faith of the women, Elder Cook said. These dedicated women made great sacrifices because they knew of the eternal significance of making covenants in the house of the Lord. Then, the faith and knowledge they received in the temple helped them face the unknown as they crossed the Plains.

“I think the women of the Church today are every bit as strong and faithful,” Elder Cook said.

Conditions in the world today require deepening conversion to and strengthening faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and the Lord has prepared His people for these times, Elder Cook said.

“I witness to you that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He lives and provides the love and guidance we need to return to Him.”

President Johnson: ‘Do hard with Jesus Christ’

President Johnson said she feels a profound, “soul-stirring love” for the women of the Church and wishes she could tell each one that they can trust Jesus Christ.

“I know that life is hard. You can do hard with Jesus or you can do hard alone. That is your choice. But when you do hard with Jesus Christ, the hard becomes holy. You become holy women,” she said.

A woman told President Johnson about a daughter who died from cancer and another daughter who was hospitalized after a car crash. The mother expressed her testimony of ministering angels and eternal families. Her mortal experience remained hard, but she chose to do hard with Jesus Christ.

President Johnson spoke of another woman raising four young children on her own while her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Trusting Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, this woman prepared to go to the house of the Lord to make covenants in the temple.

“Her mortal experience remains hard, but choosing to be bound to the Savior by covenant, the way forward feels easier. Not easy, but easier because she has greater access to His healing, strengthening power,” President Johnson said.

This woman, like Hannah in the Old Testament, became refined and holy through the fire of adversity, President Johnson explained. That is why she can testify that when women do hard things with Jesus Christ — instead of alone — the hard becomes holy.

“Sisters, we need more Jesus Christ; His light, His love, His hope, and His healing strengthening power,” she said. Then, the work of holy women is to share the Savior’s spiritual relief with others.

Sister Dennis on feeling heaven’s love

Sister Dennis said sometimes it may be hard to feel the love of Heavenly Father and the Savior, but it is always there. Even on cloudy or stormy days, the sun still exists.

“My sisters, I bear my witness to you that nothing can separate us from the love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Their light and their love for us are constant, unchanging and immovable, just like the light and warmth of the sun,” she said.

When Sister Dennis moved to Mexico with her husband, she didn’t speak the language well and was far from her family. She was expecting their first baby and felt alone, lost and afraid. But some of her Relief Society sisters put their arms around her and helped her feel that she wasn’t alone.

“Because I could feel their love and acceptance for me, it parted the clouds of darkness that I had been feeling, and I began to again feel my Father in Heaven’s love and support for me,” Sister Dennis said. “Sisters, we can do that for each other.”

She pointed out that the temptation to compare and judge one another comes from the adversary, who wants to divide people. But women can help each other feel the Savior’s love as they strive to be united as daughters of God.

Those who are suffering challenges, difficulties and loss can trust that those losses will be made up to them as they remain faithful to God, she said, adding, “Remember also this promise, ‘All things work together for good to them that love God’ (Romans 8:28).”

Sister Yee and burdens becoming light

Some time ago, Sister Yee found herself in a trying circumstance. The situation began to consume her thoughts and bothered her deeply. Nothing seemed to change, and she felt stuck and longed for relief.

One night, praying to Heavenly Father, she asked for help — and remembered that through Jesus Christ, her burden could be lifted.

“A peace began to replace the heaviness. A peace that truly surpassed my understanding. A peace that this situation was in the hands of the Father and the Son, and was not mine to carry,” she said. “As I chose to trust my burden to Them, I felt Their love and relief and was guided to know how to get the support I needed.”

Although the difficult circumstance did not go away, it did not afflict her in the same way nor monopolize her thoughts. The Lord had made her burden become light.

“Sisters, let us choose to believe in Jesus Christ and ask for the help we need through the power of His Atonement,” Sister Yee said, adding, “His Atonement, His suffering sore were and are for you.”

Sister Yee pointed to President Dallin H. Oaks’ teachings from October 2015 general conference: “Because of His atoning experience in mortality, our Savior is able to comfort, heal and strengthen all men and women everywhere, but I believe He does so only for those who seek Him and ask for His help.”

Sister Yee testified that as women choose to believe in Jesus Christ, learn of Him, repent and let the reality of His Atonement reach into all parts of their lives, how they see Him in their lives will change.

How to watch

The Relief Society worldwide devotional and discussion videos are available in multiple languages through Gospel Library, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and the Church’s Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ YouTube channel.

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What women today can learn from the Nauvoo Relief Society

They created a covenant community, and today, women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world do the same.

“We have received prophetic direction that as sisters, we can and should change the world,” Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson said during the Relief Society Worldwide Devotional on Sunday, March 16.

“We need to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. And how will we do that? We will do that by creating a covenant community,” she said.

President Johnson and her counselors — Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor, and Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor — spoke from the upper floor of the Red Brick Store in Nauvoo.

After having listened to the Relief Society general presidency’s remarks together with a group of women in a meetinghouse in Honolulu, Hawaii, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles acknowledged women meeting in their own local congregations all over the world to celebrate the anniversary of the Relief Society.

“Sisters, you are doing something extraordinary. And you can experience something extraordinary,” Elder Renlund said. “Thank you for your faith, for your strength, for your capacity to lead, for your wisdom, for your willingness and ability to make and keep covenants with God. … He is counting on you. His Church is counting on you.”

A global covenant sisterhood in the Relief Society

The Relief Society was organized on March 17, 1842, in the upper room of the Red Brick Store by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Sister Dennis said it was a beautiful experience to think of that first group of women and now all the women around the world who share that legacy. Sister Yee remarked on how women took care of one another in Nauvoo and trusted in the Lord.

President Johnson testified of the purpose of Relief Society and the strength and power that come from covenant making and covenant keeping.

“Those promises that He makes, He made those dear Saints here in Nauvoo. He makes those same promises to us when we participate in the ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ that are available to us through priesthood keys,” she said.

​​The strength and power they received from covenant making and covenant keeping blessed the women with strength and power as they had to leave Nauvoo and move into the unknown.

Said Sister Dennis, “Our covenants are what help us to be connected more deeply to our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ and give us that strength that we need to move forward, just like those Saints did, wherever we are in the world.”

President Johnson and Sister Yee had ancestors in Nauvoo at that time — but all women share that legacy of what happened in Nauvoo, Sister Yee said, and all are needed in the Relief Society today, regardless of their circumstances.

“We need you today, the Lord needs you today to be a part of this. You have gifts and talents which are so needed now in the world,” she said.

Sister Dennis said all women are members of the Relief Society, no matter where they are serving for a season. As they help others feel God’s love, they feel it themselves.

“I think we have to remember, all of you sisters, that there are some that are having trouble feeling His love for whatever reason it might be,” Sister Dennis said. “But as we go out and we show our love, as we go out and genuinely put our arms around others and show them our love and have them feel our love, then they start to feel the Savior’s love as well.”

Sister Yee testified that whenever women sit in a Relief Society meeting and feel like they are all alone, they can realize that others sitting around them also have challenges and desires to be loved — and are loved and valued.

“I know and I can testify that we are never alone, that our Heavenly Father and Savior know you. They are aware of your needs, that They are concerned about what you are concerned about and desire to bless you,” Sister Yee said.

Sister Dennis said thinking of all the groups of women around the world meeting for the devotional and then bearing testimonies gave her a special feeling, knowing that all are a global covenant sisterhood.

President Johnson said it is a blessing to be covenant women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Sisters, it is a glorious time,” she said. “And we collectively bear testimony that we are engaged in the work of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We know He lives. We know He loves us. We know that He desires for us to have a covenant relationship with Him.”

She bore testimony that the Church is led by a living Prophet today, President Russell M. Nelson. As she began to bear testimony of Joseph Smith, she paused for a moment to acknowledge what she was feeling. Then she testified that Joseph Smith restored the ancient and divine order of women.

“Our objective since 1842 is meant to bring all of our Heavenly Father’s children back home,” President Johnson said. “We know that that’s possible through our Savior, Jesus Christ, because of His Atonement. We can be made clean and whole and sanctified and return home.”

God’s power

As Elder Renlund began his concluding remarks, he testified to women that God loves them and knows them and that they are precious to Him.

Elder Renlund expounded upon what the Relief Society general presidency taught about the purpose of the Relief Society organization. Its purpose was and still is divine — to help God’s children return to His presence.

“I know that Jesus Christ is aware of your circumstances and desires to bless you,” Elder Renlund said. “He also needs your influence in His Church. Your efforts to serve God’s children through Relief Society are vital.”

President Nelson taught, “The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God” (“A Plea to My Sisters,” October 2015 general conference).

Covenant-keeping women recognize the need for God’s power in their lives and have special access to that power through their covenants with Him, Elder Renlund said. This godly power helps when dealing with burdens, obstacles and temptations.

However, God’s power is not an independent, “amorphous cosmic force,” a wish-granting magic lamp nor a saintly relic that purports to be a source of power. God’s power is connected with Him and His purposes.

Jesus Christ provides the ultimate example. He allowed His will to be “swallowed up in the will of the Father,” and thus the Father gave Him all power in heaven and on earth.

In the Book of Mormon, Nephi, the son of Helaman, was given the sealing power because Nephi had been called as a prophet and because he sought and did God’s will, not his own.

“To cultivate God’s power in our lives, then, we are obligated to try to be righteous to try to do what is right and try to act according to His will,” Elder Renlund said.

Making and keeping covenants with God is transformational, granting greater access to His power. It allows one to draw closer to Him and gain greater happiness, peace and rest. This power brings greater knowledge, the ability to resist temptation and to repent, and the strength to better withstand trials and heartaches.

“Covenant-keeping women are scattered upon all the face of the earth and are armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory. Wherever you are, this power is for you,” Elder Renlund said.

“I testify that Jesus Christ can provide the power that you need for your lives, and that when you draw His power into your lives, both the Savior and you will rejoice.”

Episode 229: President Camille N. Johnson and Sister Kristin M. Yee celebrate ‘covenant community’ and the Relief Society worldwide devotional

What women today can learn from the Nauvoo Relief Society

President Johnson gives her hope for women at International Women’s Day celebration

The services and products go beyond the screen to connect families and friends to each other in the present and into the past — fitting into this year’s conference theme of “Uniting.”

Moderated by Dr. Nick Barratt, an author, broadcaster and historian best known for his work on BBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”, the event on March 2 allowed representatives from nine companies to take to the main stage and have a few minutes to highlight their latest offerings.

Marco Polo

The forum’s featured speaker was Vlada Bortnik, co-founder and CEO of Marco Polo — a popular video messenger app which allows users to have face-to-face connections with their family members and friends on their own schedule.

Bortnik said in founding the company, she and her husband asked themselves, “What do we want for our kids?” The answer was more happiness. In her research on happiness, she found an 80-year Harvard study that concluded, “relationships are the only things that matter in life,” Bortnik said. Close relationships in particular made for happier and healthier people.

The company’s purpose was born from that idea: to help people feel close. When sending a “polo” or video to someone else, the app’s users have privacy, no ads, no algorithms, likes or followers.

“Investing in your relationships is really important,” Bortnik said. “It’s important to you and to happiness. Take the time to invest. Take the time to prioritize using technologies that you trust.”

FamilySearch

Andy Gold from FamilySearch talked about how his team has worked hard to build technology to bring families closer together and be united.

He explained Computer-Generated Trees (CGT) — “They’re family trees, built in specific locales around the world for richly indexed historical records.”

FamilySearch processes these in the cloud, using machine learning, AI tools and clustering. Then they layer audits on top of that to make sure the trees are accurate.

“CGTs build the necessary scaffolding to house all the data necessary in tree form,” Gold said.

Complex connections are done in a matter of hours rather than thousands of hours of manual labor.

“This quickly brings family structures into focus for people that are trying to discover their families, and these are from entire populations of people, they come from millions of different types of records,” he said.

Gold showed images of birth, marriage and death records from several countries, and explained that the technology needed to be one system — like a pipeline — to process all that complex information, while following principles of the genealogical proof standard.

FamilySearch now has five new computer-generated collections online at familysearch.org/search/cgt — in Tasmania, Australia; Santa Catarina, Brazil; Pangasinan, Philippines; Nuevo Leon, Mexico; and Abruzzo, Italy.

“At the end of the day, our goal is to build software that emulates expert thinking at scale to assist both experts and non-experts discover relationships more efficiently,” Gold said.

Storied

Finn Larson and Cody Mortensen presented from Storied, a company that helps people start a tree from scratch or upload their family tree from another site.

They showed how to write stories on the site, by inputting a few details and then using AI to generate a draft.

“From there I can edit anything, delete anything, add my own voice and really make it my own. Sometimes staring at a blank page can be intimidating. But ‘story assist’ is here to help you get the ball rolling,” said Mortensen.

Larson said the relationship tab of the website allows people to add any relationships to their tree, even enemies, teammates, friends or pets.

“Think about the characters in the stories in your lives. When we built a story-oriented family history service from the ground up, we knew we needed to support many types of relationships,” Larson said.

He said collaborative storytelling and relationships outside of the family tree will change the way that family history is both consumed and conducted.

Bank of Memories

Iryna Savytska, the CEO of Bank of Memories, a pay service allowing people to keep their private family network on blockchain, said data is lost every day while data keeps growing.

Between all the different apps and social media platforms, “there is no single place, for example, [where] my child can enter in 10 years from now and see something about my life,” Savytska said, while wearing a Ukrainian dress during her presentation to show how her country and family traditions are important to her.

“When you analyze where data is stored, you understand it’s everywhere and nowhere at the same time,” she said. Therefore decentralization and blockchain technology can give power over data back to people in a secure and reliable way.

By uploading an existing family tree to blockchain, she said, people can access that tree many years into the future.

KinSame

KinSame is a startup company that uses computer vision technology to identify family relationships or kinships from images.

Looking at two photos, the software uses algorithms and machine learning to match and compare facial features, thus establishing familial connections — and the degree of kinship.

The software can also identify people in family portraits and older pictures and see who is who in the picture. Using meta data from genealogy companies, KinSame identifies who the people are and fills in age and gender.

“We can structure the database and galleries in a way that a person who’s previously unidentified will find their way to the family,” said CEO Warren Stein.

GENXT

Stas Nikolskiy with GENXT spoke about how his company uses a confidential computing network to search across databases without genetic data disclosure.

The service allows companies to find relatives for their customers in each other’s databases without data disclosure.

“There are only five leading databases of which exceed 1 million individuals,” he said, “Databases of [an] average company range from 1,000 to 100,000 individuals, which is not enough for a reasonable number of matches.”

He said personal genomics companies can not access genetic data of others, but his company can communicate matches to its customers in their preferred format.

Ericsson

Oscar Johnson from Ericsson demonstrated the use of augmented reality and virtual reality in storytelling.

“5G is the combinatorial effect to bring immersive content off the computer, out of the building, out of your home, off your Wi Fi network, and deliver that immersive content anywhere,” Johnson said.

Ericsson’s new platform is called, “Every Place Has a Story,” or EPHAS. Johnson showed a video of how the platform used maps, graphics, audio and visual features with augmented reality to tell the story of a battle in the former Soviet Union.

“When the limitations of technology disappear, the only thing that remains is your imagination,” Johnson said.

Synium Software

Benjamin Günther, the CEO of Synium Software, demonstrated the company’s MacFamilyTree app, which can be purchased for Macs, iPhones and iPads.

“It has always been our core belief that family history is so much more than just a list of names,” Günther said. He said their app allows an immersive, engaging and innovative way to discover family history.

It has built-in FamilySearch integration, and the user can scan for relatives or look for photos of families or people and then with one click, download the information.

The app allows people to colorize black and white photos or enhance the quality of legibility on older documents with machine learning and artificial intelligence. Users also can sync with different devices, create visual family trees, family books, charts and visuals.

MyHeritage

The company MyHeritage has had a lot of attention recently as people share the results of its “AI Time Machine” on social media. The senior vice president of product, Maya Lerner, showed on the screen a picture of herself depicted as a woman in many different historical periods.

The technology uses the photos of one person to construct a model of that person in a variety of poses. Then, using a series of predefined historical themes, it synthesizes the model with motifs from the themes to create images from the past — casting that person as a historical figure.

As the AI Time Machine has gone viral on social media, Lerner said it has drawn new audiences into genealogy.

“People are saying that it shows them how much they resemble their ancestors,” she said. “All of a sudden they see themselves in these historical things, and they feel like they look very much alike. This got them to pay tribute to their ancestors and post on social media all these beautiful stories about them.”

Lerner said the company noticed that the AI images actually also empowered women to feel good about themselves. “Who knew the past could make you feel so good about the present?” she said.

More about RootsTech 2023

RootsTech is an annual family history and technology conference sponsored by FamilySearch, which is a nonprofit genealogical organization operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

RootsTech 2023 kicked off on March 2 and goes through March 4 in Salt Lake City. After two consecutive years of being held completely online, this year’s conference has events both in-person and online.

The first day’s events also included the 2023 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction, and a keynote address from singer Jordin Sparks.

His address at the Religions for Peace World Council on July 29 was titled “Faith, Ethics and Human Dignity in an Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

“As we enter uncharted technological and ethical territory, we need especially now to align AI’s pervasive exponential reach with enduring faith-based ethical principles and moral values,” he said.

His remarks were reported in a news release from the Europe Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with text of the full address posted on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Elder Gong said AI is constantly being reshaped, and benchmarks are not fully established.

“We confront profound questions: what it means to be human; who and what will define perceptual ‘truth’; emotional relationships between humans and AI, including AI companions; business models; how we understand divine principles of work, faith and reasoning, even relationship with the Divine.”

Elder Gong said as this world enters such unchartered territory, now is the time to align AI’s reach with enduring faith-based ethical principles and moral values. He called for global faith leaders to act in three AI-centered areas that affect faith, ethics and human dignity.

1. Help society understand AI is not and cannot be God

“No set of utilitarian AI algorithms should determine or speak for our most treasured human values and spiritual experiences. AI cannot provide inspired divine truth or independent moral guidance,” he said.

Those who try to make AI into a deity may find themselves in a modern Tower of Babel situation, where their man-made efforts cannot reach heaven, he said.

The most precious truth, comfort, revelation and guidance come when people personally commune with God, Elder Gong said.

Elder Bednar counsels young adults on artificial intelligence, moral agency during worldwide devotional

2. Consciously choose and intentionally use AI as a tool for good

The world will need the best that its religious and moral heritages can offer, Elder Gong said.

“As religious leaders, we can intentionally articulate and foster a vision for the world that counterbalances AI which drives algorithmic efficiencies and AI which protects and promotes human flourishing and common prosperity.”

3. Champion safe, ethical and trusted AI

Elder Gong said the moral compass should not be dictated only by technology or the small group developing AI. Instead, a united effort is needed encompassing faith-based, civic and technology leaders to champion safe and responsible, human-centric AI.

Faith must be involved because religious believers contribute in significant ways to human flourishing and common prosperity, Elder Gong explained. He cited Pew Research Center statistics showing that 76% of the world’s people identify with a religion. And he pointed out that many people are deeply concerned for the future of AI and skeptical of corporations, countries and governments.

“Even in a world influenced by secular thought, not only religious believers but citizens everywhere want religious and moral leaders to help ensure AI is safe and can be trusted,” said Elder Gong.

A faith community AI evaluation

In March 2024, Elder Gong introduced guiding principles for using AI to employees of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide.

These four principles include spiritual connection, transparency, privacy and security, and accountability. Elder Gong invited Church employees to consider the appropriate use of AI prayerfully and with the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Rely on the Spirit when using AI, Elder Gong encourages

In his address in the Republic of Türkiye, Elder Gong called for mutually respectful and practical dialogue among religious leaders as they work together on these issues.

What he called a “Faith Community AI Evaluation” can help, he said. This evaluation can help ensure AI systems portray persons of faith and religious beliefs in a respectful and accurate manner.

A Faith Community AI Evaluation can also offer training and use cases “so AI models include faith-based moral and ethical purposes, principles and training reflective of our best pluralistic, societal values,” Elder Gong said. Such an evaluation can also provide a valuable additional AI check-and-balance, he said.

Elder Gong concluded, “In the Christian tradition, Jesus Christ declares, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6). In coming days, let us unite our best efforts to identify ways and truths that help us live our best lives with faith, ethics and human dignity in an age of artificial intelligence.”

With exponentially compounding AI technologies promising new ideas and new possibilities in coming years, we confront profound questions:

• What it means to be human?
• Who and what will define perceptual “truth”?
• Emotional relationships between humans and AI (including AI… pic.twitter.com/EukgDM9tCA

— Gerrit W. Gong (@GerritWGong) July 29, 2025

New AI-powered search assistant added to General Handbook

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A new section contains guidelines for using artificial intelligence appropriately (see section 38.8.47).

The handbook states, “AI cannot replace the gift of divine inspiration or the individual work required to receive it,” cautioning members and leaders that “interactions with AI cannot substitute for meaningful relationships with God and others.”

The update was published in December and announced in a Dec. 16 news release posted on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Teachings in the new section encourage Church members to follow the Savior’s example.

“Jesus Christ taught with power and authority. He sought divine direction from His Father. He relied on the scriptures and prayer. He lived and taught only those things He learned from His Father,” the handbook says under “Learning and Teaching” (38.8.47.1).

In 38.8.47.2, “Relationships With God and Others,” it says, “Jesus Christ had a personal and sacred relationship with His Father. He prayed to His Father, learned from Him and fulfilled His will. Jesus also had meaningful relationships with others. He listened to and talked with them, understood their needs and ministered to them.”

Elder Bednar counsels young adults on artificial intelligence, moral agency during worldwide devotional

4 principles for use of AI

The handbook says that when used appropriately, AI can be an effective tool to assist Church members in their duties. For example, as of March of this year, those accessing the General Handbook can find an AI-powered search assistant available to help them find answers to their questions.

The handbook now offers four principles to guide Latter-day Saints in using AI appropriately in their Church responsibilities (38.8.47.3).

1. If members use AI, they should do so in positive, helpful and uplifting ways that uphold the integrity, standards and teachings of the Church.
2. AI cannot replace the individual work and spiritual guidance required to prepare divinely inspired talks, lessons, prayers or blessings. However, AI can be helpful for research, editing, translation and similar tasks.
3. Leaders should not rely upon AI to provide advice to members on medical, financial, legal or other sensitive matters. If members need assistance beyond the spiritual guidance provided by Church leaders, competent professionals may be helpful.
4. Sensitive information, such as Church records, personal member data or confidential communications, should not be entered into AI tools that are not provided or managed by the Church.

Leaders of the Church have also spoken about AI to Latter-day Saints and worldwide audiences, through devotionals, summits and addresses.

For more information, see ChurchofJesusChrist.org/AI.

Rely on the Spirit when using AI, Elder Gong encourages

Other December 2025 general handbook updates

“General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” continues to be updated as needed under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This is in order to provide ministerial guidance, clarity and inspiration to local leaders, explained an update on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Some of the other updates in the December release are listed below.

• Clarified age requirements for attending youth activities (see 10.2.1.3, 11.2.1.3, 20.4, 20.7.2).
• A new section providing guidance for baptism and confirmation preparation meetings (see 12.1.8).
• New instruction that a member of the Primary presidency now attends missionary coordination meetings and temple and family history coordination meetings (see 12.3.2).
• Clarified information about calling patriarchs and receiving patriarchal blessings (see 6.6, 18.17, 38.2.10).
• Clarified the purpose of weekly missionary coordination meetings, emphasizing the use of the Covenant Path Progress report and aligning with “Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (see 23.4).
• Clarified and updated instructions about welfare assistance (see 22.3.2–22.5.1.1).
• Revised guidelines regarding editions and translations of the Bible (see 38.8.40) and see this Church News story published Dec. 16 for more information.

More details about these and other updates are listed in the “Summary of Recent Updates” at the beginning of the handbook.

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New AI-powered search assistant added to General Handbook

The songs include several that have lyrics and related scriptures founded in the Old Testament, which is the subject of this year’s “Come, Follow Me” study.

And “When I Am Baptized” is included in the release with its updated lyrics.

While preparing the new global hymnbook, Church leaders have carefully reviewed lyrics of existing and new hymns to make sure they clearly and powerfully convey the doctrine of Christ. When the full print hymnbook is released, members can expect many familiar hymns to be updated to align more closely with scripture and enhance their faith-building impact.

This is the sixth batch of published songs, making 72 new songs in the growing catalog that may be sung at home, in Church meetings and in other settings.

Besides “When I Am Baptized,” some of the other songs may already be familiar to Church members, while others are new submissions.

For example, “Build an Ark” and “Jesus Is My Shepherd” have been published in the Friend magazine and are already being sung by Primary children.

The Tabernacle Choir has sung “My Song in the Night” and “This Is My Father’s World,” both of which come from other Christian faith traditions.

Meanwhile, those titles — in addition to “Elijah and the Still, Small Voice,” “Long Ago, Within a Garden,” “Lord, Accept Our Humble Fast” and “My Covenants” — have hymn lyrics and related scriptures that are founded in the Old Testament, thus making them appropriate and helpful songs to include in Church lessons and home study.

Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson said the release of these songs is exciting.

“We think it will be a blessing to people in their study of the Bible,” he said. “We study the [Old Testament] at home, and we study it in church, and the hymns help teach the doctrine and principles of the gospel with power and clarity.”

In a Feb. 26 news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, President Johnson shared the following ways to use these new hymns:

• Memorize the lyrics.
• Listen to the prerecorded songs throughout the day.
• Sing enthusiastically at church.
• Invite someone to play or sing as part of a lesson at church.

“I would encourage you to do whatever you can to incorporate these new hymns into your life,” said President Johnson.

Using the doctrine and songs throughout life

AnJanette Broderick, Primary music leader in the West Bountiful 6th Ward, West Bountiful Utah Stake, said she loves the new music in “Hymns for Home and Church” and tries to incorporate it often.

“I feel like the kids can handle more,” she said. “I feel like they are coming stronger. They just have bigger questions, and they are willing to talk about hard things.”

Broderick said she is excited to have more Old Testament songs to teach and learn in singing time.

“They can take that doctrine and those songs with them for the rest of their lives. Arming them with pure doctrine through music will stay with them forever,” she said.

Scripture references are linked at the bottom of the same page as the music for each song in the music library in the Gospel Library app and on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

In “About the Hymns” in Gospel Library, each of the new hymns and songs is featured in a chapter containing the hymn’s story as well as study prompts and linked resources. People can learn more about the hymn writers, read scriptural references and use related gospel study guides for the new hymns.

Two more batches of hymns are expected to be released this year before the print version of the new hymnbook is projected to be ready in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French by mid-2027. Other language translations will follow.

The songs are being released in small batches so wards, individuals and families can learn, practice and sing them. Thirteen new hymns were released in May 2024, then nine in September 2024, followed by 15 in February 2025, 11 in June 2025 and 12 in September 2025.

The 72 songs are in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Eleven hymns are being released today in German, Korean and Tagalog.

And, for the first time, thirteen new hymns are being released in the following eight languages: Cebuano, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Samoan, Tongan and Vietnamese.

Teaching doctrine through Primary music during singing time

Church News podcast, episode 243: The Church’s Hymnbook Committee chair, Steve Schank, on new hymns and joyful singing

Read more about Sacred Music in the Church News

‘One by one, family by family’: Marking a milestone in international Church growth

Aaronic Priesthood holders are organized into quorums in January of the year in which they turn the appropriate age: 12 for deacons, 14 for teachers and 16 for priests. At this time, the young men are also eligible to be ordained deacons, teachers and priests if they are prepared and worthy.

Aaronic Priesthood quorums help young men make and keep sacred covenants and deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel, explains the General Handbook section 10.1.1.

“The purpose of a quorum is to help priesthood holders work together to participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation. In their quorums, Aaronic Priesthood holders serve others, fulfill priesthood duties, build unity and learn and live doctrine.”

Recognizing that in the past few weeks, young men around the world have joined new quorums, the Young Men general presidency prepared a welcoming message for them on its Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Deacons

Brother Sean R. Dixon, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency, welcomed all young men joining the Aaronic Priesthood as deacons in a Feb. 13 video.

View this post on Instagram

“I just want to warmly welcome you onto the team and part of the brotherhood of the Aaronic Priesthood,” he said. “You have so much to look forward to. You have just been ordained. So now you can pass the sacrament. You can go to the temple and do baptisms and confirmations for the dead. You can be part of such meaningful service.”

He reminded them about the 2026 youth theme, “Walk with me.” That’s what an Aaronic Priesthood quorum is all about, he said.

“It’s about teaching you how to connect with Jesus Christ and with your peers, and together walk forward as lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.”

The duties of a deacon are described in Doctrine and Covenants 20:57–59 and 84:111. Other duties include passing the sacrament and assisting the bishop in “administering all temporal things” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:68).

Teachers

Brother David J. Wunderli, first counselor in the Young Men general presidency, welcomed new teachers in a video posted Feb. 20.

View this post on Instagram

“As a newly ordained teacher, you will have significant opportunities to help build the Church,“ Brother Wunderli said. ”Perhaps the most important opportunity that you will have and responsibility that you’ll have is that of preparing the sacrament. You will be preparing the emblems of the sacrament so that the priests could then bless it."

Teachers are also asked to help unify the Church, he said, and will have a more formal responsibility to minister.

“You will be asked to serve, and service is at the heart of being a teacher.”

Referring to the 2026 youth theme, Brother Wunderli invited teachers to draw closer to the Savior and envision themselves walking with Him.

Besides preparing the sacrament and serving as ministering brothers, teachers have the same duties as deacons. Additional duties are described in Doctrine and Covenants 20:53–59 and 84:111.

Priests

In a video posted Feb. 27 with young men in Cusco, Peru, Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes extended a message to the newly ordained priests in the Aaronic Priesthood.

View this post on Instagram

“What a special opportunity you have to bless the emblems of the sacrament for the entire congregation and help them open the doors to the ministering of angels and to further sanctification in their lives as they make covenants once again, every single Sabbath day,” he said.

President Farnes also talked about this year’s youth theme, found in Moses 6:34.

“Lifelong discipleship starts with daily discipleship. Let’s start today to walk with Him,” President Farnes said.

Priests have the same duties as deacons and teachers. Additional duties are described in Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–52, 73–79.

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He received the official appointment and was set apart to this new assignment by President Dallin H. Oaks, the Prophet and President of the Church, on Thursday, Jan. 8, on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

President Uchtdorf, 85, was ordained an apostle on Oct. 7, 2004, at the age of 63. He has served as a general authority since April 1994. From 2008-2018, President Uchtdorf served as second counselor in the First Presidency under President Thomas S. Monson.

Following the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, President Uchtdorf is now the Church’s third-most-senior apostle, after President Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency.

The new assignment and setting apart were announced Thursday, Jan. 8, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

About President Uchtdorf

President Uchtdorf was born on Nov. 6, 1940, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia.

His family became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany in 1947. He joined the German Air Force in 1959, earning his wings in both the German and U.S. air forces in Texas and Arizona and serving six years as a fighter pilot.

He married Harriet Reich in 1962, and they have two children. After leaving the military, President Uchtdorf became a commercial pilot for Lufthansa German Airlines in 1965, rising to top levels of management before retiring in 1995.

While a General Authority Seventy, President Uchtdorf served in area presidencies in Europe and the United States. He served in the Presidency of the Seventy from 2002-2004.

President versus acting president

The senior apostle of the Church — based on tenure, not age — serves as President of the Church, while the next-most-senior-apostle is the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. But when the apostle who is second in seniority is serving as a counselor in the First Presidency — such as President Eyring currently — the third-longest-serving apostle becomes acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

For a time, President Holland was acting president of the Twelve when President Russell M. Nelson served as 17th President of the Church and President Oaks was his first counselor. When President Nelson died and President Oaks became President of the Church last fall, the “acting” title was removed as President Holland — then being the second-most-senior apostle — became the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

As the acting president, President Uchtdorf will direct the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which is the second-highest presiding body in the Church’s governance. The quorum and its members serve under the direction of the First Presidency.

The primary responsibility of members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles today is to be “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:23). In addition, they have administrative responsibilities in overseeing the development of the global Church.

Like apostles anciently, today’s apostles also travel the world as they minister to Latter-day Saints, organize new congregations, conduct Church business and meet with leaders of nations and other faiths.

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9 quotes by President Uchtdorf on his birthday in November

While studying broadcast journalism at Brigham Young University, she met Brother R. Scott Runia, a BYU basketball player. They married in the Oakland California Temple on May 23, 1981, later welcoming seven children into their family. While residing in Provo, Utah, Sister Runia dedicated many years in civic service.

Prior to her call to the Young Women general presidency, Sister Runia served in a variety of callings, including Australia Sydney Mission leader with her husband, a stake Young Women president, stake Relief Society presidency counselor, stake scripture class instructor, Primary music leader and missionary preparation class teacher.

In honor of her birthday, here are nine quotes from Sister Runia over the past year.

1. Jesus Christ forgives

“Here’s what I know about Jesus: He doesn’t stand at a distance waiting for you to fix yourself. He sees the whole story. He knows the worst parts. And He still forgives. Completely. Every time. Again and again and again.”

— Facebook and Instagram post, Feb. 19, 2026

2. A brighter and brighter faith

View this post on Instagram

“I testify that when your faith is centered on Christ, not on outcomes, it will grow brighter and brighter until Jesus Christ is all you can see.”

— Facebook and Instagram post, Jan. 23, 2026

3. Enhancing study and faith through Bible translations

“The beautiful thing is that we can all benefit from translations made by our Christian brothers and sisters to enhance our study and faith as disciples of Christ.”

— Using other Bible translations, Dec. 15, 2025

4. Made stronger through Christ

“We can perfectly trust our Savior, Jesus Christ, to do the impossible. He will make us mighty, even delivering us from the ‘heavy.’ It is my witness that you and I can be made stronger to do all things through and with Christ.”

— Facebook and Instagram post, Oct. 16, 2025

5. Keep praying

“If you are in a dark place, pray. If you are having struggles, pray. Keep praying. Remember, even Jesus prayed as a resurrected Being.”

– Pacific Area ministry, September 2025

6. God’s favorite creations

“While God made the stars, planets and galaxies, they are not His favorite creations. God’s favorite creation is us. When He says to Moses, ‘This is my work and my glory’ (Moses 1:39), imagine Him saying to you, ‘You are My work and My glory.’”

— 2025 Utah Area YSA Conference, Aug. 29, 2025

7. The Savior’s voice

“Think of your Savior. Listen for His voice and to His voice — the voice that says good things — because He is your truest and finest heavenly Friend. His love and your worth are always great, no matter what."

— “Listen for His voice and to His voice,” Aug. 6, 2025

8. The 2 great commandments

“When we feel love from God, it causes us to have love for God. So this relationship, this charity is something special, something unique, and the byproduct of this charity, this relationship with God, is it causes us to turn sideways and love like Him. First we go up, and then we go out. And I think that’s what this section is all about — loving God and then loving our neighbors.”

— Love is central to God’s commandments, teaches Young Women general presidency, May 6, 2025

9. Repentance

“I testify that while God cares about our mistakes, He cares more about what happens after we make a mistake. Are we going to turn to Him again and again? Are we going to stay in this covenant relationship?”

— “Your Repentance Doesn’t Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy,” April 2025 general conference

Read 9 quotes by Sister Runia on her birthday last year

9 quotes by Elder Rasband on his birthday in February

9 quotes by President Christofferson on his birthday in January

9 quotes by Sister Wright on her birthday in January

There will be four two-hour general sessions — Saturday morning and afternoon sessions and Sunday morning and afternoon sessions.

The First Presidency announced Nov. 19 that, in an effort to emphasize the morning and afternoon sessions of general conference, Saturday evening sessions will be discontinued.

“The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has decided that beginning in April 2026, general conference will no longer include a Saturday evening session.”

First Presidency announces renewed focus on general conference, discontinues Saturday evening sessions

April 2026 general conference preparations

If someone wanted to prepare by rereading the messages from the October 2025 general conference in order, one talk per day, he or she should start today, March 1, to finish by Friday, April 3.

The October 2025 conference featured 34 messages over five sessions. Church President Dallin H. Oaks, who at the time was president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during the apostolic interregnum, spoke Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.

Every other member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also spoke once.

October 2025 general conference: Announcements, talk summaries, photos, session highlights

General conference talk summaries

Leading up to the April 2026 general conference, the Church News will feature daily talk summaries from last October on its Twitter/X and Facebook pages. Look for those links on social media each day, or find all the talk summaries on the October 2025 general conference summary page with the Church News’ coverage.

A link to each speaker’s full remarks is available in those summaries. Full talks are also available in the Gospel Library. General conference messages are published on the Gospel Library app, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and in Church magazines for further viewing and study.

The Church News will publish talk summaries, photo galleries and other articles about the April 2026 general conference on TheChurchNews.com starting April 4.

To support elders quorum and Relief Society classes, the Church News has published lesson resources on messages from the October 2025 general conference. These are meant to be a starting point and not a lesson plan.

How to watch April 2026 general conference

The April 2026 general conference will be broadcast live worldwide from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City in 80 languages on ChurchofJesusChrist.org/broadcasts and the Gospel Library app, and in multiple languages on the General Conference YouTube channel and Gospel Stream.

Sessions will be streamed live in English on KSL-TV, KSL NewsRadio, BYUtv, BYUradio, and their websites and smartphone apps.

General conference will also be available through the Gospel Voice skill on Amazon Alexa devices and through TuneIn by searching for “Saints Channel Talk” or “Canal de los Santos” (for live Spanish interpretation).

Other radio, television, satellite and digital channels are available by Church areas. See a detailed list here.

On-demand viewing of the messages will also be available following the broadcast, on multiple channels in up to 98 languages.

How to attend a session of general conference in Salt Lake City

Those who live in the United States or Canada should ask their local stake leaders about obtaining tickets to attend a session at the Conference Center, explained an event notice on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Stake leaders can learn how to access their account and distribute tickets to stake members by referencing this guide.

Those who live outside of the United States or Canada can ask their stake or district president to submit a request for tickets on their behalf.

Those hoping to access standby seating should line up outside the Tabernacle 90 minutes prior to the desired session. See Temple Square Event Guidelines for more information and restrictions.

Remember conference — President Dallin H. Oaks: ‘The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ’

Download a PDF of talk summaries from October 2025 general conference