Sunday morning session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 196th Semiannual General Conference on Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4.

This blog summarizes the key points from the Sunday morning session, the third of four held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City this weekend.

Follow along with our talk summaries in the blog below, or watch the session live here:

Here is a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog.

General conference is broadcast in multiple languages. Here is the link to watch the session in Spanish.

Sunday, 11:57 am

President Dallin H. Oaks — 'The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all'

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Dallin H. Oaks concluded the Sunday morning session of the church's 196th Semiannual General Conference by reminding people that Jesus Christ is the center of the gospel and the invitation to come unto him is extended to everyone.He encouraged people facing doubts or personal struggles to turn toward Christ through prayer, scripture study and daily effort. Spiritual understanding develops over time, he explained, so people shouldn't expect to get answers to every question immediately. Instead, believers can learn and trust God even when some things are unclear.President Oaks spoke about the connection between religious faith and scientific knowledge, saying both can help a person discover truth. Both religion and science require a humble approach that lets people keep learning without assuming unanswered questions require them to abandon their beliefs."Never let your secular learning limit your spiritual horizons," he said.

Scientific knowledge is developed through experiments and research, while spiritual knowledge is developed through Christ-centered actions like scripture study, prayer and personal revelation, he explained."There is no ultimate conflict between knowledge gained by these different methods because God, our omnipotent eternal father, knows all truth and expects us to learn by both methods," he said.Oaks emphasized the importance of taking the sacrament, honoring covenants, attending the temple and trying to live his teachings.He finished his remarks by stressing that the Savior's love is for everyone and invited all to come unto Jesus Christ and to help others do the same.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 11:43 am

Elder Ciro Schmeil — 'Consider your ways, and from this day will I bless you'

Elder Ciro Schmeil, a General Authority Seventy, spoke of two "divine helps" people can find in their lives to follow the Plan of Salvation, return to heaven and overcome trials. The first is faith in Jesus Christ. "Jesus Christ knows us individually and will help us if we seek Him," Elder Schmeil said. Faith in Christ includes humility and trusting in him even when we don't have all the answers.One way we can show our faith is by making and keeping covenants with God. Covenants are the second divine help in the Plan of Salvation, he said."Covenants bind us to Jesus Christ because he is central to every covenant we make," Elder Schmeil said. "It is through covenants that we become yoked with the Savior Jesus Christ and our burdens become lighter."By partaking of the sacrament each week, we are given the opportunity to make a new covenant with God, renewing the promises made during baptism, he said."In the sacrament prayer, we have a good reminder that we do not need to be perfect to partake of the sacrament. We need to be willing to take upon us his name, remember him, and keep his commandments, and, in return, we have the promise to always have his spirit with us. The sacrament is essential to have the spirit and the strength to continue on the covenant path," Elder Schmeil said.He mentioned the Israelites who were called to rebuild the temple, but they did not make it a priority. Once they did, then God said: "From this day will I bless you.""Heavenly Father is not asking us to physically build the temple, but he is asking us to build a strong relationship with him and his son Jesus Christ through our covenants. He will magnify our efforts as we consider our ways and make the proper adjustments to make and keep covenants with him," he said.The sacrament can help you remember and keep your baptismal and temple covenants, as it works as a weekly reminder of what the Savior has done for you and how much we need him as we walk the covenant path back to him, he concluded.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 11:32 am

Elder Alfred Kyungu — 'Using the language of peacemakers'

Elder Alfred Kyungu of the Seventy said he has pondered President Dallin H. Oaks' invitation, issued during the April general conference, to be peacemakers."It is not a simple suggestion; it is a call to discipleship as we follow Jesus Christ," he said.He told members the Lord has always counseled his people to avoid contention and speak peacefully, noting Christ taught that men will account for "every idle word.""I believe that all of us, in this mortal journey, have been hurt by some form of humiliating, degrading, or discouraging language. … There are expressions or words that can damage relationships and therefore need to be forgone in our communication," Elder Kyungu said.Some examples he gave were "you are useless," or "leave me alone." Instead, he encouraged phrases like "that is a good point," "thank you," or "how are you feeling?" — words that uplift, comfort and bring people together.As the Lamanites in the Book of Mormon buried their weapons for peace, he said members now can "bury the language of contention for peace.""Let us fill our hearts with the true doctrine of Christ, which has the power to change our language and help us speak more as peacemakers today, tomorrow, and always," Elder Kyungu said.Elder Kyungu encouraged members to repent of previous harsh language and pray for more peaceful communication despite differences."Our Heavenly Father loves us and desires us to live in peace and harmony," he said.He told members the Savior promised to leave his peace with them, and that peace begins with their hearts, choices and words.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 11:29 am

Elder Quentin L. Cook — 'Integrity and virtue lead to happiness'

Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught that following Jesus Christ involves taking responsibility for the kind of person we become.He referenced President David O. McKay's motto, which he adopted as a young missionary in Scotland: "What e'er thou art, act well they part." Cook explained that genuine happiness doesn't come from getting what you want, but instead stems from giving your best effort in whatever circumstance you are in."Integrity, virtue and happiness are intrinsically linked. Living a virtuous life with integrity aligns us with God's will. True happiness … is the actual outcome of integrity and being virtuous," he said.He also spoke about interacting kindly with others in a time when social media makes it easy to criticize, bully, embarrass or attack. Disciples of Christ should resist that behavior and instead offer kindness and respect."We cannot control the conduct of others, but we can strive to be a peaceable people," he said.Regular scripture study, prayer and spiritual reflection help keep faith active, which helps with leading a happy, virtuous life, Cook explained. He also emphasized that making mistakes doesn't prevent people from returning to live with God. Instead, repentance helps believers come closer to God."Integrity, virtue and ongoing repentance are the answer in a world where coarse language and serious challenges are so prevalent," he concluded.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 11:11 am

Elder Edward Dube — Come unto Christ

Elder Edward Dube, General Authority Seventy, counseled everyone to come unto Christ, no matter their circumstances.He explained it takes action to come to Christ and to let go of the things holding you back. When you come as you are, with a willing heart, Christ will transform you, he said. "We do not need to perfect ourselves to come to Christ. We come to Christ to be perfected," he said.Elder Dube shared a story about being asked to help minister to Randall, a member struggling to quit smoking. As someone who had never smoked, the task felt daunting, and he didn't know what to say.But he prayed to have God inspire him on what to say, and when they met, he asked Randall and his wife to choose a date to be sealed in the temple."We left after kneeling in prayer. And just two months later, they were sealed in the temple," he said.Elder Dube said Randall's wife told him she saw how much her husband was suffering because he thought he had to be perfect. When Randall saw his wife praying for him and heard her say that all he needed to do was his best, he felt his prayers were answered."Randall didn't perfect himself to come to Christ. He came to Christ — with prayer, with trust and a willing heart. The Savior, through his grace, helped him to let go of what was holding him back," Elder Dube said.Elder Dube said the adversary wants people to think that whatever is holding you back, such as addiction, pain, grief, materialism or doubt, makes them unworthy to come to Christ. "To all who feel that same ache, I invite you, please come unto Christ, and embrace his promise: 'that (his) joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full,'" he said.He asked everyone to find someone and invite them to come to Christ, and promised that as one does so, they will find solutions to their current problems through God's power.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 11:02 am

Elder James G. O. Fantone — 'Take upon us his name'

Elder James G. O. Fantone, a General Authority Seventy, said the Savior's invitation to take his name upon them is an invitation to "become more like him through covenant keeping." He told members to show they have taken on Christ's name by serving God and serving others, citing scriptures in the Book of Mormon. As a child, Elder Fantone said he lived in a modest three-bedroom bungalow, but on multiple occasions his parents "without hesitation" gave up one of those rooms for someone who needed a place to stay. He spoke about the "mighty change" of heart that leads to true conversion. In one example, he pointed to missionaries he had served with who told him time was moving too slowly when they were suffering from homesickness, but they decided to keep working, and a few months later they reported that time was moving too quickly. "Time did not change; the missionaries did. The work did not change — but the workers did," Elder Fantone said. As members lose themselves in the service of God, he said they will find him and themselves. "The Savior's invitation is not for us to merely add his name to our names. His invitation is for us to take upon us his name by covenant and to serve him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength — by lifting, loving and serving our fellow men," Elder Fantone said. He told members he is determined to follow Christ to the end, as someone who has made a covenant to take upon him his name. — Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 10:51 am

Elder Neil L. Andersen — 'Courage born of our faith in Jesus Christ'

Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke about how faith in Jesus Christ brings believers the strength and courage to live according to that faith. He emphasized that discipleship can be a hard path that requires making difficult choices even when you're afraid, uncertain or feeling pressured to take an easier path."Spiritual courage is the triumph over obstacles, doubt, and fear in choosing the right," he said.Andersen explained that faith and courage build on each other. People who act on their faith by praying, serving, accepting responsibilities, keeping the commandments and staying true to themselves and their faith are rewarded with the courage and confidence to continue to follow Christ.Creating space away from the constant barrage of outside influences via smartphones and social media is important to hear spiritual promptings, he explained, which can help people reconnect with God and strengthen their faith.Andersen shared examples of people who relied on their faith while facing difficult, painful personal experiences. Their stories show that faith does not necessarily prevent suffering, but it can provide the strength to move through it without losing hope."Their faith in Jesus Christ lifted their courage, and their courage has elevated their faith," he said.Andersen closed with his testimony that Christ is alive and actively leads His Church.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 10:41 am

President Rosemary K. Chibota — 'A child of God'

Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota spoke about seeing others as God sees them.She explained the South African greeting "Sawubona," which means "I see you." She said it is more than saying hello, but it is an acknowledgment of another person's worth and humanity.President Chibota said Christ exemplifies this principle, and throughout his ministry he "truly saw the people around him," especially those who felt unseen."Often, helping others feel seen as a child of God begins with something as simple as learning their name," she said.The president shared how her daughter always regularly greeted her school janitor, and at a parent-teacher conference, the janitor thanked President Chibota and her husband for their daughter's kindness."Very few students know my name. Your daughter sees me," the janitor told her.As children of God, we must pray to see others as Christ and Heavenly Father sees them and to treat them accordingly, seeing those who feel unseen or listening to those who feel unheard, President Chibota said.Similarly, everyone must remember that God sees us as we truly are, and that he sees our divine potential no matter our circumstances or current missteps."Through his atoning sacrifice, he makes that divine potential possible for all of us," she said.While the world focuses on labeling and dividing people, followers of Christ must see everyone as one: brothers and sisters and children of God."Living prophets have taught that our eternal identity matters far more than any worldly identifier. Our identity is not something we achieve; it is something we inherit as beloved sons and daughters of God," she said.If you pray in faith, asking God to help you see others as he does, he will guide you to those who feel unseen. She encouraged everyone to make a difference in someone's life today by seeing them and acknowledging them."Remember that every person has divine worth. When we see one another through the Savior's eyes, hearts change, relationships deepen, and faith grows," she concluded.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 10:34 am

President Henry B. Eyring — 'Fear not, I am with thee'

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, spoke about the promises in the hymn "How Firm a Foundation," which the Tabernacle Choir had just sung, including that God will succor and strengthen his children. He noted it does not promise challenges will be removed, but said the promises do "become more precious" in the face of challenges. As a boy, President Eyring asked his mother why life was so hard, and she replied, "Hal, of course it's hard. It's supposed to be. Life is a test." "You might reasonably wonder why a loving and all-powerful God allows our mortal test to be so hard. It is because he knows that we must grow in spiritual cleanliness and stature to be able to live in his presence," President Eyring said. President Eyring told conferencegoers that the Savior has felt their grief and knows their hearts. Trials are different for each person, but they are all designed to test whether they will follow God's commandments. He thanked people who have helped the Lord fulfill his promise to help his children, and encouraged members to help by reaching out to others. He encouraged them to pray for and reach out to those on their mind — sending evidence that the Lord loves them. "The Lord sends faithful disciples to help Him keep his promise to succor others in their distress," President Eyring said. He told members their kindness to missionaries serving around the world can build the missionaries' faith that the Lord is watching over them. "As you show your appreciation and confidence in them that they have been inspired, they will feel evidence that God called them, knows them, and has guided and blessed them," President Eyring said. President Eyring said God's invitation to help him succor others in their trials is a "great blessing and trust." — Emily Ashcraft

Sunday morning session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

UPDATED - Oct. 4, 2026 at 11:57 a.m. | Posted - Oct. 4, 2026 at 9:55 a.m.

Conferencegoers make their way to the conference center for the 196th Semi-Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday. (Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News)

President Dallin H. Oaks — 'The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all'

Elder Ciro Schmeil — 'Consider your ways, and from this day will I bless you'

Elder Alfred Kyungu — 'Using the language of peacemakers'

Elder Quentin L. Cook — 'Integrity and virtue lead to happiness'

Elder Edward Dube — Come unto Christ

Elder James G. O. Fantone — 'Take upon us his name'

Elder Neil L. Andersen — 'Courage born of our faith in Jesus Christ'

President Rosemary K. Chibota — 'A child of God'

President Henry B. Eyring — 'Fear not, I am with thee'

Photos

Most recent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stories

Related topics

More stories you may be interested in

Josh Furlong's AP Top 25: Alabama impresses in top 25 win as Florida is exposed

Woman dies after being struck by vehicle in North Ogden

In China's Taoist martial arts schools, fighting is only part of the lesson

Most Viewed

KSL Weather Forecast

Sunday morning session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

UPDATED - Oct. 4, 2026 at 11:57 a.m. | Posted - Oct. 4, 2026 at 9:55 a.m.

Conferencegoers make their way to the conference center for the 196th Semi-Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Sunday. (Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News)

President Dallin H. Oaks — 'The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all'

Elder Ciro Schmeil — 'Consider your ways, and from this day will I bless you'

Elder Alfred Kyungu — 'Using the language of peacemakers'

Elder Quentin L. Cook — 'Integrity and virtue lead to happiness'

Elder Edward Dube — Come unto Christ

Elder James G. O. Fantone — 'Take upon us his name'

Elder Neil L. Andersen — 'Courage born of our faith in Jesus Christ'

President Rosemary K. Chibota — 'A child of God'

President Henry B. Eyring — 'Fear not, I am with thee'

Photos

Most recent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stories

General conference special: 'The New Temple Square'

Saturday afternoon session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

General conference special: 'Perpetual education: 25 years of hope and opportunity'

Related topics

More stories you may be interested in

Josh Furlong's AP Top 25: Alabama impresses in top 25 win as Florida is exposed

Woman dies after being struck by vehicle in North Ogden

In China's Taoist martial arts schools, fighting is only part of the lesson

Most Viewed

KSL Weather Forecast