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

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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 afternoon session, the last 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 live in Spanish.

Sunday, 04:02 pm

President Dallin H. Oaks — Closing remarks

President Dallin H. Oaks said the messages have inspired members to "concentrate our worship, focus our learning and unite our testimonies on the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and his father's plan for our eternal increase and joy."He invited all members to ponder and study the talks as they are published, and "act in faith" on the principles they teach. President Oaks said the church will be "welcoming the world" to the Salt Lake Temple Celebration in six months, both virtually and in person. "On April 5, 2027, the temple doors of the Salt Lake Temple will open to the public, the first such opening since 1843, 134 years ago," he said. He invited members to visit TempleSquare.org or the Temple Square app to learn more about the temple open house, and announced a video series called "Dedicate," which will premiere in multiple languages following general conference. "As we now go forward, we invoke the blessings of the Lord on you and your families, blessings of peace and contentment, and we bless your service of the Lord Jesus Christ in these challenging times," President Oaks said.

He told members this is Christ's church and his restored gospel, and testified that truth can be found in the church about the Lord's teachings and the covenant path.— Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 03:59 pm

Elder Clark G. Gilbert — 'Teach truth with love'

Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said that the disciples of Jesus Christ need both truth and love.He explained that it is possible to defend your beliefs while still treating others kindly and with compassion. Taking a stand in a way that's harmful or pushes people away can damage relationships and make it more difficult to help others."It takes courage to stand for truth. It takes even more courage to stand for truth with love," Elder Gilbert said.The apostle shared five ways to handle these situations:

Avoid overly contentious settings. Don't engage in discussions just to be right or prove a point, and recognize that anger or opposition may sometimes come from hidden pain.

Find common ground. Listening and understanding can create a foundation for meaningful conversations and trust.

Be a light. Live the gospel consistently and show by example that joy comes from faithfulness. "The best way to help someone else keep their covenants is to keep your covenants," he said.

Hold to truth even in our outreach. Realize that love doesn't mean abandoning values or beliefs. Jesus offered mercy and acceptance while still inviting people to change.

Stay anchored in Christ. Be patient and kind with others and not easily provoked, just as Jesus Christ would.

Gilbert explained that truth and love are meant to work together, and learning to combine conviction with charity is essential for followers of Christ."I believe teaching truth with love will be the hallmark of Christ's disciples in the last days," he concluded.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 03:47 pm

Brother Gabriel W. Reid — 'You are good enough to teach'

Brother Gabriel W. Reid, second counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, emphasized the importance of teaching the gospel with love.He shared that he felt inadequate and overwhelmed when he received his calling in the Sunday School presidency, and joked that a news headline referred to him as an NFL player, compared to the other presidency members, who were scholars.He said others most likely have felt the same doubts, thinking they are not good enough to teach the gospel to others. But while reflecting on the "Master Teacher," he remembered Christ calling mere fishermen to be his apostles."He did not expect them to become master teachers before they followed him. He promised that he would make them into who He needed them to be," Brother Reid said.We are never asked to do the Lord's work alone; Christ will always be there to help us rise to the occasion, he said.He reminisced on the example of his first gospel teachers, his parents, who taught his family of 13 children in a small village in American Samoa. Despite their lack of formal education, "they possessed something far more important — a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ.""They loved the Lord with all their hearts, and because they loved him, they loved us in a way that helped us love him too," he added.While he doesn't remember specific lessons of his childhood, he does remember the love his parents and primary teachers showed him."The impact of a gospel teacher is not just the message — it is the love of the messenger," Brother Reid said.He encouraged each person tasked with teaching the gospel, whether to their families, in missionary moments or in their wards, to focus on helping students feel the Savior's love."If class members leave the lesson feeling closer to the Savior than when they came, we have taught enough," Brother Reid said.The only requirement to be "good enough" to teach the gospel, he said, is to love Jesus Christ and love your students."As you deepen your love for the one you teach about, he will teach you, walk beside you and gradually make you into the teacher he knows you can become," he said. "To teach like the Savior, we must love like the Savior!"— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 03:37 pm

Elder Gary E. Stevenson — 'Fruit to make one happy'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson directed his conference message toward the children of the church. He said he is impressed with Primary children everywhere he has traveled in his calling. "I know you have a purpose. Your Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ, know you and love you. Even though you are young, you are an important part of their work. You are some of the most valued and faithful members of the whole church. You can help to make your homes, your communities — even the world better. You are our future," he told them. He said Heavenly Father wants them to use the gifts and talents he has given them to help others. Elder Stevenson told a story of the "Tree of Life" in the Book of Mormon, and encouraged them to think of their favorite fruits. He said gospel truth, like fruit, becomes sweet as they encounter it. He told them three truths:

They are children of a Heavenly Father;

The great plan of happiness is through Jesus Christ;

And the "most delicious fruit" for church members is the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Elder Stevenson talked about a young boy who ran onto the stand at church and said he held the boy as he sang each word of "I Am a Child of God," noting it was an important, powerful testimony. He said Primary children also testify of the plan of happiness when singing "Gethsemane. Jesus loves me," and of the Holy Ghost in the song "I Know My Father Lives." Elder Stevenson told the children they were "exceptionally good listeners," then encouraged them to invite others to partake of the gospel fruit. He said it was a simple invitation. "As you do so, I promise that you will not only feel joy and happiness that comes as you partake of the fruit of the gospel, but you will feel even greater joy as loved ones around you partake as well," he said. — Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 03:22 pm

Elder Paul H. Sinclair — 'The parable of the baffling buttons'

Elder Paul H. Sinclair, a General Authority Seventy, began his talk with a story about a little boy during a Primary program who accidentally buttoned his suit sleeve to his jacket lapel and got stuck. A little girl nearby noticed his issue and helped free him by undoing the button. Elder Sinclair shared that this was an example to him of being Christ-like."A true disciple of Jesus Christ is quick to help and slow to judge," he said.Elder Sinclair then told the Bible story of the Savior's interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well.Jesus knew her circumstances and complicated history, but he listened, instead of shaming or condemning her. He taught her with dignity and offered her "living water." Christ looked beyond her past and recognized what she could become, Elder Sinclair explained.The speaker encouraged us to extend this same compassion and lack of judgment to the people around us. Instead of dwelling on someone's past or circumstances, people should be welcomed, listened to with kindness and helped to see a path forward."We must look not only to 'their past' — we must look to 'their possible,'" he said.Elder Sinclair explained that these small acts of compassion will help us become more like Jesus Christ, so that when we meet other people, those people will feel they have "come home.""When we help people rather than judge them, one by one, in our own small and simple ways, we are preparing the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ," he said.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 03:10 pm

Elder Thabo Lebethoa — 'Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world'

Elder Thabo Lebethoa, a General Authority Seventy, spoke on the importance of leaning on the light of the Savior.He talked about his first serious argument with his wife, and how it devolved into the silent treatment. He thought about when Christ visited the people of Nephi in the Book of Mormon and taught that contention is of the devil and should be "done away.""These words from the scriptures enlightened my mind and helped me know how to resolve the challenge I was facing. This enlightenment comes from the Savior," he said.No matter the concerns or challenges in your life, the answer and solution is always Jesus Christ, Elder Lebethoa said. "Jesus Christ can bring light in our moments of darkness and restore hope where there ishopelessness. He knows where we have been, where we are, and where we need to be. ThroughHim, today can be a new day and tomorrow can be a better day," he said.Elder Lebethoa suggested three ways to prioritize the Savior's light in our lives: increase faith in the lord, study the scriptures and practice repentance daily.He said we can trust that Christ understands our difficulties and knows how to help us because he has experienced all of our pains and afflictions."We need to trust that he is always ready to help us as we remember to look unto him in every thought and 'doubt not, fear not,'" he said.He counseled that there is no single right way to study the scriptures; what matters is consistency and sincerity in the effort to learn of God.Repenting daily means changing your mind and turning your heart toward God, he explained. While pondering on the changes you need to make in your life can be daunting, there is no need to fear, as with Jesus, every day can become better."It is important to remember that we do not need to go through this alone. The Savior is always ready to help because he sees the end from the beginning and understands our weaknesses perfectly," Elder Lebethoa said.— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 03:03 pm

Elder David A. Bednar — 'Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise'

Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke about keeping and receiving covenants and invited members to consider their importance. He told a story about a man who did not take care of his passport and was later denied entry to a country to visit his family. Elder Bednar said similarly that "ongoing faithfulness" is required for the members to receive the blessings promised through ordinances. "The covenants and ordinances of the Savior's restored gospel are spiritual credentials that can open wide the heavenly windows of opportunity to receive in our lives divine purpose, direction and strength," Elder Bednar said. He told members that each ordinance and covenant must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, making it binding on Earth and in heaven. He said the ratifying is not a one-time event, but comes over time."Righteously seeking for this blessing is 'the challenge of mortality,'" he said, quoting the late President Boyd K. Packer, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.Elder Bednar said sealing a man and a woman in the temple, in addition to sealing them to each other, seals them to God's eternal family, linking generations. He told members that a spouse's unworthy actions won't hinder God's love and blessings promised to the other spouse. "The power of the Lord's infinite and eternal atonement can overcome all things, all the time, everywhere, for every person who holds fast to their covenants with him," Elder Bednar said. "No faithful disciple will ultimately be deprived of any eternal blessing God has promised because of another individual's unrighteous exercise of moral agency."Elder Bednar concluded his address by inviting members to consider the blessings for those who keep God's commandments, including "a state of never-ending happiness." — Emily Ashcraft

Sunday, 02:51 pm

Elder Moises Villanueva — 'Prove me now herewith'

Elder Moises Villanueva, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened his talk with a story about his mother who had separated from her husband while raising their eight children. Even though she was struggling financially, she chose to pay a full tithe. Her decision taught him about trusting God even when the sacrifice is difficult."I am especially grateful that my mother trusted the Lord's promises and chose to live the law of tithing regardless of our difficult circumstances," he said.Villanueva explained that paying tithing opens the windows of heaven to bless the tithepayer, but it doesn't guarantee those blessings will come in the form people expect. He shared that a member once came to him, discouraged that paying tithing hadn't led to the promotion or raise she hoped for. He encouraged her to look for other ways God blessed her.He then listed the blessings he has received throughout his life and invited others to make similar lists of their own to acknowledge the blessings they've received."I have developed the gift of gratitude by learning to appreciate the Lord's hand in each of His tender mercies," he said.Villanueva shared a story about a woman whose propane lasted far longer than expected after she had paid tithing. He compared this to the story of the widow's mite in the Bible.He finished by saying that faithfully paying tithing opens believers to God's promised blessings, which may come in spiritual or practical ways they don't immediately recognize.— Jenny Rollins

Sunday, 02:44 pm

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus — 'God Is at Your Side'

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, spoke to the young women of the church, saying they are "crucial and important" in these days.While studying the 13th Article of Faith as a teenager, Sister Spannaus said she made a list of her aspirations and things she wanted to achieve in life. She invited all sisters of the church to make a similar list for themselves."I invite you to look at your life and what you want to achieve with enthusiasm and the certainty that your father in heaven will guide you on that journey and show you the best way to make the righteous desires of your heart come true," she said.She said the Lord knows perfectly where you are, what circumstances you are in, your weaknesses and your strengths."He knows everything. And knowing everything about you does not make him love you less," she said.Heavenly Father and the Savior have a "perfect love" for each daughter of God, and part of that love is through giving us opportunities and patience as we work on our list of aspirations."Dear young women, I testify that you are beloved daughters of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. Each of you has a crucial and important work to do here on earth. That work is different for each person, but … that work will bring you great joy," she said.She listed seven ways to help young women identify the work God has in store for them and asked listeners to choose one to focus on:

Partake of the sacrament with a humble heart.

Repent daily and ask for forgiveness each night.

Study the scriptures with a desire to know God's character.

Study what it means to have ministering angels help you.

Protect your sleep by going to bed early, and get enough sleep to keep your mind clear and alert.

Limit cell phone use, which can hinder peace of mind, self-esteem and real connections

Follow President Oaks' invitation to seek friends that strive to follow the Lord.

She concluded that Satan seeks to destroy your self-esteem and spirit, but God has more power than the adversary and is always at your side."He knows where you are and has promised to lead you by the hand," she said. "I express my love for you and my confidence in all the beautiful things that you will achieve in your lives."— Cassidy Wixom

Sunday, 02:33 pm

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf — 'Christ-centered unity'

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, encouraged members to build bridges and unite in the Savior's name."When we join the Church of Jesus Christ, we say — humbly, gratefully and with quiet confidence — that we want to follow our beloved Savior," he said. President Uchtdorf said he has been impressed with how much of the Savior's work while he was on earth was bringing people together despite cultural, political or religious differences. Today, Christ continues inviting all to "come unto him." Although Satan is trying to weaken, divide and isolate God's children, President Uchtdorf said Christ's work of gathering is accelerating. He told members they are united by a love of God and commitment to their covenants and to his gospel. President Uchtdorf said as we come closer to Christ, we will come closer to each other. "We may not achieve perfect Christ-centered unity in this life, but the "spiritual momentum" we build here will carry us into eternity. ... Every step we take toward unity matters, however small it may seem," he said. President Uchtdorf encouraged members to find unifying power in the sacrament. This ordinance, he told them, is the only one that is not individual but is a group ordinance where they are addressed together. He said it is a weekly reminder that they are not alone. "The sacrament can become a fresh starting point for our personal relationship with God and for a greater Christ-centered unity in our lives," he told conferencegoers. "Wherever you are, I invite you to join the Christ-centered unity we are trying to build. It would be incomplete without you. Please, come and see, come and help, and come and belong," President Uchtdorf said. — Emily Ashcraft

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

UPDATED - Oct. 4, 2026 at 4:03 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 4, 2026 at 1:57 p.m.

The morning session of the 196th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday. (Lukas Katilius, Deseret News)

President Dallin H. Oaks — Closing remarks

Elder Clark G. Gilbert — 'Teach truth with love'

Brother Gabriel W. Reid — 'You are good enough to teach'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson — 'Fruit to make one happy'

Elder Paul H. Sinclair — 'The parable of the baffling buttons'

Elder Thabo Lebethoa — 'Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world'

Elder David A. Bednar — 'Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise'

Elder Moises Villanueva — 'Prove me now herewith'

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus — 'God Is at Your Side'

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf — 'Christ-centered unity'

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

UPDATED - Oct. 4, 2026 at 4:03 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 4, 2026 at 1:57 p.m.

The morning session of the 196th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday. (Lukas Katilius, Deseret News)

President Dallin H. Oaks — Closing remarks

Elder Clark G. Gilbert — 'Teach truth with love'

Brother Gabriel W. Reid — 'You are good enough to teach'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson — 'Fruit to make one happy'

Elder Paul H. Sinclair — 'The parable of the baffling buttons'

Elder Thabo Lebethoa — 'Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world'

Elder David A. Bednar — 'Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise'

Elder Moises Villanueva — 'Prove me now herewith'

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus — 'God Is at Your Side'

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf — 'Christ-centered unity'

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