What is the Latter-day Saint general conference?

Megan Brugger
·3 min read
6

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its annual general conference this week — what do you need to know?

The 193rd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will take place at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City this weekend, April 6-7 — but it will also be broadcast globally. The entire conference consists of five unique two-hour sessions:

  • Saturday, April 6: General sessions at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. MDT

  • Sunday, April 7: General sessions at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. MDT

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What is general conference?

General conference is the worldwide gathering of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Twice a year — during the first weekend of April and the first weekend of October — the church’s leaders from around the world share messages or sermons on “the living Christ and His gospel,” according to the church.

Church leaders speak on many spiritual topics, including how to find peace, hope, and joy; how to strengthen families; and how to receive personal guidance and inspiration from God, the church said. Speakers include the church’s prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, and his counselors in the First Presidency. The conference also features messages from members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other church leaders.

The church broadcasts the conferences from the Conference Center to homes and congregations across the world in more than 70 languages — later translated to more than 100 languages.

“We invite everyone — of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds from everywhere in the world — to watch, listen, and participate,” the church said.

Music for the sessions is provided by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and other church choirs, and the congregation joins in singing hymns as well.

“The music helps to teach, inspire, and cultivate a spirit of worship,” the church said.

General conferences have been held since 1830, when the church said it was restored on the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The first conferences were reportedly held so that believers could gather together, share inspiring messages, and sustain — or show mutual support for — their church leaders.

Today, all are welcome to join.

How can you watch general conference?

All conferences will be streamed live on the live broadcast page of ChurchofJesusChrist.org in more than 70 languages, the church said.

You can also watch and listen on the General Conference YouTube channel, Gospel Stream app, Gospel Library, and other radio, television, satellite, and digital channels.

Following the broadcast, all messages will be available in text, audio, and video formats on multiple channels in more than 70 languages for on-demand viewing. These channels include Gospel Library, Media Library, the General Conference YouTube channel, Gospel Stream, and the church magazines.

To attend a session in-person, the church says to ask your local church leaders about obtaining tickets. If you live outside of the U.S. or Canada, however, the church says to ask your stake or district president to submit a request for tickets on your behalf.

Currently, no standby seating is available due to the renovation efforts on the Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square.

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