FAIR

General Conference

Procedural Developments in the Solemn Assembly

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Note: This is the second in a two-part series about solemn assemblies to sustain a President of the Church. The first part addressed current procedures and the principles of solemn assemblies and sustaining Church Presidents.

Since October 1880 when John Taylor was first sustained as the President of the Church, a solemn assembly is held “for the body of the Church to express the voice of the Church in a first sustaining vote for a new President of the Church.”1J. Reuben Clark Jr., Conference Report, October 1945, 3. Although the exact procedures have varied over time, the fundamentals have remain unchanged.

Joseph Smith and Brigham Young

Joseph Smith introduced the special pattern of voting that is now followed in our solemn assemblies. During the dedicatory services of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836, Sidney Rigdon: [Read more…] about Procedural Developments in the Solemn Assembly

The Solemn Assembly

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Sustaining Church officers with the uplifted hand is a privilege and a responsibility.

By David W. Smith

Note: This is the first in a two-part series about solemn assemblies to sustain Presidents of the Church. Part 2 is here.

With the passing of President Russell M. Nelson in September 2025, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will soon have the special privilege to participate in a solemn assembly to sustain a new Church president. Because this sustaining is a bit different than the normal sustaining process, it may be helpful to review the procedure and principles of the solemn assembly and sustaining Church leaders. [Read more…] about The Solemn Assembly

And Now I See

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “And Now I See,” Jeffrey R. Holland teaches that spiritual clarity often comes gradually as we continue forward in faith.

He draws on the Savior’s healing of the blind man, where something as simple as clay made from dust and spittle became the means of a miracle. What may have seemed ordinary or even unexpected became, in the Lord’s hands, the path to sight. [Read more…] about And Now I See

The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ,” Neil L. Andersen testifies that the Savior’s Atonement is not only central to God’s plan, but personally powerful in every life.

He teaches that both forgiveness and healing are found through Jesus Christ, no matter the depth of sin or suffering. [Read more…] about The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ

Humble Souls at Altars Kneel

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 In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Humble Souls at Altars Kneel,” Jeremy R. Jaggi teaches that sacred altars, whether the sacrament table, temple altars, or the quiet places of personal prayer, represent moments when we bind ourselves to Jesus Christ through covenant devotion.

He explains that these sacred acts are not symbolic gestures alone. They connect disciples directly to the Savior’s power and grace. [Read more…] about Humble Souls at Altars Kneel

Do Your Part with All Your Heart 

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Do Your Part with All Your Heart,” Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches that discipleship is neither accidental nor passive. It is a deliberate and sustained effort to follow Jesus Christ patiently, consistently, and with commitment.

He reminds us that faith does not remain strong by default. Like any skill or discipline, it must be practiced and nourished over time. [Read more…] about Do Your Part with All Your Heart 

Be Reconciled to God 

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Be Reconciled to God,” Elder Kelly R. Johnson invites disciples to think differently about repentance and discipleship—not as occasional correction, but as an ongoing effort to remain aligned with God.

Drawing on his background as a forensic accountant, Elder Johnson explains reconciliation as the careful work of bringing two things back into alignment. Spiritually, to be reconciled to God means restoring harmony between our will and His will through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. [Read more…] about Be Reconciled to God 

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Elder Gary E. Stevenson teaches that peacemaking is not a passive or naïve response to a troubled world. It is a deliberate, Christlike choice that requires courage, restraint, and moral clarity.

Against a backdrop of grief, violence, and rising contention, Elder Stevenson invites disciples to reconsider common assumptions about strength. Rather than equating power with aggression or volume, he points to the Savior’s example and calls peacemaking a higher, holier form of strength. [Read more…] about Blessed Are the Peacemakers