Report of the 147th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Sermons and proceedings of October 1 and 2, 1977, from the Tabernacle on Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

“And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth—

“And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

“And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.” (D&C 68:2–4.)

Thus spoke the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith in November 1831—and in the spirit of this promise, thus spoke President Spencer W. Kimball and other General Authorities of the Church at the 147th Semiannual General Conference of the Church held recently at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City.

From throughout the world came the 11 General Authority Area Supervisors who reside outside the United States, 158 Regional Representatives, and local stake and ward leaders, as well as thousands of members from lands and islands dotting the earth.

Sessions were held Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2. President Spencer W. Kimball presided, with all sessions being conducted by a member of the First Presidency—President Kimball, President N. Eldon Tanner, first counselor, or President Marion G. Romney, second counselor. Sermons were given by 28 of a total number of 63 General Authorities.

The major administrative action of the conference was the sustaining of General Authorities and general officers of the Church, including the sustaining of three new members of the First Quorum of the Seventy—Elder Hugh W. Pinnock from Utah, a member of the Church Melchizedek Priesthood General Committee; Elder F. Enzio Busche from Germany, a Regional Representative; and Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi from Japan, a stake president. (See page 17 for sustaining of officers and page 98 for biographical information on new General Authorities.)

Conference sessions were held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square; additional seating was provided in the Assembly Hall and in the nearby Salt Palace. Sessions were held Saturday, 7:00 A.M. (welfare session), 10:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M., and 7:00 P.M. (general priesthood session which was broadcast by closed circuit throughout much of the world); Sunday, 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.

In addition, an all-day seminar for Regional Representatives was held Friday, September 30, in the Church Office Building, at which President Kimball gave an inspired call for activation of “inactive” members and “even more” emphasis on missionary work. Significant announcements and presentations were given on the new Church Activities Committee, a modified Church athletic program, the seminary and institute program, the activation of “inactive” youth and adult members, and principles of leadership. (See page 102 for a report.)—The Editors.