Highlights from the 185th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“You are a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father,” said President Thomas S. Monson in the Sunday morning session of general conference. “You have come from His presence to live on this earth for a season, to reflect the Savior’s love and teachings, and to bravely let your light shine for all to see. When that season on earth has ended, if you have done your part, yours will be the glorious blessing of returning to live with Him forever” (page 88).

This general conference noted the recent passing of President Boyd K. Packer and Elders L. Tom Perry and Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Church members sustained three new members of the quorum: Elders Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, and Dale G. Renlund.

Other highlights:

• Talks by Elders M. Russell Ballard, David A. Bednar, and D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles underscored why the Lord set up His Church, with prophets and apostles as its foundation, to do His work and empower us to return to Him (see pages 24, 128, and 108).

• Talks by President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the vital roles of women. President Nelson noted: “The kingdom of God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God!” (page 96).

• Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reaffirmed that “our Savior experienced and suffered the fulness of all mortal challenges. … And because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us—to give us the strength to bear it all” (pages 61–62).