Virtual Events Create Unity
Virtual events have created numerous opportunities for Church members to feel united in gospel purposes and understanding.
Friend to Friend
Sponsored by the Primary General Presidency, this event for children, parents, and leaders was hosted by a boy and a girl speaking their native language of English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Other children gave on-site reports from around the world. The presentation included video stories about Jesus Christ, a message for children from President Russell M. Nelson, an interview about baptismal covenants with Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and discussions with the Primary General Presidency. It also included drawing lessons, artwork activities, and singing. The event has been translated and is available for viewing in additional languages. It will also be available in shorter segments for use in at-home gospel study.
Young Women Celebration
The Young Women General Presidency hosted a virtual event that marked the 150th anniversary of the Young Women organization. It was broadcast in 11 languages. President Nelson provided a recorded message, and the Young Women leaders answered questions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Young women in Norway and Thailand offered the prayers. In 2020, young women around the world were encouraged to do 150 acts of service.
RootsTech Connect
More than a million family history enthusiasts joined the virtual RootsTech event in February 2021. It was the largest number of participants ever in what has become the world’s largest family history celebration. RootsTech has facilitated the development of a virtual learning library that will be available all year long. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Patricia, were the featured speakers for Family Discovery Day, which is an annual part of the gathering.
Youth Music Festival
March’s global Youth Music Festival featured musical talents and testimonies. Youth from New Zealand, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Germany, South Africa, and the Philippines hosted the program, which was based on the 2021 Church youth theme, “A Great Work” (see Doctrine and Covenants 64:33–34). In addition to music and Christ-centered messages from their peers, youth also heard from President Nelson; President Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President; and President Steven J. Lund, Young Men General President.
Opportunities for Women
President Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, was the keynote speaker at the fifth annual International Women-in-Diplomacy Day symposium. Sponsored by the honorary consul general of the Republic of Senegal, the virtual event originated from Los Angeles, California, USA. President Bingham told participating international business leaders and diplomats that education is the key to success for women and girls worldwide. She shared examples of women who have been blessed by the Church’s Gospel Literacy initiative.
Christmas Concerts
Church members and friends of other faiths from across the world submitted Christmas video performances that were edited into concerts and broadcast on ChurchofJesusChrist.org throughout the Christmas season as part of the annual Light the World Christmas campaign.