United as Sisters and Brothers in Christ

men and women gathered in a council meeting

The voices of both women and men are necessary to accomplish the Lord’s work. Though unique, we complement one another, unified in our common objective to be disciples of Christ.

Our differences don’t have to detract from this objective. Instead, our differences include our talents and contributions that together strengthen our impact in the worldwide work of salvation and exaltation. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles writes in this issue, “We reach better decisions and have greater success in the Lord’s service as we value each other’s contributions and work together, brothers and sisters in His work” (page 4). How do we achieve such unity? We must have faith that the Lord can work with our differences for good in His kingdom.

In my article on page 8, I share what I have learned from the New Testament account of the woman of Canaan, who sought the Savior to heal her daughter. The woman was not of the house of Israel. But she had faith that the Lord’s power could heal her child, and this remarkable faith unified her with covenant people and brought about the miracle.

Let us look to the Savior in all we do, with our “hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another” (Mosiah 18:21). We are privileged to learn from the powerful differences of one another and value them as Christ does. How grateful I am to have a Shepherd who hears the unique voices of each one of His sheep.

Sincerely,

President Camille N. Johnson

Relief Society General President