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Weekly Study

Conference Talk of the Week

One conference talk each week, pre-selected on a rolling cycle. Start with the overview here, then open the official talk when you are ready to read it in full.

Week 5 of 37Viewing another talk in the series

Saturday Morning Session

Introduction

President Dallin H. Oaks

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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The conference we convene today is different because it begins with what we call a solemn assembly.

Overview

President Dallin H. Oaks welcomes the worldwide Church to general conference and explains why this conference is different: it begins with a solemn assembly. He describes the purpose of a solemn assembly, to sustain the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve by quorums and groups, something done only at the first conference after a new President and prophet is called. He expresses gratitude for members’ sustaining votes, prayers, and support, and he reaffirms at Easter that the resurrected Lord is the head of the Church.

Three Key Takeaways

  • 1This general conference opens with a solemn assembly, a rare and significant event in Church practice that has been held for more than a century.
  • 2A solemn assembly includes sustaining the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by quorums and groups, done only in the first conference after a new President and prophet is called.
  • 3Church leaders express gratitude for sustaining votes, prayers, and support, and they pray that members will be guided and prospered as they serve God’s children; Jesus Christ, the resurrected Lord, is affirmed as the head of the Church.

Reflection Questions

  • When you sustain Church leaders, what does that look like in your prayers, attitudes, and actions, not just your raised hand?
  • How can participating in a solemn assembly help you feel more deliberate about unity and order in the Lord’s Church?
  • What does it mean to you personally to hear, in this Easter season, that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church?

Application Prompt

This week, include Church leaders by name in your prayers and choose one concrete way to support their work through your own service in your quorum, class, or family.