On October 4, 2025, the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, was filled with a sense of reverence and anticipation as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for the opening session of the Church’s 195th Semiannual General Conference. This year’s conference, watched by millions around the world, was marked by both a spirit of continuity and a poignant sense of loss following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, who died on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.
President Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, opened the Saturday morning session with a heartfelt tribute to President Nelson. "I love President Russell M. Nelson and have learned more about the gospel and gospel leadership from my long friendship and association with him than from any other leader I have personally known," President Oaks said, his words echoing through the vast auditorium and across countless screens worldwide, according to the Church Newsroom. He continued, "He is our model as a servant and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ."
President Oaks also noted the historic nature of the moment, stating it was the first time in 75 years that a Church president had passed away just days before a general conference. Despite the loss, the conference proceeded according to the schedule President Nelson himself had approved. "We honor him by following the planned conference schedule he approved," President Oaks explained, adding that extended tributes would be reserved for President Nelson’s funeral, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7.
Elder Henry B. Eyring, who conducted the session, explained how the passing of President Nelson led to the dissolution of the First Presidency. Both he and President Oaks returned to their places of seniority within the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a procedural change that underscores the Church’s commitment to orderly succession and stability in leadership.
The Saturday morning session featured a range of speakers from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders, each addressing themes of faith, reconciliation, and belonging. Elder Gary E. Stevenson spoke on the importance of peacemaking, emphasizing that it is a Christlike attribute. "Peacemaking requires courage and compromise but does not require sacrifice of principle," he taught. "Peacemaking is to lead with an open heart, not a closed mind. It is to approach one another with extended hands, not clenched fists." According to the Church’s official summary, Elder Stevenson reminded listeners that peacemaking was taught by Jesus Christ not only in the Bible, but also in the Book of Mormon, and continues to be a guiding principle for modern-day prophets.
Sister Tracy Y. Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, highlighted the enduring power of music in teaching children about the gospel. "These songs hold the power to stay with children for a lifetime, becoming part of their discipleship and a normal and natural way for them to testify of the Savior," she said, underscoring the role of Primary music in shaping faith from a young age.
Elder Ronald M. Barcellos, a General Authority Seventy, encouraged members to turn their hearts fully to God. He stated, "The Savior taught that if our hearts are fully turned to Him, because of His atoning sacrifice, we can be blessed with the strength and spiritual gifts we need to overcome our mortal challenges, resist temptation, receive direction and understanding, and feel joy and peace in our lives." His message was echoed by Elder Brik V. Eyre, who spoke about the importance of seeking validation from God rather than the world. "We must seek validation vertically, not horizontally, and as we do, we too can boldly proclaim, 'I am a child of God.'"
Elder Kelly R. Johnson, another General Authority Seventy, focused on the theme of reconciliation. "Reconciliation brings not only relief from feelings of guilt, but also peace within ourselves and with others. It heals relationships, softens hearts and strengthens our discipleship, bringing increased confidence before God," he taught, according to the Church’s session summary.
The session was brought to a close by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who spoke on the nature of faith in Jesus Christ. "Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift, but receiving it is a conscious choice that requires a commitment of all our 'might, mind and strength.' It is a practice of every day, every hour," he said. "Our faith, our loyalty to the Savior, becomes stronger as it is tested against the opposition we face here in mortality. It endures because we keep nourishing it, we keep actively applying it, and we never give up."
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, directed by Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy and accompanied by organists Brian Mathias and Andrew Unsworth, provided stirring musical selections throughout the session. Elder Karl D. Hirst and Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante offered prayers, further lending to the solemnity and spiritual focus of the gathering.
As reported by the Deseret News, the October 2025 general conference was scheduled to run over two days, with three sessions on Saturday and two on Sunday. All five sessions were open to individuals, families, and friends, with messages broadcast live in 78 languages across a wide array of platforms, including ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Gospel Library app, YouTube, and traditional broadcast channels like KSL-TV and BYUtv. For those unable to watch live, on-demand viewing was made available in more than 90 languages, reflecting the Church’s global reach and commitment to accessibility.
In the Saturday afternoon and evening sessions, leaders continued to address themes of belonging, healing, and the atoning love of Jesus Christ. Elder Ronald A. Rasband spoke about the "Family Proclamation" as words from God, while Elder Gerrit W. Gong reminded members that "no one sits alone" in the Lord’s Church. According to the Church’s official website, the evening session featured messages on repentance and new beginnings, with Elder Patrick Kearon encouraging listeners to embrace the hope found in Jesus Christ.
This conference also saw the sustaining of two new Area Seventies during a leadership session on October 2, 2025, further strengthening the Church’s leadership structure. The careful preparation for the conference, including speaker assignments and music selection, was completed under President Nelson’s direction in the months before his passing, as noted by President Oaks in his opening remarks.
Looking back to the previous April 2025 general conference, President Nelson had announced 15 new temple locations, and the Tabernacle Choir welcomed twelve musicians from nine countries, reflecting the Church’s ongoing growth and international diversity.
As the October 2025 general conference unfolded, it became a moment for members worldwide to reflect on the legacy of President Nelson, reaffirm their faith, and look forward with hope. The messages delivered emphasized the enduring strength found in Christ, the importance of reconciliation and belonging, and the sustaining power of faith and music. Even in the midst of transition and loss, the Church’s leaders and members alike demonstrated a commitment to unity, peacemaking, and spiritual growth.
