Coverage of the April 2018 General Conference Sunday Afternoon Session

Contributed By Marianne Holman Prescott, Church News staff writer

  • 1 April 2018

Cheryl Reyes reacts to President Russell M. Nelson’s announcement that there will be seven new temples around the world, including one in Layton, Utah, during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Talk summaries:

Seven new temples to be built around the world and the end to home and visiting teaching were announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference.

President Nelson announced temples will be built in Salta, Argentina; Bengaluru, India; Managua, Nicaragua; Cagayan de Oro, Philippines; Layton, Utah; Richmond, Virginia; and a major city yet to be determined in Russia.

During the middle of the meeting, President Nelson announced the end to home and visiting teaching.

“For months, we have been seeking a better way to minister to the spiritual and temporal needs of our people in the Savior’s way,” President Nelson said. “We have made the decision to retire home teaching and visiting teaching as we have known them. Instead, we will implement a newer, holier approach to caring and ministering to others. We will refer to these efforts simply as ‘ministering.’ Effective ministering efforts are enabled by the innate gifts of the sisters and by the incomparable power of the priesthood. We all need such protection from the cunning wiles of the adversary.”

After an already historic general conference with the calling of two new Apostles, changes to the priesthood quorums, and a new Young Women General Presidency, the announcement described changes to the Church’s structured program to facilitate serving and ministering to one another. The changes are meant to be a better way for Church members to serve and care for each other.

President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the session, and Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expounded on the ministering changes (see related story).

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that in spite of the knowledge of a beloved Savior who provides a way for all to be forgiven, purified, and exalted, there are many in the world today who are either not aware of or do not believe in the gift Christ has given to every person.

“Those who find a way to truly ‘behold the Man’ find the doorway to life’s greatest joys and the balm to life’s most demanding despairs,” he said. “He will comfort you. He will heal you and give meaning to your journey. He will pour out His Spirit and fill your heart with exceeding joy.”

While the Church as a whole has made great strides accomplishing the work of the Lord in this dispensation, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cautioned that, as individuals, “we would all do well to evaluate our effort in pursuing missionary work, temple and family history work, and preparations to meet God.” Focusing on the importance of righteousness, unity, and equality before the Lord, Elder Cook cautioned members to not lose sight of the expectations and commandments of God.

Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé also spoke. Elder Weatherford T. Clayton and Elder Valeri V. Cordón, General Authority Seventies, offered the prayers.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talks about President Russell M. Nelson’s announcement that ministering will replace home and visiting teaching programs during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

President Russell M. Nelson announces that ministering will replace home and visiting teaching programs during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Reilly Smith and her mother, Aarin Smith, watch the First Presidency arrive during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Sister Neill F. Marriott, former Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, talks with Sister Patricia Holland, wife of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, after the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

A man and boy wait for the start of the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, shakes hands with Elder Kevin Pearson of the Seventy before the start of the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Sister Reyna I. Aburto, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, waits for the start of the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Conference goers react to President Russell M. Nelson’s announcement that there will be seven new temples around the world, including one in Layton, Utah, during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Conference goers react to President Russell M. Nelson’s announcement that there will be seven new temples around the world, including one in Layton, Utah, during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Cheryl Reyes reacts to President Russell M. Nelson’s announcement that there will be seven new temples around the world, including one in Layton, Utah, during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Peter Compton and Carolina Hashimoto react to President Russell M. Nelson’s announcement that there will be seven new temples around the world, including one in Layton, Utah, during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Conference goers wave goodbye to President Russell M. Nelson as he leaves the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

President Russell M. Nelson announces there will be seven new temples, including one in Layton, Utah, during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, hugs Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, after the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.

A couple talks prior to the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

Conference goers wave to friends as they attend the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

A couple walks to their seats prior to the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

Brother M. Joseph Brough, Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, takes a photo of the Relief Society, Primary, and former Young Women General Presidencies prior to the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, takes a photo of the Young Men General Presidency prior to the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

President Russell M. Nelson greets his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, prior to the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

President Russell M. Nelson sits with his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, prior to the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

Conference goers walk toward the plaza during the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, walk onto the stand prior to the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

Four-year-old Katrina Christensen plays in the water near the reflecting pond during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

The Salt Lake Temple during the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in Salt Lake City on Sunday, April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

The gates to Temple Square during the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in Salt Lake City on Sunday, April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

Conference goers stand and sing as they attend the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

Conference goers stand and sing as they attend the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

From left to right, President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency; President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency; his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks; President Russell M. Nelson; and his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, exit after the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

From left to right, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, and President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, exit after the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, exit following the Sunday afternoon session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 1, 2018. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News.

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