Story perspectives

Multicultural Choir Shines at Latter-day Saints Conference

10/5/2025

Summary

LDS Leaders Gather

The 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced on October 4, 2025, in Salt Lake City, featuring various church leaders.
Elder Quentin L. Cook led the Saturday evening session, with prayers by Elder Jörg Klebingat and Elder I. Raymond Egbo.
A multicultural choir from Utah, representing 39 countries, performed during the evening session.
Elder David A. Bednar conducted the Saturday afternoon session, with prayers by Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman.
A combined institute choir from Ogden and South Jordan, Utah, provided music for the afternoon session.

Summary

Oaks Honors Nelson

President Dallin H. Oaks opened conference to honor Russell M. Nelson, who died September 27, 2025.
This marks the first time in 75 years a Church president died shortly before conference.
Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke on healing and forgiveness.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband highlighted the 30th anniversary of The Family: A Proclamation to the World and its doctrinal significance.

History

Historical Context

The death of Russell M. Nelson on September 27, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in Latter-day Saint history, as he was the first church president to die shortly before a conference in 75 years. Following his passing, the First Presidency was dissolved, and Dallin H. Oaks, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, assumed leadership, highlighting the importance of continuity in church governance.

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LDS Leaders Gather

The 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced on October 4, 2025, in Salt Lake City, featuring various church leaders.
Elder Quentin L. Cook led the Saturday evening session, with prayers by Elder Jörg Klebingat and Elder I. Raymond Egbo.
A multicultural choir from Utah, representing 39 countries, performed during the evening session.
Elder David A. Bednar conducted the Saturday afternoon session, with prayers by Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman.
A combined institute choir from Ogden and South Jordan, Utah, provided music for the afternoon session.

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