Full Breakdown
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Discontinues Saturday Evening Sessions of General Conference
11/20/2025, 4:38:25 PM
Announcement of Change
On November 19, 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that it will discontinue the Saturday evening session of its semiannual General Conference, effective April 2026. This decision was made by the First Presidency, which includes President Dallin H. Oaks and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson. The church will instead focus on four daytime sessions held on Saturday and Sunday.
Historical Context of Saturday Evening Sessions
The Saturday evening session has undergone various changes over the past decade. Traditionally, this time slot was reserved for the general priesthood session or the women's session, alternating between the two. In 2017, the church shifted to holding these sessions annually rather than semiannually. The evening sessions were discontinued in June 2021 but were reinstated a month later as a general session open to all members. Since October 2021, the conference has consisted of five general sessions, with the evening session being a notable feature until its recent cancellation.
Implications of the Decision
The discontinuation of the Saturday evening session marks a significant shift in the church's approach to General Conference. The First Presidency's announcement emphasizes a renewed focus on the morning and afternoon sessions, which are expected to provide a more streamlined experience for attendees. This change is one of the first major decisions made under President Oaks' leadership, following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson in September 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
The First Presidency stated, “The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has decided that beginning in April 2026, general conference will no longer include a Saturday evening session.” This decision reflects an effort to enhance the overall experience of General Conference and adapt to the changing needs of church members worldwide.
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been met with some acceptance, there are concerns regarding the abrupt nature of the decision. Critics note that the Saturday evening session had only recently been reinstated and question whether this change will resonate positively with church members who valued the additional opportunity for worship and community gathering.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a lack of detailed explanation accompanying the latest announcement, contrasting with previous decisions that included justifications based on technological advancements and the needs of church members. This absence of context raises questions about the rationale behind the discontinuation and whether it will be a permanent change.
What's Next
As the church prepares for the April 2026 General Conference, it will be essential to monitor how this decision impacts attendance and engagement during the remaining daytime sessions. The church's leadership may provide further insights into the motivations behind this change as the date approaches.
