Mormon Leaders Address Key Topics during Worldwide Conference

Mormon Leaders Address Key Topics during Worldwide Conference

SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke out on a variety of religious themes and social issuesas millions gathered around the world for the Church’s 185thSemiannual General Conference, originating from the 21,000-seat Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 26, October 3 and October 4, 2015.

Since the vast majority of the Church’s 15 million members are unable to attend general conferences in person, the six meetings were broadcast via satellite in as many as 80 languages to over 7,400 Church buildings in more than 100 countries.In addition, the Church streamed the meetings live on the LDS.org website, LDS General Conference YouTube channel and Mormon Channel.

Conference messages by Church leaders will soon be translated into a total of 94 languages.The following are excerpts from some of these messages:

Following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ

“The world in which we live is putting great pressure on good people everywhere to lower or even abandon their standards of righteous living. However, despite the evils and temptations that surround us each day, we can and will find true joy today by living a Christ-centered life . . . Living a Christ-centered life means we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and then we follow His example and keep His commandments with exactness.” – Elder Richard J. Maynes

“All of us need to develop and demonstrate conduct and appearance that declare we are true followers of Christ.” – Elder Quentin L. Cook

“Each of us came to earth having been given the light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others” – President Thomas S. Monson

Strengthening families

“Twenty years ago, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued The Family: A Proclamation to the World. In that inspired document, we concluded with the following, ‘. . . we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.’ As Apostles, we reaffirm this solemn warning again today.” – Elder M. Russell Ballard

“The path of happiness is through the basic family unit as originally organized and revealed by our Heavenly Father.” – Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer

Standards of moral conduct

“When we are involved in watching, reading, or experiencing anything that is below our Heavenly Father’s standards, it weakens us . . . Regardless of our age, if what we look at, read, listen to, or choose to do does not meet the Lord’s standard in For the Strength of Youth, turn it off, throw it out, rip it up, and slam the door.” – Sister Linda S. Reeves

“Wickedness, such as immoral conduct, is never part of the answer.” – Elder Quentin L. Cook

Strengthening children and young people

“You [young people] are living through a critical period of your life. The choices you make—mission, education, marriage, career, and service in the Church—will shape your eternal destiny. This means you must always be looking ahead—looking to the future . . . Education prepares you for better employment opportunities. It puts you in a better position to serve and bless those around you. It will set you on a path of lifelong learning. It will strengthen you to fight against ignorance and error.” – Elder Robert D. Hales

“Teenage years are often years of insecurity, of feeling as though you don’t measure up, of trying to find your place with your peers, and of trying to fit in. You may be tempted to lower your standards and to follow the crowd in order to be accepted by those you desire to have as friends. Please be strong, and be alert to anything that would rob you of the blessings of eternity. The choices you maker here and now are forever important.” – President Thomas S. Monson

Making choices based on faith and sources of truth

“You may want to conduct what I’ll call a ‘personal council.’ Spend some time alone. Think about what is ahead. Ask yourself, ‘What areas of my life do I want to strengthen so that I can strengthen others? Where do I want to be a year form now? Two years from now? What choices do I need to make to get there?’ Just remember, you are the pilot. I testify that as you come to yourself, your Heavenly Father will come to you. By the comforting hand of His Holy Spirit, He will lead you along.” – Elder Robert D. Hales

“Although your beginning fire of faith may be small, righteous choices bring greater confidence in God, and your faith grows. The difficulties of mortality blow against you, and evil forces lurk in the darkness, hoping to extinguish your faith. But as you continue to make good choices, trust in God, and follow His Son, the Lord sends increased light and knowledge, and your faith becomes settled and unwavering.” – Elder Neil L. Andersen

“Many in today’s world are looking for instant gratification and instant knowledge on the Internet. In contrast, we will be exceedingly blessed if we exercise faith and patience and go to our Heavenly Father, the source of all truth. So many answers and assurances can come through daily searching and studying the scriptures and with sincere and pleading prayer, but there are no such promises for the Internet.” – Sister Linda S. Reeves