The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Expanded Observance: Worldwide General Conference
Every six months, on the first Saturday and Sunday of April and October, perhaps the most significant conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as the "Mormon Church", is held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Church leaders and members from around the world gather in the 21,000 seat Conference Center and in the nearby Tabernacle on Temple Square to see and hear the leading authorities of the Church. Four general sessions in each conference are broadcast live to a worldwide audience, including via electronic media.
Conference "sessions" are revered by Church members as very special occasions, where living prophets and apostles speak not only to Church members but to the world at large. Their discourses provide guidance, encouragement and admonition regarding all aspects of life. Topics commonly include: God's love for each and all of His children, everywhere; the essential role of Jesus Christ as Savior of all mankind; mortal families, cornerstone of every society; eternal families as the basis of relationships beyond mortality; faith in Heaven's plan, the source of hope; repentance as key to personal growth and happiness; baptism and receipt of the Holy Ghost; marriage and other sacred ordinances, essential to joy; the Priesthood of God, restored to the earth to lead the Church and bestow ordinances and blessings; family history research and sacred ordinances in Latter-day Saint temples, performed by living members as proxy for deceased ancestors; loving and honoring spouses; teaching and nurturing youth; caring for and service to others and community; self-reliance regarding temporal needs; and personal integrity in all things.
While the General Conference of the Church is focused on its members, persons of all faiths are welcome to attend Conference sessions or watch and hear them via broadcast (in multiple languages) on the internet, satellite and cable TV.
