Men give a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly as part of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Tad Walch
By Tad Walch
Tad Walch covers religion with a focus on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

With a solemn assembly for a new prophet, a nearly 25% increase in the number of new converts and the first general officer from Africa, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints looked the part Saturday of a vibrant, growing, international faith on the first day of its 196th Annual General Conference.

The morning session began with a solemn assembly of the church during which millions stood simultaneously around the world and raised their right hands to signal their support for President Dallin H. Oaks as the 18th prophet/president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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The afternoon session included a statistical report that showed the church continued to experience strong growth in 2025 with 17.88 million members. In fact, at its recent growth rate, the church may have surpassed 18 million members in this year’s first quarter.

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Latter-day Saint membership passed 17.88 million in 2025 as church’s growth accelerates

The afternoon session also included the announcement of new leaders, including general Primary President Rosemary K. Chibota of Malawi and Zimbabwe, making her the first African to lead one of the church’s international organizations.

Among conference highlights was the eight-minute solemn assembly at the start of the conference.

President Oaks was ordained by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 14, but Saturday was the first time the entire church has gathered since then.

A young woman participates in the solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

About 20,000 church members in a full Conference Center and the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City first rose by priesthood quorum and group to sustain the new president of the church.

Then all rose as one to do so again, demonstrating by common consent that they will follow, support and assist him with confidence, faith and prayer.

Others joined around the world in homes, meetinghouses or wherever else they were.

President Oaks welcomed listeners at the start of the morning session of the conference and called the solemn assembly “an event of great significance.”

“I am grateful to be among those whose leadership challenges are formally recognized in this way,” he said, “and to express appreciation for your participation in this significant occasion in advance.

“I express our gratitude as leaders of the church for our members’ sustaining vote, prayers and support. We pray for you to be guided and prospered as you continue the great service you give to the children of God throughout the world.”

A young man gives a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly held during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 4, 2026.
A young man gives a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly held during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 4, 2026. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The solemn assembly, held for every church president since John Taylor in 1880, was held indoors, but outside the sun shone in a cloudless blue sky on an utterly spectacular mountain desert morning.

President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, led the solemn assembly.

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The First Presidency went first, raising their right arms five times to sustain, in order:

  • President Oaks as a prophet, seer and revelator and the president of the Church of Jesus Christ.
  • The new First Presidency, with President Oaks, President Henry B. Eyring as first counselor and President Christofferson.
  • President Eyring as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf as acting president of the quorum.
  • The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with new apostles Elder Gérald Caussé, who filled the vacancy in church leadership created by the death of President Russell M. Nelson, and Elder Clark G. Gilbert, who filled the vacancy created by the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland.
  • The Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers and revelators.
Men give a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly as part of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

The other quorums and groups sustained the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve in a single vote each.

The full order of voting was:

  • The First Presidency.
  • The Quorum of the Twelve.
  • The General Authority Seventies, Area Seventies and Presiding Bishopric.
  • All patriarchs, high priests and elders.
  • The Relief Society, or all women 18 and older.
  • All the Aaronic Priesthood quorums of Young Men 11 to 18.
  • The Young Women of the church, ages 11 to 18.

Then the entire church stood as one for a final sustaining vote.

The solemn assembly was far more spiritual than a simple vote. It was a clear celebration of Latter-day Saint restorationist faith, belief and doctrine, a clear symbol that church members believe theirs is Jesus Christ’s ancient, biblical church restored to Earth, complete with prophets, apostles and a direct line of priesthood.

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said church members had signified their “willingness to uphold President Oaks with our confidence, faith and prayers.”

“We joyfully sustain him as the Lord’s chief apostle,” he said, “as his whole soul once again responds to a call, claiming no infallibility, while trusting in the Lord’s guiding hand.”

“This is a call he didn’t seek nor aspire to,” Elder Kearon added. “The weight of this responsibility is colossal and sobering.”

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President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, and President Dallin H. Oaks, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stand and sustain the First Presidency during the solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, wave to conferencegoers as they exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, wave to conferencegoers as they exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, points his cane at conferencegoers to greet them as he exits at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, gestures to conferencegoers as he and his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Patrick Kearon, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gestures to conferencegoers as he and his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon, exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Clark G. Gilbert, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, left, hug Sister Valerie Babin Caussé, wife of Elder Gérald Caussé, as they exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Gerrit W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves to conferencegoers as he and his wife, Sister Susan Gong, exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson, wave to conferencegoers as they exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves as he and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves as he and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves as he and his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, exit at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks waves as he leads his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson, to their seats prior to the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks leads his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson, to their seats prior to the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Members of the Primary and Relief Society general presidencies participate in the solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A young woman participates in the solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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General Authority Seventies stand and express their sustaining vote during the solemn assembly in the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Young men participate in the solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Members of the Relief Society in the audience participate in the solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Members participate in the solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Members of the Relief Society in the audience participate in the solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stand and express their sustaining vote during the solemn assembly in the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stand and express their sustaining vote during the solemn assembly in the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gestures as he speaks in the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks greets his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, at the start of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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All members give a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly as part of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Men give a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly as part of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The First Presidency, from left, President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor; President Dallin H. Oaks; and President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor, give a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly as part of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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The First Presidency, from left, President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor; President Dallin H. Oaks; and President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor, give a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly as part of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Men give a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly as part of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
A young man gives a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly held during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 4, 2026.
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A young man gives a sustaining vote during the solemn assembly held during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 4, 2026. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Conferencegoers walk past a painting depicting Jesus Christ before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Conferencegoers walk outside the Conference Center before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Luciana Castro, left, of São Paulo, Brazil, and Renata Leal, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, pose for a selfie before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A barricade redirects traffic before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Andrew Hubbard, of Farmington, poses for a selfie with his son, Chuck, 8, before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Conferencegoers walk near the Salt Lake Temple before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Conferencegoers walk past paintings of the new First Presidency — President Dallin H. Oaks, center; President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor, left; and President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor — before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Sister Angelica Taupeamuhu stands outside before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Jenna Wesley, from Highland, left, arrives to the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Ulrineto Lousiale, from New Zealand, left, waits with his aunt Kaloni Paea, from Utah, right, for their group to arrive before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Alea Durston, right, and boyfriend Corey Crowfoot, left, from Canda, arrive to the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Covington Frederick, 9, from Florida, runs up the steps to attend the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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People arrive to the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Neila Batista, from Brazil, waits outside for someone before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Ligia Rodriguez, left, from Orem, and Aida Roman, right, from Herriman, chat before the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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People arrive to the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Women of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square perform during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Conferencegoers listen to a speaker in a different language through headphones during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Ryan Murphy, assistant music director for The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, leads the ensemble and audience in a congregational hymn during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Men of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square perform during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Couples and other conferencegoers listen to a speaker during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Jorge T. Becerra, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A girl looks at portraits of church leaders during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A couple listens to a speaker during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Michael John U. Teh, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Conferencegoers stand just before the First Presidency enters at the start of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Conferencegoers join The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in singing a congregational hymn during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 4, 2026.
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Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 4, 2026. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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President Dallin H. Oaks greets members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the end of the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Newly called Primary general presidency takes their seats to the left of the current Primary general presidency in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City during the Saturday afternoon session of April general conference on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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Newly called Primary general presidency takes their seats to the left of the current Primary general presidency in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City during the Saturday afternoon session of April general conference on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Screenshot from YouTube

The apostle said the solemn assembly was part of a day of gratitude and rejoicing at the opportunity for the church to exercise common consent together.

“Common consent is not merely a formality, but a beautiful mix of our agency, unity and faith,” Elder Kearon said. “It is a voluntary personal commitment to support, uphold and help the Lord’s called servants in their responsibility, whether bishopric member, Young Women adviser, Sunday School teacher or stake Primary president.”

The apostle taught that church members may not always agree with those they sustain or believe they are doing a good job or serving as the Savior would.

“We might be right,” he said, “but as we pray for them, and they for us, important bridges of unity are built.”

The practice of a solemn assembly derives from both the Bible and early Latter-day Saint history.

Joseph Smith was sustained in a solemn assembly at the Kirtland Temple dedication in Ohio in 1836, six years after the church was organized.

President Oaks is the church’s 18th president. His predecessor, President Nelson, died a week before the church’s October 2025 general conference.

The First Presidency dissolved on his death, and President Oaks presided at the October conference as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The quorum led the church for 17 days until the ordination of President Oaks.

The last solemn assembly the church held was called by President Nelson at the April 2020 general conference, when he read a Bicentennial Proclamation regarding the First Vision, the 1820 theophany that led to the organization of the church.

The proclamation declared the church is “Christ’s New Testament church restored.”

The last solemn assembly for a new church president was held in 2018, when the church sustained President Nelson by common consent as the church’s 17th president and prophet. It was part of a broader history-making day.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performed during the morning session.

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The new Primary General Presidency From Nina M. Garfield (First Counselor), Rosemary K. Chibota (President), and Theresa A. Collins (Second Counselor) pose as Utah Area President, Brian K. Taylor takes a photo after the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, wave to conferencegoers as they exit the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks, looks out into the audience prior to the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Newly called member of the Twelve Apostles Elder Clark G. Gilbert, shakes hands with Elder Quentin L. Cook prior to the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, waves as he exits at the end the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, wave to conferencegoers as they exit at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Clark G. Gilbert, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves as he and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, exit at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Clark G. Gilbert, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, talk with officials at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Clark G. Gilbert, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves as he and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, exit at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Gérald Caussé, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Valerie Babin Caussé, exit at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves as he and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, exit at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Clark G. Gilbert, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves as he and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, walk toward the crowd at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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General Authorities talk with one another after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Clark G. Gilbert, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, visit with conferencegoers at the end of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sings during the Saturday morning session of the April 2026 general conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sings during the Saturday morning session of the April 2026 general conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Cody Bell, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Dallin H. Oaks, center, waves as he enters with President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, second from right, and President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, right, at the start of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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President Dallin H. Oaks, center, waves as he enters with President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, second from right, and President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, right, at the start of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Elder Brian K. Taylor talks with outgoing Primary General President Susan H. Porter while she’s joined by Sister Amy A. Wright and Sister Tracy Y. Browning in the Conference Center during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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Elder Brian K. Taylor, a General Authority Seventy, bottom left, talks with outgoing Primary General President Susan H. Porter, center, while she’s joined by Sister Amy A. Wright, outgoing first counselor in the Primary general presidency, center left, and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, center right, during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder, Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Sister Theresa A. Collins greets incoming Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota while they’re joined by Sister Nina M. Garfield in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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From right, Sister Theresa A. Collins, incoming second counselor in the Primary general presidency, greets incoming Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota while they’re joined by Sister Nina M. Garfield, incoming first counselor in the Primary general presidency, after taking their seats on the rostrum after sustaining votes during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Gérald Caussé, right, and Elder Clark G. Gilbert, both of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, give a sustaining vote during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Sister Amy A. Wright, First Counselor, President Susan H. Porter, Second Counselor Sister Tracy Y. Browning, of the Primary General Presidency, Sister J. Anette Dennis First Counselor, President Camille N. Johnson, and Second Counselor Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency pose for a photo prior to the beginning of the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Conference-goers and Church leaders give sustaining votes during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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Conference-goers and Church leaders give sustaining votes during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Conferencegoers give sustaining votes during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Sister Amy A. Wright greets President Rosemary K. Chibota as they’re joined by Sister Theresa A. Collins in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
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Sister Amy A. Wright, outgoing first counselor in the Primary general presidency, right, greets President Rosemary K. Chibota, incoming president of the Primary general presidency, left, as they’re joined by Sister Theresa A. Collins, incoming second counselor in the Primary general presidency, center, after sustaining votes during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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New members Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Elders, Gérald Caussé and Clark G. Gilbert talk prior to the second session of the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Conference goers make their way in for the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Conference goers walk toward the Conference Center for the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A combined choir from BYU-Idaho performs during the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A combined choir from BYU-Idaho performs during the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Edgar Martinez and Marie Matinez of Layton, take a selfie before attending the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The hands of the Christus statue in the Conference Center during the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Christus statue in the Conference Center during the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Thousands make their way into the Conference Center prior to the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A young boy peers through a window of the Conference Center prior to the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Hillery Huffmire walks with her daughter Alice Huffmire who holds her mom’s back around her back as they and thousands of others make their way into the Conference Center prior to the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Marisa Gyampoh, 8, from Reno, center, attempts to make her cousin Nana Adjei, from Saratoga Springs, right, laugh after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Sister Papa Ahoafi Kata, from Tonga and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, Sister Elenoa Siulua, serving a Temple Square Mission, and Sister Talifolau Átufisiliu, from Tonga and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, from left, laugh together after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Sister Papa Ahoafi Kata, from Tonga and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, Sister Elenoa Siulua, serving a Temple Square Mission, and Sister Talifolau Átufisiliu, from Tonga and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, from left, laugh together after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Sister Elenoa Siulua, serving a Temple Square Mission, left, laughs at Sister Papa Ahoafi Kata, from Tonga and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, right, as they joke together after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Sister Papa Ahoafi Kata, from Tonga and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, Sister Elenoa Siulua, serving a Temple Square Mission, and Sister Talifolau Átufisiliu, from Tonga and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, from left, laugh together after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Emma Shelley, from Logan, right, leaves after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Hannah Woodall, center, stands with sister Alicia Woodall, 17, from West Virginia, left, after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Sister Lomama Katoa, from New Zealand and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, Sister Talifolau Átufisiliu, and Sister Papa Ahoafi Kata, from Tonga and serving in the Salt Lake City West Mission, from left, joke together after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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People leave after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Grayson Pinegar, 8, who traveled from California with his family to attend, center, takes a seat after attending the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Mona Wald, from North Ogden, right, embraces Adriana Barros, who traveled to Conference from Portugal, center, as they talk to Laura Echarri, a global member of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square from Spain, left, after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Dave Wald, right, embraces his wife Mona Wald, left, from North Ogden, after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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People leave after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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People leave after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Brayden Miller, right, and cousin William Miller, left, stand after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Matthew Keys, from Orem, right, embraces Cameron Bott, from Kaysville, left, who he served a mission with, after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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People look out after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Matthew Keys, from Orem, left, embraces Cameron Bott, from Kaysville, right, who he served a mission with, after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Pouneh Hanafi, right, from San Diego, embraces her son Darius Rooseboom, left, after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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Brayden Miller looks out after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News
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A combined choir from BYU-Idaho performs during the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Conference goers walk toward the Conference Center for the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Conference goers walk toward the Conference Center for the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Mackenzie Karpowitz leans her head on Jake Cummings as they stand in the back watching the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Members of the Scoville and Bishop families take a selfie prior to the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A woman poses for a photo in front of the Christus during the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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A group of friends pose for a photo prior to the Saturday afternoon session of the the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Elder Ulisses Soares, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Ulisses Soares, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Wisteria Bowman and her husband, Alexander Cedillo, both of Orem, pose for a photo in front of the Christus statue during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A family sings with other attendees as part of a rest hymn during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A combined choir comprised of students from BYU-Idaho performs during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A combined choir comprised of students from BYU-Idaho performs during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Artwork depicting Jesus Christ is displayed as conferencegoers leave after the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A combined choir comprised of students from BYU-Idaho performs during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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Elder Clement M. Matswagothata, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
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A combined choir comprised of students from BYU-Idaho performs during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 4, 2026. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

This weekend’s conference will be markedly different from those in the past, because there will be just four daytime general sessions, two on Saturday and two on Sunday.

It’s the biggest change to the general conference schedule since 1977. That’s when the church reduced general conference to two days and five sessions. The church announced in November that it would discontinue the Saturday night session.

Prior to 1977, general conference typically was a three-day event.

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General sessions of conference are meetings where all members of the church gather with church leadership. On Thursday, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve held a church leadership conference for general authorities and officers. They announced 91 new Area Seventies.

The two-day conference lands on Easter weekend again this year. General conferences always feature messages centered on Jesus Christ, his Atonement and his Resurrection.

For example, speakers mentioned Christ 1,604 times during the October 2024 conference, according to a Deseret News analysis.

They often do so using scripture. The April 2025 conference featured 702 scripture references, per a separate Deseret News study.

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