President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued invitations to youth and young adults worldwide to regularly attend and become a part of the church’s Seminaries and Institutes of Religion.
His invitations come at a “historic time,” when more than 1 million youth and young adults are currently enrolled in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, according to a press release published on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
This record-high enrollment number is an “unprecedented milestone in the program’s history,” the church’s release states. It was achieved during the 100th anniversary year of Institutes of Religion.
“My dear young friends, you are growing up in a remarkable and challenging time,” President Oaks said in a video dedicated to seminary-age youth, ages 14 to 18.
“Make consistent attendance at seminary a priority. As you attend seminary, you will feel God’s love; find answers in your life; deepen your testimony of Jesus Christ; build emotional and spiritual strength; prepare for the temple, missions, education and a future family; and gain courage to stand for truth.”
President Oaks invited youth to “attend seminary regularly” and invite friends.
“When you graduate from seminary,” he said, “I invite you to attend institute.
“I testify of the Lord Jesus Christ. He lives, he knows you and he will bless you as you participate in seminary.”
To young adults, President Oaks issued a similar invitation.
“One of the greatest opportunities to learn, gather and lift others is found at institute,” President Oaks said in a brief video.
He promised those who consistently attend institute will be able to:
- Learn to distinguish truth from error
- Build a relationship with Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ
- Find direction and discover answers to life’s greatest questions
- Meet others to help them along the covenant path
- Meet people who they may choose to date and marry
- Prepare to love and lead like the Savior
President Oaks’ video invitation was first shared in English during a church-wide young adult devotional with Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon.
President Oaks’ invitation is now available in additional languages and encourages young adults worldwide to consistently attend institute.
“My dear young adults, I invite you to consistently attend institute,” President Oaks said.
“I also encourage you to invite friends to share in these same blessings. I promise that your time in institute will bring the Savior’s peace, joy and divine love.”
Enrollment in seminary and institute has grown by more than 200,000 students in recent years.
Of those enrolled, approximately 75,000 students are of other faiths, another church press release states.
See here for more information on why young adults are joining institute in record numbers, and listen to this episode of the Church News podcast to learn more about how seminary and institute enrollment is blessing young people worldwide.
Young people share blessings of seminary and institute attendance
A handful of youth and young adults shared the blessings they’ve seen as they have regularly attended seminary and institute. Here’s what they said in the church’s press release:
Before college, “I understood who the Savior was and what he could do for me, but I don’t think I ever believed it,” said Gredadeline Jules, an institute student from Herriman, Utah.
“Institute provided me that ability to be able to learn exactly who he is specifically for me.”
Elijah McLennan, a seminary student from Visalia, California, said: “Seminary really helps … because it just gives you a place to grow closer to Christ every single day.”
Molly Murphy, an institute student from Pinedale, Wyoming, shared institute “was like a sanctuary.”
It provided a space “for me to make new friends and to build connections with people and also just learn about the Savior and his Atonement.”