On this beautiful Easter morning, President Henry B. Eyring warmly welcomed viewers around the world to the Sunday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He conveyed love and gratitude to members and friends everywhere, noting that President Dallin H. Oaks had asked him to conduct the meeting.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, under the direction of Mack Wilberg, Richard Elliott, and Andrew Unsworth, provided music for the session, joined by singers from countries across the globe, highlighting the worldwide unity of the Church.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Because Jesus Christ lives, we must come to know Him personally, walk toward His light in faith, and become witnesses of His Resurrection.
Key Quotes
- “When the world is dark, the best place to go is towards the light that shines in darkness.”
- “He lives today, at this moment.”
- “We must encounter the empty tomb, experience the reality of what it means, and in turn, share that witness with others.”
Key Teachings
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf opened by reflecting on the grief of those who came to the Savior’s tomb, admitting, “I have tried to imagine the depth of their grief. I can’t.” He emphasized their devotion, teaching, “They came because of their immeasurable love and reverence for Jesus Christ.”
He described the world-changing reality of the Resurrection, declaring, “We do not seek Him among the dead. He is risen.” He taught that because of this, “we can speak of Jesus Christ in the present tense.”
President Uchtdorf testified that the living Christ actively blesses His followers, saying He “guides, comforts, listens, calms our fears, and wipes away our tears.” He affirmed the Savior’s power, teaching that “because Jesus Christ conquered death, truly, He can conquer any danger, confusion, or doubt we face.”
He taught that the message of the empty tomb invites both personal experience and outward action, explaining, “The empty tomb gave Mary and her companions two invitations.” He urged that “we must all do the same” by gaining our own witness and sharing it with others.
President Uchtdorf encouraged those with doubts to act in faith, teaching that “even when things seem dark, we step forward in faith with courage and humility and walk toward the Savior’s light.” He promised that “the dawn of understanding will surely reward our faith.”
He concluded with a personal witness, declaring, “He is risen. He lives.” He affirmed that “that testimony has made all the difference in my life” and promised that such an encounter with the living Christ will make a difference for all who earnestly seek Him.
Emily Belle Freeman
Jesus Christ strengthens us through both our best days and worst days as we walk with Him, trust His truths, and accept His invitations.
Key Quotes
- “God allows mortality to do its work in us.”
- “Testimony is built over time, day after day, both best days and worst days.”
- “Joy is not the absence of sorrow in your life. It is the presence of Jesus Christ in your life.”
Key Teachings
President Emily Belle Freeman opened with a personal experience that shifted abruptly from joy to heartbreak, sharing that her husband’s cancer had returned just as they were planning their daughter’s wedding. She used that moment to teach that “God allows mortality to do its work in us, and that includes both best days and worst days.”
She then turned to Peter’s declaration at Caesarea Philippi, where he recognized Jesus Christ as the Son of God, explaining that “the Spirit confirmed an eternal truth, and Peter courageously bore testimony of it.” Just moments later, Peter misunderstood the Savior’s mission, and she observed that “Peter’s story went from best day to worst day in a matter of three verses.”
The pattern continued as she described Peter stepping out of the boat during the storm, teaching that “Peter stepped out of the boat. He walked on the water to go to Jesus, best day.” That moment quickly unraveled as fear took hold, and Peter “became afraid and began to sink, worst day in a matter of moments.”
Rather than leaving Peter in that failure, she emphasized where the Savior was during it, teaching that “He was in the water with Peter, within reaching distance.” She applied that truth directly, promising that “as you accept the Lord’s invitations on both your best days and your worst, the same will be true for you.”
She then moved to Peter’s denial of Christ and the Savior’s later invitation to “Feed my sheep,” showing that failure did not disqualify him from discipleship. Reflecting on his full story, she taught that “maybe it took both the worst days and the best days for Peter to become who the Lord needed him to become.”
She concluded with a clear witness of where strength is found, teaching that “Jesus Christ brings joy.” She affirmed that truth with conviction, declaring, “Jesus Christ is our strength.”
Pedro X. Larreal
We feel the Savior’s love and receive the constant influence of the Holy Ghost as we prepare for and partake of the sacrament with reverence and intent.
Key Quotes
- “The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church.”
- “The Lord used the pronoun ‘you’ again and again to emphasize that the sacrament is for us, for you and for me.”
- “The gift of the Holy Ghost is the compass that leads us to make correct choices and sanctifies us from all sin.”
Key Teachings
Elder Pedro X. Larreal began by asking how we come to know the Savior’s love and warned that spiritual survival requires the Holy Ghost, explaining that “if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived.” He then taught where that influence is found, asking, “How can we know that influence of the Holy Ghost?”
He answered by pointing to the Savior’s institution of the sacrament, teaching that “ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you.” He emphasized the promise tied to that ordinance, declaring, “ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.”
Elder Larreal explained that the sacrament centers us on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, inviting reflection through the question, “how can we not feel His great love for us?” He reinforced that the Savior’s sacrifice is personal, repeating the words “which is given for you” and “which is shed for you.”
He then taught how to approach the sacrament with greater reverence, instructing that “we should try to remove every worldly thought from our minds.” He clarified the purpose of that sacred moment, saying, “that is a time to be prayerful and reverent.”
Elder Larreal concluded with a direct invitation to act, urging listeners “to live today determined to elevate your spiritual preparation and reverence as you partake of the sacrament.” He bore testimony of the Savior’s love and power, declaring that “Jesus Christ lives and He knows us.”
Edward B. Rowe
Jesus Christ invites each of us to walk with Him as our personal guide, protect us from spiritual danger, and heal us when we fall short.
Key Quotes
- “The Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Great Creator of all things from the beginning, invites us to walk with Him as our guide.”
- “When injured by spiritual landmines, I have experienced Christ’s redeeming and healing power by exercising faith in Him and repenting with real intent. I have been spiritually healed by Jesus Christ. I promise you can too.”
- “No matter how injured you are or how imperfect and inadequate you feel at following Him, He loves you. His merciful hand is extended to you even now. Please take it this Easter morning.”
Key Teachings
Elder Edward B. Rowe opened with a real-life experience traveling through a former war zone filled with hidden landmines, explaining that he was instructed to follow a guide exactly: “Walk in his footsteps, a few paces behind him. Where he goes, you go. Where he steps, you step.” That experience taught him reliance and trust, leading to the realization that “I need Jesus Christ to be my guide through life’s journey amidst its spiritual landmines.”
He then expanded that lesson to all disciples, emphasizing that Christ’s invitation is universal and ongoing, teaching that “Christ’s invitation is constant and consistent: come, follow me; walk with me; return unto me.” He affirmed that no one is excluded from that invitation, declaring that “Jesus Christ denieth none.”
Elder Rowe taught that following Christ requires intentional action through covenant living, explaining that “we enter that path and connect ourselves to Jesus Christ as our guide through exercising faith in Him, repenting, and making sacred promises or covenants with Him.” He described how daily discipleship strengthens that relationship, promising that “we will feel the Savior’s love, be blessed with His strength, and have greater trust in Him.”
He acknowledged human weakness and the reality of spiritual mistakes, teaching that “while the Savior is our perfect guide, we are imperfect followers.” He testified from personal experience that healing is real, declaring, “I have been spiritually healed by Jesus Christ.”
He concluded with a direct invitation to return to Christ and be healed, pleading, “please accept His invitation.” He bore witness of the Savior’s power and love, affirming that “Jesus Christ is thus not only a perfect and personal guide, He is also the resurrected Redeemer and Master Healer.”
Ronald A. Rasband
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan, offering universal victory over death, personal healing, and the promise of joyful reunion through His atoning power.
Key Quotes
- “Jesus Christ is more than a mortal first laid in a manger, more than a friend, teacher, Rabbi, minister, or prophet. He is the Only Begotten Son of the Father, and by divine design, His Resurrection, by His own godly power, reunited His body and His spirit. What a majestic and monumental event in Father in Heaven’s eternal plan.”
- “All who live or ever have lived, who come unto Christ and live His gospel, will feel joy beyond any earthly expression as we reunite resurrected with our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ, our parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and ancestors.”
- “May we testify of Him by the way we live and what we love. May we feel to our very souls these stirring words, ‘He is risen. He is risen.’”
Key Teachings
Elder Ronald A. Rasband opened by declaring the central place of the Resurrection in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teaching that “His Resurrection and His Atonement are the most powerful, far-reaching, and sacred events in all of human history.” He bore apostolic witness of Jesus Christ, affirming that “He came, was crucified, and rose again after three days in a borrowed tomb.”
Elder Rasband emphasized the universal reach of the Resurrection, explaining that “Jesus Christ broke the bands of death imposed by the Fall with His Resurrection.” He taught that through this divine act, “He secured salvation from physical death for us, all of God’s children throughout the ages.”
He then described the many witnesses of the risen Christ across scripture, including Mary, the Apostles, and the people in the Book of Mormon, highlighting the Savior’s invitation, “Arise and come forth unto me.” He focused on the image of the Savior’s hands, teaching that “His hand rescued Peter” and “His hands took bread and gave thanks.”
Elder Rasband shared a personal story about his grandson Paxton, who was born with a severe condition and lived only three years, reflecting that “Paxton’s hands reached out to ours and to our Savior with love and affection.” He testified of enduring hope through Christ, declaring, “I know Paxton’s tender spirit and his body shall be reunited again in perfect form by the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
He concluded with a call to trust in the promises of the Resurrection and live as witnesses of Christ, inviting that “we may testify of Him by the way we live and what we love.” He reaffirmed the central Easter message, urging all to feel deeply that “He is risen. He is risen.”
Dale G. Renlund
Focusing on Jesus Christ and His Atonement brings clarity, removes confusion, and provides the power to overcome death, sin, and life’s challenges.
Key Quotes
- “I can’t add more time to your days or eliminate the many concerns modern life brings, but I can offer this counsel: not all matters of earth are of equal value, and maintaining an eternal perspective helps us prioritize the things that are of greatest value.”
- “Because of the merits, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ, we can return home to our Heavenly Father and live in His presence.”
- “Keep your eye on the ball. Focus on the Savior. Seek for the precious gifts His Atonement can impart.”
Key Teachings
Elder Dale G. Renlund began with a story about a dog overwhelmed by trying to retrieve two balls at once, explaining that “For Lady, two balls were too many. She became confused, overwhelmed, and discouraged.” He compared this to modern life, teaching that “not all matters of earth are of equal value, and maintaining an eternal perspective helps us prioritize the things that are of greatest value.”
He then centered the talk on Jesus Christ, declaring that “His infinite Atonement… is central to Heavenly Father’s plan for our salvation.” He emphasized the exclusivity of Christ’s role, stating that “The plan depended on Jesus Christ. There was no alternative.”
Elder Renlund taught that through the Resurrection, all will overcome physical death, explaining that “resurrection is a universal and unconditional gift for everyone who comes to earth.” He also testified of Christ’s power to redeem from sin, stating that “He can and will declare guiltless all who repent and believe on His name.”
He described the complete nature of forgiveness, teaching that “the entirety of our sin… is figuratively nailed to the cross.” He assured that through Christ, “we owe no more to justice because Jesus has paid the debt.”
Elder Renlund concluded by testifying that Christ understands every individual perfectly and can make all things right, explaining that “He, and only He, can consider every factor that shapes who we are.” He invited all to act, urging, “Focus on the Savior,” and bore witness that “He lives, who once was dead.”
Thierry K. Mutombo
Faith in Jesus Christ and faithful covenant keeping give strength to endure loss, overcome opposition, and trust that light and resurrection will follow even life’s darkest days.
Key Quotes
- “Come unto me is a divine invitation, which means wherever you are now or whatever you are going through in your life, you can feel God’s infinite love manifested through His Son, Jesus Christ.”
- “Indeed, our Heavenly Father has a special love for each person who makes covenants with Him in the waters of baptism. That divine love deepens as additional covenants are made in the house of the Lord and are faithfully kept.”
- “No matter how dark your days are, please remember that Sunday will come if you faithfully keep the covenant that you made with the Lord.”
Key Teachings
Elder Thierry K. Mutombo opened by testifying of the Easter truth that “Christ is risen” and taught that this declaration is “a celebration of the divine gift offered by Heavenly Father to us.” He emphasized that without Jesus Christ, “no one would have hope to return to our Heavenly Father,” and explained that the Savior’s invitation—“Come unto me”—means all can feel God’s love regardless of their circumstances.
He then shared deeply personal experiences of losing four children. He described how he and his wife asked after losing the first three, “Heavenly Father, where art Thou?”—and continued to face additional trials when the death of their infant son followed. In that moment of grief, he recounted holding his child and “crying that day, begging for a miracle,” while learning to trust that “God’s plan for us is perfect.”
Elder Mutombo described a cultural expectation that he separate from his wife after their losses and explained how he sought divine help, saying he “went into the house and prayed, asking for strength to face this adversity.” He bore witness of covenant strength as he chose faith, declaring, “Natalie is my eternal companion,” and affirmed that exercising faith in Jesus Christ “made me stronger.”
He taught that discipleship requires consistent commitment, echoing President Dallin H. Oaks’ statement that “following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice.” He explained that covenant keeping may require leaving “that which is highly esteemed among men,” and testified that miracles come “according to our faith in Him.”
Elder Mutombo applied his message to all listeners, teaching that “each of us will face our own dark days” and inviting them to remember the Savior’s suffering and Resurrection. He promised hope through Christ, declaring that “the despair did not linger, because on Sunday, the resurrected Savior overcame the bands of death.”
He concluded by urging faith and obedience, warning that the adversary seeks to make all “miserable like unto himself,” while God’s plan leads to joy and eternal life. He testified that as we build our lives on Jesus Christ and keep our covenants, we will return to God and affirmed his witness that “Christ is risen. Truly He is risen.”
Alan R. Walker
We become the Lord’s treasured people as we obey His voice, keep our covenants, and faithfully sacrifice to follow Jesus Christ.
Key Quotes
- “The Lord Himself speaks of us as His treasure.”
- “As we choose to follow prophetic counsel, even when it stretches us or when it feels inconvenient, we demonstrate our love for the Lord and show that we cherish Him above all worldly desires.”
- “The Lord does not ask for perfection all at once. Rather, He asks for honest and broken hearts, humble spirits, and a willing readiness to keep our covenants even when it requires sacrifice.”
Key Teachings
Elder Alan R. Walker began with a childhood memory of searching for treasure, using that experience to introduce a deeper spiritual truth, teaching that “the Lord Himself speaks of us as His treasure.” He explained that God’s plan of salvation, centered in Jesus Christ, reflects the Father’s desire “for us to live with Him again and enjoy eternal life by His side.”
He then taught that becoming the Lord’s “peculiar treasure” follows a clear covenant pattern revealed to Moses, stating that “to obey His voice and to keep our covenants with Him” are the required conditions. He emphasized that covenant faithfulness not only identifies us as God’s people but “empowers us to rise above the limitations of this fallen world.”
Elder Walker clarified that acceptance by the Lord does not require perfection but sincere effort, teaching that “the Lord does not ask for perfection all at once.” He explained that what is required is “honest and broken hearts, humble spirits, and a willing readiness to keep our covenants even when it requires sacrifice.”
He taught that becoming the Lord’s treasure requires intentional sacrifice and devotion, explaining that “it requires patient effort, faithful persistence, and sacrifice.” He added that choosing to follow prophetic counsel, even when difficult, shows that “we cherish Him above all worldly desires.”
Elder Walker concluded by testifying of the blessings that flow from covenant faithfulness, explaining that God “strengthens us, sustains us, and surrounds us with covenant power every step of the way.” He promised that as we keep our covenants, “we will feel His love more deeply and receive His guidance more clearly,” and ultimately be accepted of Him.
Dallin H. Oaks
The reality of the Resurrection and the command to love even our adversaries shape how disciples of Jesus Christ live, endure, and become peacemakers in a divided world.
Key Quotes
- “The conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity changes the whole perspective of our mortal life.”
- “All mortals are beloved children of God.”
- “As followers of Christ, we should seek to live peaceably and lovingly with other children of God who do not share our values.”
Key Teachings
President Dallin H. Oaks began by teaching that the Resurrection is foundational doctrine, declaring that “the resurrection… is a pillar of our faith” and affirming that “the spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form.” He explained that belief in a literal, universal resurrection gives strength and perspective, teaching that “the conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity changes the whole perspective of our mortal life.”
He then showed how this doctrine affects daily living, emphasizing that the Resurrection helps us endure trials and view mortality correctly, stating that “mortal deficiencies are only temporary.” He taught that this belief strengthens family relationships and hope for the future, explaining that it helps us live “in anticipation of joyful reunions and associations in the next.”
President Oaks addressed the challenge of living Christ’s teachings in a contentious world, noting that many describe our time as filled with hostility and division. He pointed to the Savior’s command to love others, including enemies, and emphasized that “all mortals are beloved children of God.”
He illustrated this principle through a powerful story of a nurse who came to see a difficult and offensive patient as a child of God, recounting that “she felt an almost electric current of love from our Heavenly Father to this man.” That experience showed how divine love can transform perception and relationships, teaching that such understanding “can transform all of us to see each other as children of God who belong to each other.”
President Oaks clarified that loving others does not require abandoning truth or covenants, teaching that “this does not mean surrendering our values.” He explained that disciples must balance conviction with charity, striving to live faithfully while also showing respect and kindness toward those with differing beliefs.
He then focused on becoming peacemakers, teaching that followers of Christ should “forego harsh and hurtful words in all their communications.” He gave practical examples, showing that peacemaking happens in families, Church service, missionary work, and everyday acts of kindness that reduce contention and build understanding.
President Oaks concluded by inviting all to actively choose peace and Christlike love, urging that “as followers of Christ, let us follow him by foregoing contention.” He bore witness that living this way reflects the Savior’s example and brings holiness into our relationships and lives.
Which talk impacted you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
