Saturday morning session: See photos and read summaries of the October 2022 general conference

In his first address of October 2022 general conference, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strongly reaffirmed the faith’s position on abuse.

“Let me be perfectly clear: Any kind of abuse of women, children or anyone is an abomination to the Lord,” President Russell M. Nelson said during his remarks at the end of the Saturday morning session. 

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“He grieves and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed. He mourns, and we all mourn, for each person who has fallen victim to abuse of any kind. Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the law of man, but will also face the wrath of God.”

President Nelson’s statement on abuse was heard by thousands of people in the Conference Center and millions more watching online worldwide. 

President Nelson invited members to study abuse prevention resources on the Church’s website and urged all to be alert to those who might be in danger and act promptly to protect them.

“The Savior will not tolerate abuse, and as His disciples, neither can we,” he said.

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, reemphasized the Church’s mission to work with other charitable organizations to provide on a global scale humanitarian aid to those suffering.

“The Church of Jesus Christ is committed to serving those in need, and it is also committed to cooperating with others in that effort,” he said. 

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, introduced a newly revised version of “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide to Making Choices,” designed to point young men and young women to Christ. The new guide focuses on values, principles and doctrine rather than specific behavior.

“To be very clear, the best guide you can possibly have for making choices is Jesus Christ,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “Jesus Christ is the strength of youth.” 

Copies of the new guide were handed out to attendees as they left the Conference Center after the session.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband called for members to follow prophetic counsel to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon, sacred scripture now easily shared electronically with a Gospel Library app.

Another Apostle, Elder Dale G. Renlund, taught about the need to understand the framework within which the Holy Ghost functions to provide personal revelation.  

After describing her poor eyesight, Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, encouraged Latter-day Saints to improve their spiritual vision and let the Savior be a compass and pilot while steering through life. She is the first Black woman in the history of the Church to speak in general conference.

Customs and traditions may vary from country to country, but the “normal” things of life, including scripture study, prayer, Church attendance and family history and temple work, should keep members moving forward on the covenant path, said Elder Rafael E. Pino, a General Authority Seventy.

Elder Hugo Montoya, also a General Authority Seventy, urged Latter-day Saints to demonstrate the eternal principle of love by living the two great commandments — loving God and loving your neighbor.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square provided music during Saturday morning’s session of general conference. The music was directed by Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, with Brian Mathias and Richard Elliott as organists.

The session was conducted by President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency. Prayers were offered by Elder David P. Homer and Elder Taylor G. Godoy, both General Authority Seventies.