A Solemn Assembly, A Prophet Sustained, A Glorious Easter General Conference

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered on the Saturday morning of this 196th annual General Conference for a Solemn Assembly. This is a rare event that only happens when a new president of the church is being sustained, and it gave members a unique opportunity.

President Dallin H. Oaks reminded us that the sustaining is done in quorums and groups, so it gave some of us the opportunity more than once to stand and raise our right hand to sustain the prophet. While those who watched it on a screen could see people in the audience rise and raise their hands, it was not hard to imagine that across the globe, everywhere, millions of church members were doing the same, standing on their feet and raising hands of support and love, both in unity and love. We could feel our sense of community across many nations.

President Oaks said, “I express our gratitude as leaders of the Church for our members’ sustaining vote, prayers, and support.”

Following the sustaining, Elder Patrick Kearon talked about sustaining: 

“We have had the sacred opportunity to come together to raise our hands in support of President Dallin H. Oaks, to sustain him as the Lord’s prophet, seer, and revelator. I’m sure that if he were to review his Church service in his twenties and thirties in the way that I just have my own, nothing would have been further from the realms of possibility in his mind than becoming the President of the Church. This is a call he didn’t seek nor aspire to. The weight of this responsibility is colossal and sobering. I can’t help but think of his daddy who died when young Dallin was only seven, and his faithfully resolute mother, who raised a resilient, hard-working son.”

Elder Kearon noted, “While today is certainly solemn in purpose, it is also a day full of gratitude and rejoicing at the opportunity for the whole Church to come together and exercise common consent. We have signified our willingness to uphold President Oaks with our confidence, faith, and prayers.

We have had the sacred opportunity to come together to raise our hands in support of President Dallin H. Oaks, to sustain him as the Lord’s prophet, seer, and revelator. I’m sure that if he were to review his Church service in his twenties and thirties in the way that I just have my own, nothing would have been further from the realms of possibility in his mind than becoming the president of the church. This is a call he didn’t seek nor aspire to. The weight of this responsibility is colossal and sobering. I can’t help but think of his daddy who died19 when young

Dallin was only seven, and his faithfully resolute mother, who raised a resilient, hard-working son.”

Elder Kearon said, “While today is certainly solemn in purpose, it is also a day full of gratitude and rejoicing at the opportunity for the whole Church to come together and exercise common consent. We have signified our willingness to uphold President Oaks with our confidence, faith, and prayers.”

Talks Concentrated and Focused on Christ

Since General Conference and Easter converged this year, it was not surprising that all the talks were completely Christ-centered. Those who were watching to see if there were other topics, such as how to raise a family or family history or even temple worship, noted that “without me ye can do nothing” became a theme. We were called to walk with Christ, to center on Christ, to let him lead, guide and sustain us. The result was a really powerful testimony of so many trusted and knowledgeable voices that carried the authority of witness. Multiple voices speaking to a global audience that Christ not only spoke, but he speaks, not only lived, but he lives.

President Oak’s last words at conference were, “The Spirit of the Lord has inspired all of us to concentrate our worship, focus our learning and unite our testimonies on the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father’s Plan for our eternal increase and joy.” That was the inspiration and that was delivered. 

A people living in the latter days, when Jesus Christ will come again, must be prepared by knowing him now.

Below are talk excerpts from Saturday’s General Conference. An accompanying article will feature Sunday’s conference talks.

Saturday Morning

About His Business
By Elder Patrick Kearon
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Some callings are highly stretching, while others may leave us wondering, “Isn’t there more I could be asked to do?” You might serve in a very visible role for a time, only later to becalled to quiet, unseen service—or to support those with less experience.10 When callings change

in ways that deeply impact you or your family, it can require great faith and trust in the Lord while you adjust.

Our service is a choice, an offering to God, and a blessing. We all know that prayer, study of scripture, and worship at church and in the temple are critical to the development of our faith. Have we also come to see our callings as having a foundational role in the expansion of our faith? Callings from the Lord16 are tailor-made for our growth,17 as we humble ourselves, look outward, and learn that, indeed, when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in fact in the service of our God.18 It really isn’t where we serve, but how, that matters to the Lord.

Ministering––That Ye Love One Another; as I Have Loved You
By Sister Kristin M. Yee
Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

We may not be able to fix difficult or heartbreaking circumstances as we hope; some changes are not ours to make. But we can choose to love and minister as the Savior would. Ministering by the Spirit invites the Savior’s healing into our lives and the lives of those we minister to. I often find peace, clarity, healing, and purpose when I minister. I find the Savior when I minister. This is by divine design.

Ministering is truly loving and caring for others as the Savior would. It is a way of being; It is the way of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is not a program or a checklist; ministering is the essence of who God is and who we can become as we follow Him.

We are not called to or released from ministering. It is part of fulfilling the covenants wemade at baptism and in the temple. We covenanted to take upon us the Savior’s name, becoming as He is9 as we sacrifice and consecrate our lives to Him.10 When we minister as He would, we begin to think, feel, and love as He would.

Come Home
By Elder Clark G. Gilbert
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Feeling we don’t belong, struggling with doubts, or being limited by traditions are just afew of the reasons we don’t immediately find our way home. But even as societal pressures pullpeople away from faith, life’s deeper questions don’t go away.President Nelson taught: “The truth is that it is much more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it!” President Oaks declared that the journey home starts by re-anchoring on the Savior.

Only Jesus Christ can fully restore that light and joy into your life. We all struggle and need patience, service, and love from each other.To those who are trying to help, hold on to truth and keep your covenants. To those who are struggling, know you are loved and the Savior is calling you home. But in the end, everyone must make their own choice to come home.

In President Dallin H. Oaks’ recent historic address at BYU, the Marriott Center initially looked completely full. But if you looked closely, there were still hundreds of unfilled seats and the ushers struggled to find space for those who still wanted to join the devotional.  Then something remarkable happened. Students who had already found their seats began to turn on their phone flashlights to signal to the late arriving students that there was still space. It was as if they were holding up a light to say, “Please come sit with me, we saved a seat just for you.”

All Who Have Endured Valiantly (Doctrine and Covenants 121:29)
Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve 

Mormon testified that “charity is the pure love of Christ” and “the greatest of all” spiritual gifts. Significantly, the word endure is used in the scriptures to define and describe charity. For example, “[charity] endureth forever,” “suffereth long, … seeketh not her own, …beareth all things, … endureth all things.” And, as you sisters know well, “charity never faileth.”

Mormon also taught that “whoso is found possessed of [the spiritual gift of charity] at thelast day, it shall be well with him.” Note the double meaning of the word “of” in this verse. We can possess charity, but ultimately charity should possess us.

As we are blessed to receive this supernal gift, a transformation occurs in our spiritual nature and character. Being “possessed” of the spiritual gift of charity refers in part to the spiritual development and progress that are the overarching purposes of the Savior’s gospel.

Follow the Prophet, He Knows the Way
By Elder Michael John U. Teh
Of the Seventy

A few weeks ago, a stake president in Japan felt that we should visit a man diagnosed with cancer. Despite going through treatment, the cancer continued to spread. In these situations, I struggle to find the words to say. So, for days I pleaded for the Lord’s help. I pictured the man to be downtrodden and devastated. I anticipated that he would ask us why the Lord gave him this trial. I imagined that he would be hopeless and perhaps even a little angry. The day of the visit arrived and I was still at a loss. When we finally met I was completely astonished. What stood before me was not at all the man I had imagined. His countenance was bright and happy. There was no bitterness and he never asked why.

Just recently, I had a very similar experiences with members living in Korea. My intention was to minister to others. However, at the end of my visits, it felt like I was the one being ministered to. Jesus Christ strengthened each of these individuals to endure their trails. As President Oaks has taught: “Our Savior experienced and suffered the fulness of all mortal challenges… He therefore knows our struggles, our heartaches, our temptations, and our suffering, for He willingly experienced them all as an essential part of His Atonement. And because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us—to give us the strength to bear it all.”

Tithing – Putting God First
By Elder Jorge T. Becerra
Of the Seventy

I recall a powerful experience I had many years ago that taught me how to put God first in my life. As a young married father, I was called to serve in a branch presidency. Elder Clinton L. Cutler of the Seventy came to speak to our branch. After the meeting I had an opportunity to talk with him. Sensing that I had something on my mind he asked, “is there something bothering you?” “Yes, I replied. I am having financial difficulties in my business, and I have fallen behind in my payment of tithes and offerings.” He then asked, “do you have anything of value?”

I don’t recall what else he said. I pondered his question for many days. The only thing I had of value was a car that I needed in my efforts to grow my business. However, I concluded that I should at least make the effort to sell my car, so I cleaned and polished it and placed an ad to sell it.

I want to be clear that Elder Cutler did not ask me to sell my car. This came to me after pondering and my desire to put God first.

A few days later a man came to the house to see the car. He seemed interested, he drove it and came back to discuss the details. He gave me his business card, and I realized he represented a car dealership. I was nervous about what would surely happen next– the haggling back and forth over the price. He asked me, “How much do you want for the car?” I told him I needed a preciseamount. I had calculated what I needed to pay off the loan on the car and pay my tithing. He then said very calmly, “Okay, I will come back in a few days with a check.” He thanked me and left. I couldn’t believe it. No haggling, no arguing, no negotiating.

A few days later he came back with the check for the amount I requested. I was surprised and amazed as he drove off with the car. I deposited the check and paid my tithing.

Prayers for Peace
By President Henry B. Eyring
Of the First Presidency

I testify the Lord hears and answers the prayers of our hearts, just as he did for Alma and

his people. We can follow His commandment to “pray always” by having a continual prayer in our hearts. As prophets have taught many times in the past, we may not feel like praying or we may not know what to say, but God hears the secret prayers of our hearts. The feelings of your heart and the love for our Heavenly Father and for His Beloved Son can be so constant that your prayers will ascend always.

As we pray continually, no matter the circumstances of life, the Lord will offer us His
peace and abiding support…

I bear my testimony that the Savior’s promise is true, and that humble prayer for peace in your heart will be honored. I felt it at the funeral of my wife of 61 years. I was surprised at the feeling of peace, and almost joy. The people at the funeral must have wondered why I was smiling. It was because the Lord had answered my prayer for peace, with an assurance from the Holy Ghost which allowed me to envision the happy reunion ahead with her. The Lord gave me the peace and hope that he had promised His disciples.

Saturday Afternoon

Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls
By Elder Gary E. Stevenson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In a reverent way, I wonder what it is like for a loving Father to send His most precious belongings, His children, away from their heavenly home, knowing they must pass through the challenges of mortality. I suppose His great comfort is knowing that they do not travel alone.

Parents, family, leaders, friends, ministering brothers and sisters, you and me, serve as stewards of His most precious possessions.

How beloved and precious His children are to Him.

And how beloved and blessed are those who care for and nurture others. And yet, the feeling is recognizable: entrusting what is precious into the care of others— and longing for its safe return. This evokes memories of familiar scenes: a mother—father—at a curb or platform, bidding farewell to their student, soldier, or missionary.

Years of teaching, preparation, and prayer culminate in a moment of placing their cherished possession into the care of others—trusting conscientious stewards to care for their son or daughter through the duration of their journey until they are reunited.

In a much holier way, our Heavenly Father also places a claim upon us. Not as a label on
a handle, but as a divine truth written on the heart: “You are Mine. I know you. You are not alone. I have not forgotten you. I intend to bring you home”

This is more than logistics.

This is redemption.

Christ, Author and Finisher of Our Faith
By Elder Eduardo F. Ortega
Of the Seventy

The invitation to seek, to come to know and to do, and then to endure on the covenant
path is the same for ALL of us, regardless of whether the gospel has been in our families forgenerations or we were baptized just last week. And it is received individually as we seekdiligently and are “nourished by the good word of God, to keep [us] on the right way, to keep [us] continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who [is] the author and the finisher of [our] faith”…

Becoming a lifelong disciple of Christ is a process; the sum of multiple small daily personal and spiritual events. President Dallin H. Oaks taught, “We need to be patient […], even
with ourselves. Overcoming doubt […] can be a lengthy process, as with building faith”. Thus, we must choose the firm and safe path, even if it is sometimes the longest and mostdemanding one. Jesus Christ and His restored gospel constitute that safe path that leads us to the true summit.

“I Will Give Away All My Sins to Know Thee”
By Elder Wan-Liang Wu
Of the Quorum of the Seventy

If we have a sincere desire, being meek and lowly in heart, we can come to know the true God the Father and gain eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ; for the power is in us, in choosing to believe and deciding to act accordingly.

The Savior declared, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

How can we come to know the only true God and obtain eternal life? The Savior responds, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The only way we can come to know our Heavenly Father and gain eternal life is by coming unto Christ and following Him.

Coming unto Christ is much more than just learning of Christ. It includes faith andworks; it means to be converted to Him and to His restored gospel. As we do so, we will have greater happiness, hope, peace, and purpose in this life.

Jesus Christ Is Not Our Burden; He Is Our Relief
By Brother David J. Wunderli
First Counselor, Young Men General Presidency

Dear amazing young men, and young women, as you continue your journey from baptism forward, through your teenage years and on to adulthood, committed to becoming a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ, know that rocks found along the way will begin to collect in your backpack. Some by choice and some by the very nature of your journey in this life. As the weight increases, please remember that taking Jesus Christ out of your life, is not the answer. Removing Him will not lighten your load.

The enemy of happiness wants to separate you from Jesus Christ. He will tempt you toremove the Savior from your life, enticing you to think that the road would be easier without Him, that the weight of His commandments is too great, that the path back is too long, that repentance is too hard. Know this: Satan is a liar. Jesus Christ is not the weight; He is the relief.

Love All, Love Each
By Elder Gérald Caussé
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

This is the miracle of God’s relationship with us: The universe is vast beyond comprehension, yet every soul carries infinite worth in the eyes of our Creator. Though we may seem small in a physical sense, each of us is personally known, remembered, and loved by our Eternal Father and by His Son Jesus Christ…

While studying scriptures in English, I noticed dozens of verses in which the words all and each (or every) appear together. For example, we learn in Mosiah: “… he (speaking of theLord) remembereth every creature of [His] creating, [and He] will make [Himself] manifest to all.”

The word all speaks to the universal reach of God’s love. The word each (or every) testifies of His power to care for each individual soul.

This dual reality is most clearly manifested in Jesus Christ’s Atonement. All sons and daughters of God, without exception, will receive a full opportunity to access its supernal blessings. Yet it is a remarkably intimate gift, tailored to each individual’s needs and applied to one person at a time.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we bear witness of Him whenever we share His love with all around us—and help it take root in each person we meet.

Jesus Christ is the Way
By Elder Brian J. Holmes
Of the Quorum of the Seventy

Once we bind ourselves to our Savior through covenant, only we can sever the tie. Jesus never will. As we remain tightly bound to Him, He is bound to us. We can expect His power to bless us with strength and joy even when we are experiencing a steep stretch of life. But if we turn away, we have no such promise. Covenant blessings flow from ongoing faithfulness, not merely from past participation.

When our path gets hard—and it will—we can remember the Apostle Peter. When the
road of discipleship became steep and many “walked no more with Jesus,” He turned to the Twelve and asked, “Will ye also go away?”14 It was a searching question, one that reaches through time to each of us.

Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the Living God.”When we have doubts, when discipleship feels demanding, when others turn back, that is the moment to stay bound to Christ just as Peter did. There is nowhere else to go; only Christ has the words of eternal life.

He Knows You by Name
By Elder Clement M. Matswagothata
Of the Seventy

My surname, Matswagothata, is from Botswana. In my home language it means “getting out of a difficult situation” or someone who can do hard things…

As much as my surname has brought hope and resilience to my family, I rejoice even more in the name of Jesus Christ, for in and through His name all who come unto Him can be saved. Even as Jesus Christ invites us to always remember Him and take upon ourselves His name, He also remembers us and knows each of us by name.

In the Old Testament, the Lord taught Moses this assuring truth: “I know thee by name.”

In Eden’s garden, He called Adam.

At the empty tomb, He called Mary.

On the road to Damascus, He called Saul.

And in the Sacred Grove, He called Joseph.

All by name.

And He knows you and calls you by name too—from crowded cities to quiet villages, in whatever language you speak. He hears, sees, and knows you.

Jesus Christ— the True Vine
Elder Ulisses Soares
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Throughout His ministry, the Savior spoke on several occasions the sacred words “I am,” using sublime metaphors, to bear witness of who He eternally is—the great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Among these declarations is one of the most solemn and tender teachings of His ministry, spoken on the night preceding His suffering and death: “I am the true vine… ye are the branches: he that abideth in [Me], and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without [Me] ye can do nothing”.

Through this beautiful and moving metaphor, the Savior teaches that He is the true, trusted, and essential source of spiritual nourishment for our souls. Through Him, we receive strength beyond our own to not only survive the challenges of life, but to grow and thrive. Through Him life becomes more hopeful and more joyful, and the fruits of the Spirit are manifested in us. Therefore, just as branches cannot bear fruit of themselves unless they remain connected to the vine, neither can we reach our full spiritual measure unless we abide in Him and His gospel.

Abiding in Christ is not an occasional or casual act; it is a constant, conscious, and sacred choice. It is allowing His holy teachings to abide in us, elevating our thoughts and governing our words in every setting—including the digital spaces where we so often interact—and purifying and consecrating our actions unto Him. It is letting our daily choices be guided by the covenants we have made with Him and allowing our lives to be directed by His loving and constant influence through the Holy Ghost. It is choosing to listen to His voice, and the voice of His servants, and follow what they teach, above all the enticing voices of the world.

Abiding in Christ does not remove the burdens of life, but through His grace they are made lighter, and our hearts are strengthened by the comfort and peace He promises. As we place ourselves in His loving care and take upon us His yoke, we receive the spiritual power to endure and overcome the trials, weaknesses, and sorrows of mortality—burdens often too heavy to bear without His redeeming help and healing influence.

Leadership Changes in the Church of Jesus Christ this Conference

At the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2026 General Conference, President D. Todd Christofferson of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced eight new General Authority Seventies and a new Primary General Presidency.

President Christofferson also announced that Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai has been called to serve in the Presidency of the Seventy, effective August 1, 2026. He will replace Elder S. Mark Palmer, who has served in the presidency since 2021.

In addition, seven General Authority Seventies (Elders Craig C. Christensen, William K. Jackson, Brook P. Hales, Eduardo Gavarret, Erich W. Kopischke, Peter F. Meurs, and S. Mark Palmer) will be released and receive emeritus status on August 1, 2026.

New Member of the Presidency of the Seventy

Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai

Benjamin Ming Zhe Tai, 53, is from Hong Kong. He has served as an Assistant Executive Director of the Missionary Department and as an Area Assistant in the North America Southeast Area. He was serving as President of the Asia Area at the time of this call. He has served as a General Authority Seventy since 2019. His previous Church service includes Area Seventy, district president, branch president, and full-time missionary service in the Australia Melbourne Mission.

Elder Tai earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has professional experience in investment banking and real estate development. He and his wife, Naomi Toma, are the parents of six children.

The Presidency of the Seventy is a group of seven General Authority Seventies called as presidents by the First Presidency to preside over all members of the Seventy. One of the seven presidents is chosen to preside over the other six (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:93–94). The Presidency of the Seventy oversees the work of the Seventy and assists the Quorum of the Twelve in their work throughout the world. This work includes traveling to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ; administering missionary, temple, family history, humanitarian, and other efforts; meeting with Church members and missionaries; organizing Church units; working and counseling with local Church leaders; and many other responsibilities.

The other six members of the Presidency of the Seventy are Elders Carl B. Cook (the Senior President), Marcus B. Nash, Michael T. Ringwood, Arnulfo Valenzuela, Edward Dube, and Kevin R. Duncan.

General Authority Seventies

General Authority Seventies are Church leaders called by the First Presidency to be “especial witnesses” and to assist the Twelve in “building up the church and regulating all the affairs” and “preaching and administering the gospel” throughout the world (Doctrine and Covenants 107:25, 34, 38). They act under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

General Authority Seventies serve full-time in the Church. They are usually released in the year they turn 70 years old and are granted emeritus status.

A brief biography of each new leader is below.

Elder Christian C. Chigbundu

Christian Chiemezuolam Chigbundu, 51, was born in Ahiaba Okpuala, Nigeria. He was serving as president of the Nigeria Enugu Mission at the time of his call. His previous Church service includes bishop, stake president, mission president, and Area Seventy. He has professional experience in finance and mobility services and has served in executive leadership and on professional boards in Nigeria.

Elder Chigbundu holds advanced credentials in accounting, finance, marketing, and law.

He and his wife, Felicia Mgbeodi Ugbor, are the parents of five children.

Elder Matthew J. Eyring

 

Matthew Johnson Eyring, 56, was born in Palo Alto, California. His previous Church service includes full-time missionary service in the Chile Santiago South Mission, bishop, stake presidency counselor, mission presidency counselor, and Area Seventy.

Elder Eyring earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He has professional experience in management consulting, medical technology, and business innovation.

He and his wife, Amy Rebecca Froerer, are the parents of five children.

Elder Hutch U. Fale

Hutch Unga Fale, 46, was born in Provo, Utah. He was serving as a member of the Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy in the Utah Area at the time of his call. His previous Church service includes full-time missionary service in the Tonga Nukuʻalofa Mission, bishop, high councilor, stake president, and Area Seventy. He has worked as an attorney.

Elder Fale earned degrees from Brigham Young University–Hawaii, the J. Reuben Clark Law School, and the Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics.

He and his wife, Gaylene Rosarine Lilino, have five children.

Elder James O. Fantone

James Gilwell Osorio Fantone, 54, was born in Manila, Philippines. He was serving as a member of the Eighth Quorum of the Seventy in the Philippines Area at the time of his call. His previous Church service includes full-time missionary service, bishop, high councilor, mission president, and Area Seventy. He has professional experience in education administration and leadership development.

Elder Fantone earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Rizal Technological University and completed additional studies at the University of the Philippines.

He and his wife, Cynthia Caseres Uy, have four children.

 

Elder Kevin J. Hathaway

Kevin James Hathaway, 51, was born in Billings, Montana. He was serving as president of the Arkansas Bentonville Mission at the time of his call. His previous Church service includes full-time missionary service in the Russia St. Petersburg Mission, bishop, stake president, mission president, and Area Seventy. He has professional experience in healthcare and business leadership.

Elder Hathaway earned bachelor’s degrees in Russian language and international law and diplomacy from Brigham Young University.

He and his wife, Kali Lewis, are the parents of six children.

 

Elder Thabo Lebethoa

Thabo Kula James Lebethoa, 50, was born in Soweto, South Africa. He was serving as a Sunday School teacher at the time of his call. His previous Church service includes bishop, stake president, mission president, and Area Seventy. He has professional experience supporting welfare, self-reliance, and religious education initiatives.

Elder Lebethoa earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Africa.

He and his wife, Andronica Gadifele Matlapeng, have four children.

 

Elder Jeremiah J. Morgan

Jeremiah Joseph Morgan, 55, was born in Kettering, Ohio. He was serving as an elders quorum instructor at the time of his call. His previous Church service includes full-time missionary service in the Micronesia Guam Mission, branch president, bishop, high councilor, stake president, public affairs specialist, and Area Seventy. He has professional experience in public service and law.

Elder Morgan earned degrees from the University of Central Missouri and Brigham Young University.

He and his wife, Rebecca McDavitt, are the parents of five children.

 

Elder Paul H. Sinclair

Paul Harrison Sinclair, 60, was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was serving as president of the England London Mission at the time of his call. His previous Church service includes bishop, high councilor, public affairs specialist, stake president, mission president, and Area Seventy. He has professional experience in law and organizational leadership.

Elder Sinclair earned degrees from Brigham Young University, Southern Illinois University, and Gonzaga University.

He and his wife, Mona Marie Hill, have five children.

 

New Primary General Presidency

The new Primary General Presidency comprises Rosemary K. Chibota (President), Nina M. Garfield (First Counselor), and Theresa A. Collins (Second Counselor). The new presidency members will begin service on August 1, 2026.

The Primary is an organization for children ages 18 months to 11 years. It teaches them the gospel of Jesus Christ and helps them build faith. The Primary General Presidency works to strengthen children and families throughout the Church. Members of the Primary General Presidency meet with and teach Primary leaders and children throughout the world. They counsel with other general and local Church leaders as they serve children and families.

Rosemary K. Chibota

Rosemary K. Chibota, 58, is of Malawian origin and was raised in Zimbabwe. She now resides in South Jordan, Utah. She works as a human resources generalist for the Church and previously worked as a senior executive assistant in the Quorum of the Seventy office. She holds a master’s degree in management and leadership from Western Governors University and a bachelor of science degree in information technology from Colorado Technical University. She currently serves as a Sunday School teacher and with her husband as a stake mission preparation instructor. Her previous Church assignments include ward activities chair, ward Relief Society presidency, Primary teacher, ward Primary presidency, seminary teacher, district Young Women president, Relief Society teacher, and branch Young Women president. She and her husband, Joel, served together as mission leaders in the Alabama Birmingham Mission from 2022 to 2025. They have one child.

 

 

Nina M. Garfield

Nina M. Garfield, 67, lives in Orem, Utah. She was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and an American father and joined the Church in high school through the influence of good friends and their families. She is a homemaker and studied at Brigham Young University. Sister Garfield currently serves as stake Relief Society president. Her previous Church assignments include ward Relief Society president, stake Primary presidency, ward Primary presidency, stake Relief Society presidency, and stake Relief Society president. She and her husband, David (deceased), are the parents of five children.

 

Theresa A. Collins

Theresa A. Collins, 64, lives in Draper, Utah. She is a homemaker and studied special education at Utah State University. She currently serves as a nursery leader, a temple ordinance worker, and, with her husband as a stake mission preparation instructor. Her previous Church assignments include stake Young Women presidency, ward Relief Society president, ward Young Women president, and ward Primary teacher. She and her husband, Richard, served together as mission leaders in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission from 2021 to 2024. They have four children.

New Area Seventies Sustained at the April 2026 General Conference Leadership Meeting

At the general conference leadership meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2026, 91 new Area Seventies were announced and presented for a sustaining vote. Another 73 Area Seventies will be released on or before August 1, 2026.

Area Seventies are leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called by the First Presidency to be “especial witnesses” and to assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in “building up the church and regulating all the affairs” and “preaching and administering the gospel” in their assigned areas (Doctrine and Covenants 107:25, 34, 38). They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Area Seventies are called and set apart to serve in specific geographical areas but may also be assigned to serve in other areas as needed. They are not called to full-time service and typically serve for five years.

Though all Seventies have equal authority, some are designated as General Authorities and others are designated as Area Seventies.

New Area Seventies (91 Total)

Third Quorum of the Seventy

Africa Central, Africa South, and Africa West Areas

Nuno A. Campos, 39, Luanda, Angola; currently serving as president of the Luanda Angola Stake; former branch president and stake presidency counselor; wife: Jessica; six children.

Samuel E. Eghan, 52, Accra, Ghana; currently serving as president of the Tanzania Dar es Salaam Mission; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Paulina; four children.

Fredrick N. Igweh, 52, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; currently serving as a high councilor of the Port Harcourt Nigeria North Stake; former bishop, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Evelyn; five children.

M. Franck Ilunga, 42, Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; currently serving as president of the Kolwezi Democratic Republic of the Congo Joli Site Stake; former branch presidency counselor, branch president, district presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Kabongo; four children.

Anani Kouegan, 52, Lome, Togo; recently released as president of the Lomé Togo Be Stake; former branch presidency counselor, branch president, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Kokovi; three children.

Sawman Machakaire, 43, Harare, Zimbabwe; currently serving as a seminary teacher in the Harare Zimbabwe Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, branch presidency counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Mary; seven children.

Philip J. Mathemera, 62, Hatfield, Zimbabwe; currently serving as a temple preparation teacher; former bishopric counselor, branch presidency counselor, mission president, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Barbara; three children.

Patrick O. Mawongo, 53, Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo; currently serving as high councilor of the Malandji Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake; former branch presidency counselor, branch president, district presidency counselor, high councilor, mission president, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Sampembi; five children.

Ngqabutho F. Moyo, 44, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; currently serving as branch mission leader of the Queens Park Branch; former branch president, bishopric counselor, mission president, and stake president; wife: Faithful; three children.

Dennis K. Ocansey, 45, Accra, Ghana; currently serving as president of the Nigeria Abuja Mission; former branch president, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Rita; three children.

Jimmy C. Okot, 51, Gayaza, Uganda; recently released as president of the Gayaza Branch; former branch presidency counselor, branch president, bishop, bishopric counselor, district presidency counselor, district president, mission president, and stake president; wife: Amanda; five children.

Sylvain G. Onagnelin, 53, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; currently serving as a high councilor of the Abobo Côte d’Ivoire East Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Yolande Aya; two children.

Sunday F. Oyedeji, 49, Egbeda, Nigeria; currently serving as president of the Lagos Nigeria Egbeda Stake; former bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Cecilia; four children.

Fourth Quorum of the Seventy

Asia and Asia North Areas

Peter Bushi, 46, Bangkok, Thailand; currently serving as a temple preparation teacher of the Bangkok Thailand West Stake; former branch president, bishop, district presidency counselor, high councilor, mission presidency counselor, mission president, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Kamalakshi; three children.

Odgerel Ochirjav, 58, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; currently serving as a Sunday School teacher of the Tuul Ward; former branch president, district presidency counselor, district president, and stake president; wife: Ariunchimeg; two children.

Thịnh Phúc Phan, 41; recently released as district president; former branch presidency counselor and branch president; wife: Nữ Xuân Quyên; two children.

Fifth Quorum of the Seventy

Brazil Area

Paulo M. Araujo, 59, São Paulo, Brazil; currently serving as stake president of the São Paulo Brazil Raposo Tavares Stake; former branch president, bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, mission presidency counselor, and mission president; wife: Renata; three children.

J. Joel Fernandes, 65, Campina Grande, Brazil; recently released as president of the Belém Brazil Temple; former bishop, bishopric counselor, mission presidency counselor, mission president, and stake president; wife: Maristela; four children.

Orson S. Lemos, 56, Recife, Brazil; currently serving as Sunday School president of the Imbiribeira Ward; former bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Fabiana; two children.

Luis H. Silva, 47, Nova Iguaçu, Brazil; currently serving as a mission presidency counselor of the Brazil Rio de Janeiro Sul Mission; former branch president, bishop, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Jane; two children.

Sixth Quorum of the Seventy

Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico Areas

Rafael Alcántara, 58, Mexico City, Mexico; currently serving as president of the Mexico City Chapultepec Stake; former bishop, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Cristina; three children.

J. Gerardo Álvarez, 54, Metepec, Mexico; currently serving as a temple worker in the Mexico City Mexico Temple; former branch president, bishop, bishopric counselor, mission president, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Ana Laura; three children.

Lenin Cerón, 45, Toluca, Mexico; currently serving as an Aaronic Priesthood adviser in the Aeropuerto Ward; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, mission president, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Cristina; two children.

Victor Cortez Padilla, 61, Mazatlán, Mexico; currently serving as a temple worker in the Guadalajara Mexico Temple; former bishop, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Martha; three children.

Alirio B. Díaz, 52, San Juan Ostuncalco, Guatemala; currently serving as a service mission leader in the Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, mission president, and stake president; wife: Mirian; three children.

Paul E. Higueros, 57, Villa Canales, Guatemala; recently released as president of the Perú Huancayo Mission; former bishop, high councilor, mission president, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Lisbett; three children.

Hans A. Martineau, 51, Metepec, Mexico; currently serving as president of the Metepec México Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Alma; two children.

Cesar A. Morales, 40, Mixco, Guatemala; currently serving as a mission presidency counselor of the Antigua Guatemala Mission; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and stake president; wife: Lucia Carolina; three children.

Víctor Orozco, 40, Juchitán de Zaragoza, Mexico; currently serving as an institute teacher in the Juchitán Mexico Las Flores Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Patricia Nataly; three children.

N. Benjamin Poóu, 52, Cobán, Guatemala; currently serving as a stake presidency counselor of the Cobán Guatemala Stake; former bishop, high councilor, mission presidency counselor, and mission president; wife: Hilda; five children.

Luis D. Santana, 46, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; currently serving as president of the Perú Lima East Mission; former branch president, bishop, district president, high councilor, mission presidency counselor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Diana; three children.

Edgar D. Valdez, 38, Tijuana, Mexico; currently serving as a mission presidency counselor of the Mexico Mexicali Mission; former branch president, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Yoana; one child.

Seventh Quorum of the Seventy

Eurasian, Europe Central, Europe North, and Middle East / Africa North Areas

Hikombo Hitoto, 50, Aigné, France; currently serving as president of the Paris France South Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, branch presidency counselor, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Valérie; six children.

Harri J. Myllylä, 51, Espoo, Finland; currently serving as stake president of the Helsinki Finland Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Marju; three children.

Eighth Quorum of the Seventy

Pacific and Philippines Areas

Demetrio P. Agudo III, 54, Metro Manila, Philippines; currently serving as president of the Taguig Philippines Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Ronelle; six children.

Felix O. Bentayen Jr., 45, Lucena City, Philippines; currently serving as a mission presidency counselor of the Philippines San Pablo Mission; former bishop, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Katrina; three children.

Jerome G. Galotera, 49, Iloilo City, Philippines; currently serving as president of the California Anaheim Mission; former branch president, bishop, bishopric counselor, district president, and stake president; wife: Beverly; four children.

Josue G. Jundos, 43, San Fernando, Philippines; recently released as president of the San Fernando La Union Philippines Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Millicent Pajarillo; five children.

Thelmo P. Navarra Jr., 47, Kabankalan City, Philippines; currently serving as president of the Binalbagan Philippines Stake; former branch president, bishop, district presidency counselor, and high councilor; wife: Maria Dolour; four children.

Stephen F. Notarte, 51, Makati City, Philippines; currently serving as a high councilor of the Makati Philippines Stake; former branch president, bishop, bishopric counselor, mission president, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Catherine; two children.

D. Dan Nuñez, 46, Cebu City, Philippines; currently serving as president of the Cebu City Philippines Stake; former bishop, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Love; three children.

Wilfredo E. Rellora Jr., 44, Imus City, Philippines; currently serving as president of the Bacoor Philippines Stake; former bishop, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Michelle; three children.

Jon P. Reyes, 42, Batangas, Philippines; currently serving as president of the Batangas Philippines Stake; former bishop and bishopric counselor; wife: Calixta Clarice Evangelista; four children.

Graham F. Smith, 64, Tamborine, Australia; currently serving as Sunday School president of the Windaroo Ward; former bishop, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Elaine; four children.

Michael J. Stone, 64, Biggera Waters, Australia; currently serving as elders quorum presidency counselor of the Helensvale Ward; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, mission president, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Sharon; three children.

Paul J. Thomas, 52, Parrearra, Australia; recently released as president of the Australia Melbourne Mission; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Nadene; four children.

Manea Tuahu, 46, Arue, French Polynesia; currently serving as president of the Tahiti Papeete Mission; former bishop, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Vahinui; four children.

Ninth Quorum of the Seventy

South America Northwest and South America South Areas

Jorge R. Cardozo, 61, Resistencia, Argentina; currently serving as president of the Argentina Resistencia Mission; former branch president, bishop, mission presidency counselor, and mission president; wife: Iris; three children.

Juan Pablo Cortez, 48, Montevideo, Uruguay; currently serving as president of the Montevideo Uruguay East Stake; former bishop and bishopric counselor; wife: Eliana; four children.

Miguel A. Honores, 42, Valparaíso, Chile; currently serving as president of the Valparaíso Chile Stake; former branch president, bishop, bishopric counselor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Yannina; four children.

Kleber A. Litardo, 56, Guayaquil, Ecuador; currently serving as president of the México Guadalajara East Mission; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Miriam; three children.

Osvaldo E. Martinez Carreño, 57, Buenos Aires, Argentina; currently serving as a high councilor of the Los Angeles Chile South Stake; former bishop, mission president, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Adriana; four children.

Andres D. Moreno, 49, Cañuelas, Argentina; currently serving as president of the Cañuelas Branch; former bishop, bishopric counselor, branch presidency counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Virginia; four children.

Marcelo J. Paz, 54, Buenos Aires, Argentina; currently serving as president of the México Oaxaca Mission; former bishop, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Adriana; five children.

Carlos J. Rodriguez, 44, Trujillo, Peru; recently released as president of the Trujillo Peru Central Stake; former high councilor and stake presidency counselor; wife: Melody; three children.

Martin R. Tello Sotil, 54, Lima, Peru; currently serving as president of the Lima Perú Villa Salvador Stake; former bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Isabel; two children.

Jose J. Trovato, 48, San Pablo, Argentina; currently serving as elders quorum president of the Manantial Ward; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, mission presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Evelin; five children.

Juan F. Vásquez, 47, Santiago, Chile; currently serving as president of the Santiago Chile San Miguel Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Natalia; four children.

Andres Villegas, 57, Jamundí, Colombia; currently serving as a stake presidency counselor of the Cali Colombia San Fernando Stake; former bishop, mission presidency counselor, and mission president; wife: Sandra; two children.

Tenth Quorum of the Seventy

Canada, United States Central, United States Northeast, and United States Southeast Areas

Brett V. Benson, 52, Nashville, Tennessee; currently serving as president of the Nashville Tennessee Stake; former bishopric counselor and stake presidency counselor; wife: Lacy; three children.

Christopher B. Bingham, 53, Apex, North Carolina; currently serving as president of the Apex North Carolina Stake; former bishop, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Nellie; six children.

Rhett R. Hintze, 55, Etters, Pennsylvania; currently serving as president of the Harrisburg Pennsylvania Stake; former bishop and bishopric counselor; wife: Melissa; three children.

R. Wade Litchfield, 63, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; recently released as president of the Côte d’Ivoire Abidjan West Mission; former high councilor, mission presidency counselor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: London; three children.

Scott M. Naatjes, 59, Credit River, Minnesota; currently serving as a mission presidency counselor of the Minneapolis Minnesota Mission; former branch president, bishopric counselor, high councilor, mission president, and stake president; wife: Jodi; five children.

M. Shayne Olsen, 58, Kamloops, Canada; currently serving as president of the Vernon British Columbia Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Cyndy Jane; four children.

Joshua K. Perkes, 47, Elkhorn, Nebraska; currently serving as a temple worker of the Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple; former bishop and stake president; wife: Brooke; four children.

Ryan A. Robinson, 51, Fortville, Indiana; currently serving as president of the Fishers Indiana Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and high councilor; wife: Heidi; three children.

Kurt F. Scherer, 45, Windermere, Florida; currently serving as president of the Orlando Florida South Stake; former bishop and bishopric counselor; wife: Allison; four children.

Christopher L. Thomas, 56, Highlands Ranch, Colorado; currently serving as a high councilor of the Highlands Ranch Colorado Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, mission presidency counselor, mission president, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Sheryn; four children.

Kevin C. Thompson, 51, Calgary, Canada; currently serving as Sunday School teacher of the Inverness Ward; former bishop, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Tracey; four children.

Eleventh Quorum of the Seventy

United States Southwest and United States West Areas

Troy A. Bair, 50, Rescue, California; currently serving as president of the El Dorado California Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and high councilor; wife: Darce; four children.

Brandon J. Child, 50, East Wenatchee, Washington; currently serving as president of the Wenatchee Washington Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Emily; four children.

Brandon C. Ellison, 45, Benbrook, Texas; currently serving as president of the Fort Worth Texas Stake; former bishop and bishopric counselor; wife: Stacy; four children.

Nathan R. Fernley, 49, Long Beach, California; currently serving as president of the Long Beach California East Stake; former bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Dara Lynn; three children.

Marcus F. Johnson, 39, Tempe, Arizona; currently serving as an elders quorum instructor in the Alameda Ward; former high councilor and stake president; wife: Alexandria; six children.

John L. Merrill, 55, Newbury Park, California; currently serving as president of the Newbury Park California Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and high councilor; wife: Marrianne; four children.

Jason T. Morris, 52, Henderson, Nevada; currently serving as a priests quorum adviser of the Palm Canyon Ward; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Stephanie; five children.

Daniel W. Packard, 57, San Antonio, Texas; currently serving as a seminary supervisor of the San Antonio Texas Hill Country Stake; former bishop, high councilor, mission president, stake mission president, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Alison; four children.

Gary M. Riding, 62, Highland Village, Texas; currently serving as a senior service missionary; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, mission president, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Melissa; seven children.

B. Brondon Shaheen, 42, Gallup, New Mexico; currently serving as president of the Gallup New Mexico Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and high councilor; wife: Megan; five children.

Nathan Y. Sharp, 49, College Station, Texas; currently serving as an institute teacher of the College Station Texas Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Holly; five children.

Craig R. Spangler, 55, Port Orchard, Washington; currently serving as president of the Bremerton Washington Stake; former bishop, bishopric counselor, and stake presidency counselor; wife: Krisette; four children.

Christopher Stephenson, 51, Penryn, California; currently serving as a Sunday School teacher of the Loomis 1st Ward; former bishop, branch presidency counselor, district presidency counselor, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Rebecca; four children.

Paula S. Tonga, 58, San Bruno, California; currently serving as temple worker of the Oakland California Temple; former bishop, bishopric counselor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president; wife: Vika; three children.

Brian J. Willey, 49, Coppell, Texas; currently serving as president of the Carrollton Texas Stake; former bishop and bishopric counselor; wife: Kathryn; four children.

Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy

Utah Area

Andrew E. Dadson, 50, Vineyard, Utah; currently serving as president of the Vineyard Utah Grove Park Stake; former bishop and high councilor; wife: Milli; five children.

Matthew R. Hall, 54, Salt Lake City, Utah; currently serving as choir director of the Wasatch 5th Ward; former bishop, bishopric counselor, branch presidency counselor, high councilor, and stake president; wife: Julie; five children.

Lincoln D. Nadauld, 49, Santa Clara, Utah; currently serving as president of the Santa Clara Utah Stake; former branch president, bishop, bishopric counselor, and high councilor; wife: Lindsay; five children.

Nadmid B. Namgur, 49, South Jordan, Utah; recently released as president of the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission; former branch president, bishop, bishopric counselor, and high councilor; wife: Mayumi; two children.

Reid L. Neilson, 53, Bountiful, Utah; currently serving as a mission preparation teacher of the Bountiful Utah Heights Stake; former high councilor and mission president; wife: Shelly; five children.

Ritch N. Wood, 60, Alpine, Utah; currently serving as a branch presidency counselor at the Provo Missionary Training Center; former bishop, bishopric counselor, high councilor, mission president, and stake president; wife: Rebecca; six children.

Area Seventies to be released on or before August 1, 2026 (73 total)

Third Quorum of the Seventy

Africa Central, Africa South, and Africa West Areas

Samuel Annan-Simons

Lauriano P. Balilemwa

Frederick M. Kamya

Enefiok Ntem

Charles O. Oide

Tonga J. Sai

Fourth Quorum of the Seventy

Asia and Asia North Areas

Ross A. Chiles

John Gutty

Yuichi Imai

Dong Hwan Jeong

Fifth Quorum of the Seventy

Brazil Area

Marcelo Andrezzo

Moroni Costa

Odair Lira

Alexandre Ret

Sixth Quorum of the Seventy

Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico Areas

Ranulfo Cervantes Soler

Félix Conde

Tomás Familia

Claude R. Gamiette

B. Helaman Ixcot

Julio E. Lee

R. Darío Lorenzana

Héctor Méndez

Russell A. Robinson

Raul Tapia

Carlos Torres

Bruno E. Vásquez

Seventh Quorum of the Seventy

Eurasian, Europe Central, Europe North, and Middle East / Africa North Areas

Erik Bernskov

Franck A. Poznanski

Eighth Quorum of the Seventy

Pacific and Philippines Areas

Eduardo M. Argana

Benjamin Cinco

Ernesto A. Deyro Jr.

Bartolome L. Madriaga

Damon Page

Frédéric T. Riemer

Martiniano S. Soquila Jr.

Iotua B. Tune

Ninth Quorum of the Seventy

South America Northwest and South America South Areas

Juan P. Casco

Leandro J. Curaba

Enrique M. Loo

Hernán D. Lucero

Enrique Mayorga

Ricardo J. Nieves

Lorenzo Norambuena

Juan L. Orquera

Roberto C. Pacheco

Leonardo S. Rojas

Victor H. Suazo

Tenth Quorum of the Seventy

Canada, United States Central, United States Northeast, and United States Southeast Areas

Daniel P. Amato

Rodney A. Ames

Fernando R. Castro

Corbin E. Coombs

Nathan A. Craig

David S. Kinard

Quinn S. Millington

T. Michael Price

M. Travis Wolsey

Richard G. Youngblood

Eleventh Quorum of the Seventy

United States Southwest and United States West Areas

Jonathon W. Bunker

Jonathan G. Cannon

David C. Clark

Jorge A. Contreras

Tommy D. Haws

Hal C Hunsaker

Douglas P. Maxfield

Steven C. Merrell

Siegfried A. Naumann

Douglas A. Rozsa

Lee M. Shumway

Twelfth Quorum of the Seventy

Utah Area

Mark E. Bonham

K. Bruce Boucher

Thomas K. Checketts

Stephen K. Christensen

Vance K. Smith

Updated Church Handbook Expands Leadership Opportunities for Women in Sunday School

A recent update to the General Handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened new leadership opportunities for women at the ward level, allowing bishops to call either a man or a woman to serve as ward Sunday School president.

In a letter sent to Church leaders worldwide on March 18, 2026, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the change.

“The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have determined that, effective immediately, the bishop may call a man or a woman to serve as ward Sunday School president.”

Under the updated guidelines, if a man is called as Sunday School president, he must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and his counselors and secretary must be male members of the ward. If a woman is called as Sunday School president, her counselors and secretary will be female members of the ward.

Church leaders emphasized that local leaders should seek inspiration when extending such callings.

“Local leaders should seek the guidance of the Spirit in determining whom to call.”

New Possibilities in Wards Worldwide

With nearly 32,000 congregations worldwide, the change means that thousands of women could potentially serve in Sunday School presidencies for the first time.

“In any given ward, Sunday School presidencies may at times be composed of men and at other times of women, based on circumstances in the unit and the inspiration of leaders,” the First Presidency stated.

The change is reflected in the March 18 update to the Church’s General Handbook. The revised material is now available online and will appear in the Gospel Library app within the next several days.

Strengthening Gospel Teaching

Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson noted that the adjustment expands the options bishops have when considering who can best strengthen gospel learning in their congregations.

“This important change gives bishoprics additional options as they prayerfully consider who should lead the effort of teaching and learning in their wards,” Johnson said.

He added that when the current Sunday School general presidency was called in 2024, the First Presidency invited them to help improve teaching and learning throughout the Church.

“There are many capable women and men who can help strengthen gospel instruction and foster spiritual growth,” he said.

Part of a Broader Pattern

The change comes during a period of continuing adjustments designed to strengthen home-centered gospel learning and ward participation.

In 2018, the Church shifted to a two-hour Sunday meeting schedule, with Sunday School classes now held twice a month in conjunction with the Come, Follow Me curriculum. That adjustment emphasized gospel study both in the home and in church.

Over the past decade, women have also been given expanded opportunities to participate in Church service and leadership in various ways. These include serving as official witnesses for baptisms and temple sealings, participating in Church executive councils, and serving as chaplains and sister training leaders in missionary work.

Church leaders have consistently emphasized the importance of women’s voices in ward councils, where they counsel with bishops and priesthood leaders to help guide the work of the ward.

Continuing Roles of Service

Women already lead the worldwide organizations of Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary at ward, stake, and general levels. The new handbook adjustment provides an additional way for women to contribute their leadership and teaching gifts in ward Sunday School.

Stake Sunday School presidencies and the general Sunday School presidency will continue to be filled by men who hold the priesthood.

Still, the new option for ward Sunday School presidencies reflects a growing recognition of the many faithful women and men who help strengthen teaching, learning, and spiritual growth in congregations across the Church.

As bishops seek guidance from the Spirit, the updated handbook provides additional flexibility to place capable leaders where they can best bless the members of their wards.

 

The First Presidency Appoints New Commissioner for the Church Educational System

The press release and image are courtesy of the Church Newsroom.

The First Presidency has called Elder James R. Rasband of the Quorum of the Seventy to serve as the new Commissioner for the Church Educational System, effective April 1, 2026. In this role, he will oversee the Church’s educational entities, comprising Brigham Young University (BYU), BYU–Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, Ensign College, BYU–Pathway Worldwide, and Seminaries and Institutes of Religion.

Elder Rasband replaces Elder Clark G. Gilbert, who was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in February 2026.

Learn more about the Church Educational System.

New Official Photos Feature the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a new photo of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with a photo of the quorum. The pictures, which were taken in the Church Administration Building on March 4, 2026, include Elder Clark G. Gilbert, who was called as an Apostle on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, following the passing of President Jeffrey R. Holland.

 

Resources to Experience, Share Jesus Christ’s ‘Greater Love’ This Easter

This spring, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are invited to lean into a deeper, more intentional celebration of the Savior. The First Presidency has highlighted Palm Sunday, Easter, and General Conference as pivotal moments to reflect on the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In a unique alignment of the calendar, Easter Sunday falls on the same weekend as General Conference—April 4-5—offering a rare opportunity to bridge the ancient miracle of the empty tomb with the modern guidance of living prophets.

Expanding Our Easter Focus

Much like the Christmas season, there is a growing movement within the Church to treat Easter as more than just a single Sunday. By extending our focus across a “Holy Week,” we can better emulate the “Greater Love” described in John 15:13.

The 2026 Easter initiative centers on the promise that through Christ, “all will live again.” Whether through the new “Greater Love for You” video (released March 1) or personal study, the goal is clear: to ensure no one feels forgotten and that everyone has the chance to experience a fullness of joy.

First Presidency’s Easter Message

In their recent Easter message, the First Presidency extended an invitation to “seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written” (Ether 12:41) during the Easter season.

Key Dates for Your Calendar

The journey through this sacred season follows a beautiful arc of worship and study:

• Palm Sunday (March 29): Wards worldwide will host a special one-hour worship service focused entirely on the Savior. This is designed as a “visitor-friendly” event, perfect for inviting friends and neighbors to join in a Christ-centered meeting.

• Holy Week (March 29 – April 5): A time for deep immersion into the Savior’s final teachings during His mortal ministry.
  

  Holy Week study experience available on Easter.ChurchofJesusChrist.org focuses on the Savior’s teachings during the last week of His mortal ministry. This resource is also highlighted in Gospel Library and linked in “Come, Follow Me.”

• General Conference (April 4–5): This year’s conference marks a historic milestone. We will participate in a solemn assembly to sustain a new First Presidency and two new members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Elder Gerard Caussé and Elder Clark Gilbert. We will also hear the first conference address from President Dallin H. Oaks as President of the Church.

Note: Per the November 2025 announcement, starting this April 2026, General Conference will no longer include a Saturday evening session.

Resources for Sharing and Study

As requested, here are the official resources provided by the Church to help you enhance your personal experience and invite others to learn more:

• Easter.ChurchofJesusChrist.org: Launched February 22 in 10 languages, this site is the hub for Christ-centered Easter content, including music, videos, FAQs, and children’s resources.

• Seasonal Resources for Leaders: Accessible via the main Easter site, leaders can find Palm Sunday service ideas, invitation templates, and tools for customized meetinghouse banners.

• Social Media: Look for the “Greater Love for You” video on official Church channels to resharing on your personal or organizational pages.

• Meetinghouse Signage: To help visitors understand why buildings may be empty during the April 4-5 weekend, councils can download a specific poster (available on the resource site) to display on chapel doors.

  

  An example of a meetinghouse banner used to invite community participation with local worship services.

• Outdoor Banners: The online tool allows wards to create customizable outdoor signage with specific meeting times and languages to welcome the local community.

• Activity Sharing: Stake and ward leaders can use the Activity Sharing tile in the Member Tools app to update their public-facing ward web pages with local Easter activities.

  

  An example of a fillable Easter invitation available to local leaders for inviting others to participate in various Easter activities.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong Travels to Africa to Dedicate the Harare Zimbabwe Temple

Press release courtesy of the Church Newsroom. Visit their site HERE.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Harare Zimbabwe Temple on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

In remarks shared before offering the dedicatory prayer, Elder Gong expressed deep gratitude to all who had prayed, worked and sacrificed for this sacred day. He emphasized the blessings of regular temple attendance and described it as an invitation from the Savior to “create a new gospel temple culture.”

“Instead of going to the temple once in our life, or once a year on a temple trip, we can plan and come ourselves to the Lord in the house of the Lord more often,” he said.

As Saints follow Jesus Christ willingly, obediently and joyfully, they prepare to “return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World), he said.

Elder Gong explained that the Lord gives us holy temples so we and those we love can return to the holy presence of God our Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ, spotless and clean, justified, sanctified and exalted.

“The Atonement of Jesus Christ helps us repent and change,” Elder Gong said. “The Atonement of Jesus Christ helps us forgive and be forgiven. The Atonement of Jesus Christ helps us mend and heal our relationships.

“Jesus Christ’s gospel and Atonement make bad men and bad women good and good men and good women better. Temple ordinances and covenants connect us by our own name with the name and infinite and eternal Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

To read the full story, please visit the Church Newsroom.

Elder Caussé Says Church Growth Is Surging in France

This press release is courtesy of the Europe Church Newsroom. 

In France, where many do not believe in God or belong to a religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing.

“[The Church is] seeing a surge of baptisms in France right now,” said Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during a visit to Paris on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

He and his wife, Valérie, began a multi-day ministry across Europe and will spend several days in the greater Paris area, where they once lived and where he served as a local Church leader for many years. They were joined by Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, Europe Central Area President, and his wife, Fabiana.

At various meetings in the Paris area where Elder Caussé spoke, several recently baptized Latter-day Saints shared what drew them to the Church of Jesus Christ.

“I felt a message of peace and love,” said Augustin Lemblé, who was baptized in mid-February. “And even before receiving the Holy Ghost, I already knew that this was where I needed to be. I have the testimony that this is the right place.”

Cécile Alves de Freitas, who was baptized in July 2025, shared, “I’m really thankful that Elder Caussé talked about the fact that we need to be the light in this world and we need to carry Jesus with us every day — not just on Sundays.”

Robin Gaël Buannic, who was baptized a week ago, said, “I realized that it’s the real Church of Jesus Christ. I was searching for a real church, a real truth, and who we are really, deeply, and I just realized that we are in the Church of Jesus Christ. It’s a real blessing for me.”

To read the full article, visit the site HERE.

Spiral Staircases and Sacred Surprises: Lessons in Elder Clark G. Gilbert’s Ordination

In the last six months, we have lost two truly extraordinary disciples of Jesus Christ, President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. The outpourings of love and the specifically personal tributes that have flooded the internet show just how much these men had not just global impact, but quite individual influence in the hearts of Church members (and others).

As you read the narratives of their mortal lives that are always shared upon the passing of an apostle, sometimes it feels like they were extraordinary from their youth, guided at every step, and lived a nearly perfect existence. It’s easy to look at your own life, whose setbacks and pitfalls you know so well and feel like you weren’t set up quite as obviously for success. Or didn’t have such inner strength and commitment from hour one.

It is for this reason that the story from President Holland’s funeral that stood out to me most was his eldest son sharing of his weaknesses in carpentry, even in the simplest tasks. “We acquired the habit, whenever he picked up a hammer, of quoting to him Doctrine and Covenants 24:9: ‘In temporal labors, thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling.’” President Holland received the teasing with good humor. He had often told them of the time in his youth when he decided to build an external spiral staircase and entrance to his parents’ attic, which had previously been very difficult to access.

“It was characteristically noble thought of a loving son and he did his level best,” David Holland shared, “but he was crestfallen when an insurance adjuster, who had come to assess some earlier wind damage elsewhere on the property, urgently called my grandfather to the back of the house, pointed to my father’s recently completed summer project, and said, ‘Mr. Holland, I can’t tell you exactly what’s gone on here, but obviously this was the place of the greatest damage.’”

“Even the best of intentions have to contend with the gravitational forces of a fallen world,” David Holland said as he summed up the story, stating that this was a concept his father understood well.

This is a concept we all come to know well, whether we are willing to peacefully accept it or not. It is always a good reminder to know that even the spiritual exemplars that you admire the most were just building their rickety spiral staircase towards heaven one moment of choosing to trust the Savior at a time, even if in the end of their mortal life, the structure seems to look so glorious.

So, as we welcome Elder Clark G. Gilbert as the newest apostle, who was ordained to the office on Thursday, February 12, we are eager to be blessed by the insight of his unique experience, his apostolic mantle, and his hard-earned testimony. But it is also exciting to hear the ways he freely shares how humbled he is by the call and that life to this point hasn’t just been absolutely certain and easy every step of the way.

“There’s a mix of trepidation and joy,” Elder Gilbert shared with the Church News, “two feelings that don’t usually coincide. So much excitement and joy for what opportunities lie ahead to bear witness of Jesus Christ, and trepidation for the responsibility and the weight of the calling.”

“He’s such a joyful, happy person; so positive and enthusiastic,” his wife Christine Gilbert shared as they sat hand in hand. “Sometimes it’s a whirlwind,” she added, “sometimes we’re not sure we have all our pieces in the right place. It’s chaotic, especially with eight kids. But we’re having a good time. We’re being joyful and we’re doing our best. That’s what we always say, you can’t do it perfectly, but do your best.”

Elder Gilbert met the now Sister Gilbert when they were both attending BYU. They married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1994, which was also the year he received a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the university.

Elder Gilbert would go on to receive a master’s degree in East Asian studies from Stanford and a doctorate in business administration from Harvard, where he would soon after join the faculty.

During his time in Boston, his experiences with inner-city Latter-day Saint youth fundamentally shaped his thinking in his later position as the first president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, a spiritually based education initiative that has gone on to bring educational opportunity to more than 288,000 students in more than 180 countries.

While those Boston youth were new to the Church and its doctrine, Elder Gilbert said, he learned the key to helping them grow was to focus on their potential.

“In this Church,” he taught, “we believe in the divine potential of all of God’s children and in our ability to become something more in Christ.” While people begin life with differing circumstances, “in the Lord’s timing, it is not where we start but where we are headed that matters most.”

His life’s preparation for this newest, crucial calling also included time as CEO of Deseret Digital Media, president of the Deseret News, and president of BYU-Idaho before he became the inaugural leader of BYU Pathway.

He had been serving as Commissioner of the Church Education System, which involves oversight of all of the Church’s universities, online educational programs, seminaries, and institutes, until this most recent calling.

Elder Gilbert was with President Oaks for the Church Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, February 11, and at the end of the meeting President Oaks said, ‘Elder Gilbert, would you come in for just one item of follow up?’

“I sat down and he extended the calling,” Elder Gilbert shared, “it was immediately sobering and humbling…but beautiful at the same time.”

After receiving the calling, he stepped away privately to call his wife.

“There was a lot of surprise,” Elder Gilbert said of that phone call.

“Surprise was also met with a feeling of sacredness for the trust he was being shown,” the Church News reported, “he and Sister Gilbert stayed up late Wednesday reflecting on what they have learned from each member of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.”

I love picturing that scene of receiving such overwhelming, life-changing news and admire so much that they chose to respond to it like Nephi when he first heard of his father’s vision of the Tree of Life. They knew where to turn. They reflected on what the Lord has already taught them in preparation for this moment by the examples of those that have come before in this calling. They invited the spirit by reflecting on the truths that had already been taught to prepare them, even when they didn’t know they were being prepared.

According to the Church Newsroom, Elder Gilbert says he has received over 1,000 text messages since his calling was announced.

“We couldn’t answer every call that was coming in,” Elder Gilbert shared, “but one of them was on [Sister Gilbert’s] phone from one of our inner-city youth. He’s someone we had mentored and loved and watched him grow in the Gospel. But he called her, not me.” Elder Gilbert’s voice filled with emotion as he shared what the message for his wife was: “We know that this wouldn’t have happened without you.”

“And he’s right.” Elder Gilbert said, “and what a tender expression of that…for both of us.”

I do believe that those the Lord calls to lead his Church are prepared for that calling from their earliest days. They are equipped with skills and insights unique to the time they live in. Elder Clark G. Gilbert is no exception. But I believe the Lord prepares us all for the times we live in and the things we are to take from and contribute to them.

Though life can often feel like we live in constant survival mode, the Lord’s hand is orchestrating our opportunities to allow us to accomplish the unique calls and purposes he has for each of us. Perhaps the greatest opportunity we have is to learn to draw close to Him.

“Right now, we live in what the apostle Paul talked about; perilous times.” Elder Gilbert shared, “The world is in commotion and people are struggling. Good is being called evil, and evil being called good. There are anxieties and tumult and polarization. But those are the same things that are creating the most unprecedented opportunities for the Church.”

“It’s much harder, in this climate, to do things without the Lord. But when you involve him, and make him your priority, all of those things calm.”

None of the prophets or apostles that we have loved and lost had the chance to control the events of their lives. But all chose again and again to involve the Lord and it was through Him that they could have such significant impact with the gifts and insights they had.

“He will comfort us in our afflictions, He will strengthen us in our infirmities, and He will succor us when life’s not fair.” Elder Gilbert testified. “I have a testimony that He lives and I am so grateful the opportunity now to share that everywhere I go in the world.”