Remarking on the beauty of the weather and the general climate of good will, President Gordon B. Hinckley expressed appreciation that, "Never before has the Church had a better reputation than it has now."

"This is because of you, my brothers and sisters," President Hinckley said in the opening session of conference Saturday morning. "The opinions of people concerning us for the most part arise out of personal and individual experiences. It is your friendliness, your concern for others, and the good examples of your lives that result in the opinions held by others concerning Latter-day Saints."In viewing the Tabernacle filled with those who have come "from far and wide" with the "expectation of being inspired and blessed, and drawing nearer to the Lord," President Hinckley noted that ground was broken July 24 for a 21,000-seat assembly building that is promised to be ready for April conference in the year 2000.

"We will have a great new building for a great new century," he said.

He explained the media have been kind to the Church, with extensive and favorable press coverage in this year of pioneer celebrations.

"I personally have been much quoted, and in a few instances misquoted and misunderstood. I think that is to be expected. None of you need to worry because you read something that was incompletely reported. You need not worry that I do not understand some matters of doctrine," he said, drawing laughter from the congregation. "I think I understand them thoroughly, and it is unfortunate that the reporting may not make this clear. I hope you will never look to the public press as the authority on the doctrines of the Church."

However, despite these "occasional blips," he said, "we have been treated very well and we are grateful to the writers and the editors who have dealt with us honestly and generously."

President Hinckley concluded his opening remarks by saying, "At this time I wish only to invite the Spirit of the Lord to be with us as we go forward on another great conference. May all who speak be inspired in their remarks. May the prayers lift our thoughts to high and sacred levels."

While all the General Authorities will not have opportunity to speak in conference, `we shall be as one as our hearts reach out to you, our beloved brothers and sisters, in testimony of this great work. God is our Father who watches over His kingdom. Jesus is the Christ whose name this Church bears. He stands at its head. The gospel has been restored and is moving with power across the earth. Our faith is made secure by the things which we know to be true."