LDS Church leaders frequently used the word "perilous" Sunday to describe the state of modern society — and offered hope for a brighter day.

Photo by Stuart Johnson

"The work has grown and strengthened and moved across the Earth, "Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley said Sunday morning.

Speaking during the two final sessions of the 174th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they lamented the demise of the traditional family and encouraged members to do all in their power to fortify their homes. Tens of thousands filled the Conference Center to capacity during both sessions, which were beamed live via satellite around the globe.

President Gordon B. Hinckley ended the two-day conference on a somber note, reluctantly taking a "personal indulgence" to talk about his wife's ill health. Marjorie Hinckley collapsed from exhaustion on the way home from a long trip to Ghana in January and has not been doing well since, he said. (See accompanying story.)

A topic for several speakers Sunday, including President Hinckley, was the world's increasing wickedness.

"Perilous times? Yes. These are perilous times," he said in his morning address. "But the human race has lived in peril from the time before the Earth was created. Somehow, through all the darkness, there has been a faint but beautiful light. And now with added luster it shines upon the world."

The light of the gospel, he said, carries God's plan for happiness and the atonement of Jesus Christ.

"The work has grown and strengthened and moved across the Earth," President Hinckley said. "It has now touched for good the lives of millions, and this is only the beginning."

The 93-year-old prophet's prepared remarks at the close of the conference were brief but familiar in theme.

"May a spirit of love, of peace, of appreciation for one another increase in our homes. May we be prospered in our labors and become generous in our sharings. May we reach out to those about us in friendship and respect."

President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, also offered hope through living in an increasingly wicked world.

Recounting a recent visit with his 2-year-old grandson, President Packer said he anxiously wondered what kind of world awaits the young boy. But he soon realized "that bright-eyed, little 2-year-old can have a good life, a very good life . . ."

Today's youths, he said, "will see many events transpire in the course of their lifetimes. Some of these shall tax their courage and extend their faith. But if they seek prayerfully for help and guidance, they shall be given power over adverse things. Such trials shall not be permitted to stand in the way of their progress, but instead shall act as stepping stones to great knowledge."

President Packer said parents must "spiritually immunize" children with the knowledge of the gospel and a testimony of Jesus Christ.

"One thing is very clear: the safest place and the best protection against the moral and spiritual diseases is a stable home and family. This has always been true and will be true forever."

In the afternoon session, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve said people have a choice to live miserably or happily. If they concentrate on the dark side, that is what they will see. But there is a bright side — the gospel Jesus Christ.

"You can wring your hands and be consumed with concern for the future or choose to use the counsel the Lord has given to live with peace and happiness in a world awash with evil."

As debates rage across the country regarding gay marriage, church leaders strongly reaffirmed LDS teachings that marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and that families are central to God's eternal plan. Several spoke directly to mothers and fathers, outlining their distinct roles in rearing children.

"Surely we have learned by now, from the experience over centuries, that the basic family provides the most stable and secure foundation for society and is fundamental to the preparation of young people for their future responsibilities," said Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of Twelve.

"We should have learned by now that alternate lifestyles of family formations have not worked and never will."

Satan, he said, seeks to diminish the divine appointment of fathers, who are to be leaders, teachers and temporal providers.

Increased youth violence and crime, greater poverty and and economic insecurity and children failing in school are clear evidence of a lack of a positive influence of fathers "A family needs a father to anchor it," Elder Perry said.

Sister Julie B. Beck, First Counselor in the Young Women Presidency, talked about the role of women in the family, urging them to acquire a "mother heart."

Such a mother "teaches her children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord. Rather than listening to the voices of partial truths of the world, she knows the gospel standards are based on eternal, unchangeable truths. She believes that to be primarily responsible for the nurture of her children is a vital, dignified, sacred responsibility."

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve offered a message of hope to families.

"As Paul prophesied, we live in 'perilous times.' Satan has been going about leading away the hearts of the people, and his influence is increasing. But no matter how evil the world becomes, our families can be at peace. If we do what's right, we will be guided and protected."

The morning session featured music by 22-year-old Brazilian soprano Liriel Domiciano, who performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Singing in Portuguese and English, she joined the choir in a stirring rendition of, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."

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