LDS hail a decade of great 'flowering'
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A decade of "remarkable flowering" in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was celebrated as the church opened its 175th Annual General Conference Saturday. The 10 years since Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson and James E. Faust were sustained as the First Presidency have been an era of "meaningful accomplishments," President Hinckley said in opening remarks Saturday morning.
Members sustained a new Primary general presidency, along with a number of other additions to the presiding quorums of the church during the second general session. Sister Cheryl C. Lant is the new Primary president.
Sisters Margaret S. Lifferth and Vicki F. Matsumori will be her first and second counselors, respectively.
Though President Hinckley commended the church membership for great progress, the 94-year-old church leader spoke strongly Saturday night against the evils of gambling, which has become more readily accessible through the Internet. In the evening priesthood session, he told the faith's men and boys that he had chosen to address the subject in response to "a number of requests that I say something on a practice that is becoming more common among us, and particularly among our youth."
Of gambling, President Hinckley stated firmly, "We are against it," in any of its various forms. "It is addictive, as much so as illegal drugs. In so many cases it leads to other destructive habits and practices." Some youth who begin dabbling with seemingly safe games such as poker then advance to more pernicious forms of gambling, he said. "The pursuit of a game of chance may seem like harmless fun, but there attaches to it an intensity that actually shows on the faces of those who are playing. ... The church has been and is now opposed to this practice. If you have never been involved in poker games and other forms of gambling, don't start. If you are involved, then quit now while you can do so."
The semiannual gathering of Latter-day Saints opened against the backdrop of another religious event of great significance as the world noted the passing of Pope John Paul II. The 84-year-old pontiff was still lingering when President Hinckley paid tribute to him in his opening remarks of the conference, but the pope died shortly after noon Utah time, prompting an expanded statement to open the afternoon session. (See related story link above.)
Two historic observations this year — the 200th anniversary of the birth of founding prophet Joseph Smith on Dec. 23, 1805, and the 175th anniversary of the organization of the church on April 6, 1830, were alluded to by several speakers Saturday. Events throughout 2005 will mark these notable dates. But President Hinckley dwelt on the past decade as a period of exceptional growth. Among markers:
• The addition of 3 million members around the world, with more members now outside North America than within; LDS Church membership now exceeds 12 million.
• Creation of 500 new stakes and more than 4,000 new wards and branches.
• The number of operating temples has grown from 47 in 1995 to 119 at present, with three more to be dedicated this year.
• Approximate doubling in student enrollment within the Church Education System. The Perpetual Education Fund, begun with "nothing but hope and faith," has assisted nearly 18,000 young people in 27 countries. They are being trained for occupations that will lift them out of the "slough of poverty in which they and their forebears have lived for generations."
• The Book of Mormon, printed in 87 languages in 1995, today is available in 106. Some 51 million copies of the book, accepted as scripture by Latter-day Saints, have been distributed during the decade. President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, in his Saturday morning remarks bore strong witness to the truths that are contained in the book and reminded listeners that a testimony usually comes over time, with faithful study.
• Thousands of new buildings have been constructed to accommodate church congregations and activities, including the "unique and beautiful" Conference Center in Salt Lake City, from which the conference emanated. Besides thousands in the center and in other church buildings on Temple Square, hundreds of thousands of faithful around the world met to view the proceedings in nearly 5,800 venues scattered through 80 nations. The proceedings were translated into 75 languages.
• Hundreds of millions of dollars in cash, commodities and other aid have been contributed to people in need "not of our faith."
These accomplishments, President Hinckley said, are not the work of the church's general authorities only, but are "the result of the faith, the prayers, the efforts and dedicated service of every member" of the church.
Revered by Latter-day Saints as their prophet, President Hinckley repeated the challenge he issued when the current First Presidency was installed in 1995: "... The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth and the importance of our mission." His admonition to church members was a call to Christian living filled with service, consideration of others and devotion to following the commandments of the Lord.
Other speakers Saturday focused on gospel principles intrinsic to strengthening individuals and fostering church growth.
Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the Quorum of the Twelve, who recently suffered the loss of his wife of 59 years, Dantzel, used the occasion to remind Saints that the period of mortality is a time to prepare to meet God. Church teachings are replete with instruction for preparing individuals to prepare for death and the continuation of life in another sphere, he said.
Sister Coleen K. Menlove, who was succeed Saturday as general president of the Primary by Sister Lant, used her moments at the podium to make a plea for teaching children the saving principles of the gospel. "Children need the peace that comes from knowing they have a loving Heavenly Father, who sent his son, Jesus Christ, to bring light and hope into the world. It is up to us as adults to direct children to that peace and light."
Many of the priesthood session speakers had a note of urgency in addressing the males of the church, urging them to prepare to stand fast as the contest between good and evil escalates. " ... as we prepare for the final satanic battles in anticipation of the return of Christ to the earth, it is very important to know who is on the Lord's side. The Lord needs to know on whom he can rely," said Elder Robert C. Oaks of the Presidency of the Seventy.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the First Quorum of the Seventy also warned young men to beware of the "evil behind smiling eyes. ... The choice between good and evil is at the very heart of our experience on earth." Some youth do not recognize the evil behind the eyes of some who appear to be friends, he said, and end up experiencing tragic consequences.
Church faithful from far and near enjoyed a pleasant spring day at congregating spots. The Paat family of Los Angeles, including Ed and Malyn and their children Alvin, Eric and Heidi, initially came from the Philippines and were delighted to be on Temple Square at the core of the church. Eric was still digesting President Packer's strong testimony of the Book of Mormon. Alvin had enjoyed all the morning speakers but was anticipating his favorite, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who didn't speak until the evening priesthood meeting.
Mr. and Mrs. David Leonardson had fewer miles to travel from their home in Dubois, Idaho, but were enjoying the same sense of gathering with fellow Saints. Mrs. Leonardson said she would treasure Elder Nelson's tribute to his deceased wife as evidence of the "high regard and love for the women of the church."
Sessions will continue at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. today.
E-mail: tvanleer@desnews.com
