On a global scale, being part of an organisation that has over 13 million members scattered throughout the world in 28,000 congregations, who communicate in 175 different languages, it is sometimes difficult to feel connected with one another.
However, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been able to overcome this cultural and geographical division and go a long way toward uniting their worldwide membership, with the semi-annual General Conference broadcasts.
Twice a year, in April and October, the Church leadership gathers in Salt Lake City, Utah, to participate in General Conference. 22,000 members from around the world are able to attend each of the various sessions in the Conference Centre, throughout the weekend.
For those unable to attend in person the conference talks are broadcast throughout the world in 94 languages, via satellite to local church buildings, and can also be downloaded from the Internet.
Despite the modern technology that can bring the words of Church leaders directly into their homes, Latter-day Saints believe there is much to be gained from the unifying effect of meeting together as a local congregation to listen to Prophetic counsel, and hear words of inspiration.
As conference speakers prepare their words for a global audience, many Mormons find it is faith promoting to hear the words spoken and be touched by the power of a message, that in many cases seem to have been written and directed specifically to each individual. Latter-day Saints often leave the conference satellite broadcast with their faith renewed, and a personal revelation to a private issue that they may have been dealing with, and wondering “how did they know that I needed to hear those words?”
Australian Steve Coy remarked, “It’s interesting that as a child growing up in the Church I remember listening to the audio conference talks. Now we have the blessing of being able to see the talks delivered on a big video screen. We can participate as the prayers are given, and feel the spirit when we join in and sing the hymns, as if we were really there.”
The advantage of meeting together as stake units (similar to dioceses) is that it does unify the members. The world feels a lot smaller when Latter-day Saints know that all around the globe other members of the Church are meeting together, hearing the same words, and receiving the same counsel.
From Alaska to Argentina, New Zealand to Zaire, and in all the islands and nations in between, they are united with other people who have the same values and beliefs that they do. With people who love God and Jesus Christ, and who are excited to hear the words of a living Prophet and Apostles, and who are striving to follow their counsel.
Anita Lasike of Auckland, New Zealand says she loves the feeling of enlightenment, and the inspiration she receives when she attends conference. "My faith is strengthened when we listen to the Prophet speak," she says. "I always come away feeling a resolve to do much better.”
General Conference will take place this weekend (3-4 October), originating in Salt Lake City, in the United States. Proceedings will be available in multiple languages, in text, audio and video formats on the Church's official website, www.lds.org .
One week later (10-11 October), the conference sessions will be re-broadcast throughout the Pacific region, in Latter-day Saint meetinghouses. Members and guests wishing to attend should check with local Latter-day Saint leaders for session times.
The Church's president, Thomas S. Monson, and other senior Church leaders will speak during five two-hour sessions over the weekend.
Though predominantly attended by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leaders and members of other faiths, as well as government and community leaders often attend General Conference.
