SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - More than 100- thousand people gathered in downtown Salt Lake City this weekend to hear messages of hope, and inspiration, from leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The 182nd Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came to a close with a final emphasis by President Thomas S. Monson on the importance of strengthening families. "Love your families. If there are disagreements or contentions among you I urge you to settle them. Settle them now."
It was a common theme throughout the two day conference, which was watched by millions worldwide. Speeches urged members to honor family, and religious commitments. Elder M. Russell Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, says focusing on the home strengthens society as a whole. "When people make the family and religious commitments to gospel principles, they begin to do better spiritually, and often temporally as well."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, reminded Mormons strong relationships are based on respect and forgiveness. He cautioned LDS church members to avoid gossip, grudges, and fault finding. "It’s is quiet easy to judge other people, assigning dark motives to their actions, in order to justify our own feelings of resentment."
President Uchtdorf, and other leaders, admonished member to pattern their lives after Christ, saying He is the foundation of the church.
