### Church Leaders Emphasize Peace and Hope at 194th Semiannual General Conference

The 194th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced with a powerful message on the significance of peace and hope, held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. President Dallin H. Oaks, the first counselor in the First Presidency, called on followers to embody peace during his closing remarks for the Saturday morning session.

"As followers of Christ, we teach and testify of Jesus Christ, our perfect role model," said President Oaks. "So, let us follow Him by forgoing contention. As we pursue our preferred policies in public actions, let us qualify for His blessings by using the language and methods of peacemakers."

President Henry B. Eyring, the second counselor in the First Presidency, led the session, including the sustaining of Church leaders. The event saw active participation from the congregation, who showed their support and commitment to the Church’s leadership.

The morning session featured an array of speakers, including two members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Young Women General President, and three General Authority Seventies. Elder Neil L. Andersen, from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, focused on the concept of hope. "Hope is a living gift, a gift that grows as we increase our faith in Jesus Christ," he said.

Elder Dale G. Renlund, also from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, highlighted the unique combination of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church. "Just as dynamite without nitroglycerin is unremarkable, the Savior's Church is special only if it is built on His gospel," Elder Renlund remarked.

Notable addresses were also given by other prominent leaders, including President Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women General President, and General Authority Seventies Elder Karl D. Hirst, Elder David P. Homer, and Elder Gregorio E. Casillas.

The event was also enriched by the diverse attendance of Church members from various regions, capturing moments of solemn reflection and joyful interaction outside and inside the Conference Center. The Salt Lake Temple, notably surrounded by scaffoldings, stood as a reminder of the Church's enduring legacy and ongoing dedication to spiritual and structural renewal.