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Latter-day Saint Leaders Conclude 196th Semiannual General Conference

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Latter-day Saint Leaders Conclude 196th Semiannual General Conference
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The 196th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concluded on Oct. 4, 2026, featuring messages from top leadership on themes of Christ-centered unity and personal faith. The weekend event included the announcement of a new Area Seventy and featured global musicians performing with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Key takeaways

  • The 196th Semiannual General Conference took place from Oct. 3 to Oct. 4, 2026, with messages broadcast in over 70 languages.
  • President D. Todd Christofferson declared during the Saturday morning session that gambling is morally wrong.
  • President Dallin H. Oaks delivered messages during both the Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon sessions.
  • Thirteen musicians from 13 different countries and territories performed with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
  • A new Area Seventy was announced and sustained during a leadership session on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Millions of people watched the 196th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Oct. 3 to Oct. 4, 2026, as global audiences tuned in to hear messages from the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other Church leaders. The weekend of sessions focused on finding spiritual strength through Jesus Christ and concluded with concluding remarks from President Dallin H. Oaks on Sunday afternoon.

Global Broadcast and Attendance

The weekend of meetings featured a variety of sessions designed for all individuals, families, and friends. According to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the sessions were broadcast live worldwide from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City in more than 70 languages. Viewers could access the broadcasts via ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Gospel Library app, and various digital platforms including YouTube and Gospel Stream. Additionally, the conference was streamed live in English on KSL-TV, KSL NewsRadio, BYUtv, and BYUradio.

Saturday Morning Highlights

During the Saturday morning session on Oct. 3, 2026, President D. Todd Christofferson addressed the topic of gambling, declaring that "gambling is morally wrong." Other speakers during the Saturday morning session included Elder Gerrit W. Gong, who urged attendees to "come to the Lord in His Holy House," and Sister Tamara W. Runia, who spoke on "The Sculpting of Our Souls." Additional messages were delivered by Elder Gérald Caussé, Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, Elder Kevin J. Hathaway, Elder Ulisses Soares, and Bishop Sean Douglas. The session also featured Elder Patrick Kearon, who spoke on the theme "Jesus Lives to Lift."

Saturday Afternoon Teachings

The Saturday afternoon session on Oct. 3, 2026, continued the weekend's teachings with a focus on faith and divine promises. Speakers included Elder Dale G. Renlund, President Timothy L. Farnes, and Elder Christian C. Chigbundu. Other messages were provided by Elder Patricio M. Giuffra, Elder Jeremiah J. Morgan, Elder Hutch U. Fale, and Elder Michael A. Dunn. The session also included remarks from Elder Matthew J. Eyring, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, and Elder Patrick Kearon. The Church News reported that these sessions provided a platform for leaders to teach how temple covenants bind members to Christ.

Sunday Morning Sessions

On Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, the conference continued with a Sunday morning session that included messages from President Henry B. Eyring and President Dallin H. Oaks. President Eyring spoke on the theme "Fear Not, I Am With Thee," while President Oaks addressed the audience with the message "The Gospel of Jesus Christ Is for All." Other Sunday morning speakers included President Rosemary K. Chibota, Elder Neil L. Andersen, Elder James G.O. Fantone, Elder Edward Dube, Elder Quentin L. Cook, Elder Alfred Kyungu, and Elder Ciro Schmeil.

Concluding Sunday Messages

The final session of the conference, held on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 4, 2026, included remarks from President Dieter F. F. Uchtdorf on "Christ-centered Unity" and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus on "God Is at Your Side." Other speakers included Elder Moisés Villanueva, Elder David A. Bednar, Elder Thabo Lebethoa, and Elder Paul H. Sinclair. Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Brother Gabriel W. Reid, Elder Clark G. Gilbert, and President Dallin H. Oaks also provided messages. The conference concluded with concluding remarks from President Oaks.

Musical and Leadership Updates

The 196th Semiannual General Conference also included musical elements and administrative announcements. On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, one new Area Seventy was announced and sustained during the general leadership session. A notable musical highlight featured thirteen musicians from thirteen different countries and territories performing alongside The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. These global members joined the choir during both the Saturday morning and Sunday sessions, adding a diverse musical element to the weekend's proceedings.

Post-Conference Access

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides on-demand viewing of conference messages in more than 90 languages following the live events. This allows members to review talk summaries and session highlights at their convenience. For those seeking more detailed information, the Church provides downloadable PDF talk summaries in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

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