Susan H. Porter has served as the Primary general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 2022, a term that concludes on July 31, 2026. During her leadership, Porter has focused on the role of children within the faith, emphasizing that baptized and confirmed children are members of the Church who can participate more fully in Church meetings. In a July 2, 2026, interview, Porter used an analogy stating that in the body of Christ, children act as the toes of the foot, serving to provide balance and to propel the body forward.
Throughout her presidency, which included counselors Sister Amy A. Wright and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, Porter has emphasized the importance of children having personal experiences with the Savior. According to a July 28, 2026, Church News podcast, Porter noted that the presidency studied the book of 3 Nephi to model their service after the example of Jesus Christ. She stated that the presidency used the scriptures in 3 Nephi 11 "over and over again" because they wanted to invite children to have a personal experience with the Savior.
Porter has also observed the impact of music on discipleship. According to a July 22, 2026, report, Porter noted that as children's songs are placed next to other hymns in the new hymnbook, "Hymns for Home and Church," more children are singing and doing so joyfully during sacrament meetings.
In addition to musical engagement, the presidency has overseen children participating in various ways during devotionals around the world. As reported in a July 28, 2026, article, children have conducted meetings, led music, sang in choirs, and played the piano. These efforts allow children to share what they can do to participate in the work of salvation and exaltation. Sister Browning noted in a July 28, 2026, podcast episode that watching children grow in their discipleship through annual service activities is a "fantastic opportunity."
Porter’s leadership has been characterized by a sense of profound humility. In a July 28, 2026, interview, she described her initial feelings upon accepting the calling as "overwhelming." She expressed gratitude for the unique perspectives and strong testimonies brought by her counselors, Sister Wright and Sister Browning. Porter had previously worked with Sister Wright while Sister Wright served on the Young Women general advisory council, and she had shared associations with Sister Browning as a member of the Relief Society general council.
As of July 31, 2026, the presidency of Susan H. Porter, Amy A. Wright, and Tracy Y. Browning concluded its service. A new Primary general presidency, consisting of President Rosemary K. Chibota and counselors Sister Nina M. Garfield and Sister Theresa A. Collins, began serving on August 1, 2026, after being sustained in the April 2026 general conference.
What this means for Nephi
For the residents of Nephi, Porter's tenure highlights a global effort to integrate children more deeply into religious life. Her focus on using music and scriptures to foster personal experiences with the Savior aligns with local efforts to engage youth in community and religious activities, ensuring that the youngest members feel their contributions are vital to the body of the Church.
