During the October 2026 general conference, several messages centered on increasing peace and unity in personal relationships, families, wards, and communities, according to an October 4 report.
Church leaders called on members to choose to love others like the Savior to foster connection and avoid contention.
In his address on Sunday, Oct. 4, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught that Jesus Christ offers unity while Satan seeks to divide. He stated that a commitment to covenants and love for God and neighbor unites people more than political views or culture.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed how to handle situations where loved ones leave the gospel path. He advised turning despair over for those souls over to Jesus Christ and emphasized that love involves being interested in the successes and challenges of others.
Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged listeners to stand for truth with love, noting that teaching truth without charity can cause one to lose the Spirit. He suggested that finding common ground and being a light to others is more effective than pointed arguments.
Regarding communication, Elder Alfred Kyungu, a General Authority Seventy, invited members to replace harsh language that escalates anger with words that encourage understanding, such as thank you, I am sorry, and I forgive you.
President Rosemary K. Chibota, Primary General President, shared the concept of the Southern African greeting Sawubona, which means I see you. She explained that acknowledging a person's worth and humanity helps homes, wards, and schools become places of belonging and healing.
Elder Edward Dube of the presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy taught that people do not need to be perfect before coming to Christ, but rather they come to Christ to be perfected.
The 196th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held in Salt Lake City. The sessions included various addresses from members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other General Authorities.
