Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with general leaders of the Relief Society — the Church’s organization for women — spoke to Mormon women around the world at the 2006 general Relief Society meeting.
The meeting’s theme was “Encircled Eternally in the Arms of His Love.”
President Hinckley explained that the Relief Society stands for love, education, self-reliance, sacrifice and faith.
“You are not second-class citizens,” he said. “Without you, our Father’s plan of happiness would be frustrated and have no real meaning.”
Bonnie D. Parkin, general president of the Relief Society, spoke of women knowing and feeling that their Heavenly Father loves them. She admonished women to serve others. “All that we do in Relief Society should reflect the love of our Savior and the love of our Heavenly Father,” she said.
Kathleen H. Hughes, first counselor in the general Relief Society presidency, asked women to “remember what it is to feel the Lord’s love in your life and to feel encircled in His arms” when they are fearful, stressed and overwhelmed.
Anne C. Pingree, second counselor in the general Relief Society presidency, encouraged women to “reach out to touch the Savior.” She explained that when women “choose to come to Him,” they will “feel His loving touch.”
The meeting was transmitted worldwide and translated into 64 languages.
The Relief Society was first organized in 1842 by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Today, there are approximately five million members worldwide.