Elder Soares Invites Young Adults to Be ‘Bearers of [Christ’s] Light’ at New York Conference

Young single adults gathered in New York City September 18–20, 2026, for the third annual United States Northeast Area Young Single Adult Cities of Light conference, themed “Anchored in Christ.”

The conference invited young single adults ages 18 to 35 to draw closer to the Savior and anchor themselves to Him by building their lives on His gospel, strengthening their connection to Him through covenants and finding lasting stability in His promises.

The weekend concluded with a devotional at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, where Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that anchoring ourselves to Christ prepares us to “be bearers of His light to others.”

“My dear friends, the Lord needs your light here in New York City and wherever He may lead you,” the Apostle said. “He needs your faith, goodness, education, skills, moral courage, and willingness to stand as His witnesses. As you remain anchored in Christ, He can use you as a steady light in places only you can reach. You may not always recognize your influence, but as you choose the Savior, honor your covenants, and love His children, His light will shine through you, bringing direction, safety and hope to those seeking a secure place in a changing world.”

Elder Soares presided at the devotional and was accompanied by his wife, Rosana; Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Pilar; Elder Robert M. Daines of the Seventy and his wife, Ruth; Elder David Marriott, an Area Seventy, and his wife, Emily; and local leaders from across the United States Northeast Area.

The devotional also featured messages from young single adults from across the area, conference cochairs Kyrie Bayles and Michael Young, Elder Valenzuela and Sister Soares.

Throughout the weekend, young adults took part in activities designed to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ, build friendships and serve others. The conference opened with a social event in New York Harbor that focused on helping attendees connect with one another while taking in views of New York City landmarks.

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On Saturday, participants gathered at the historic Riverside Church for workshops centered on anchoring themselves in Jesus Christ and His teachings. Presenters included Brad Pelo, executive producer of “The Chosen”; former Pittsburgh Steelers player Chris Hoke; Whitney Johnson, CEO of Disruption Advisors; Matt Rasmussen, managing historian for the Church History Department; and Laura Paulsen Howe, art curator for the Church History Museum.

Conference attendees also participated in a service project in conjunction with New York Cares, a local nonprofit.

Saturday’s workshops concluded with an interfaith panel moderated by Elder Daines. Panelists included the Rev. Que English, president and CEO of Elev8 Health Inc.; Father Nicolas Kazarian, ecumenical officer and director of the Department on Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations; and the Rev. Chloe Breyer, executive director of the Interfaith Center of New York.

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The panel, titled “Anchored in Faith: Legacy and Methods of Peacemaking,” discussed how young single adults can be better members of faith in their communities, places of employment and religious congregations. After the panel, Elder Soares met with the committee that organized the event to express his deep gratitude and answer heartfelt questions from attendees. “It was a revelatory moment and a joyful opportunity to witness the greatness of this wonderful generation of young single adults,” Elder Soares said.

Saturday evening concluded with a gala at the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, where participants continued social connections made throughout the conference.