News Release

Influence of Women Is ‘Remarkable,’ Says President Nelson on Mother’s Day

‘Women mother us all,’ says President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ

On a day where millions in countries around the world honor their mothers, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints praised and honored mothers and women in videos and posts shared on Church social channels.

President Russell M. Nelson called women’s actions “heroic,” and their influence “remarkable.” And in a video reel shared on social media, General Presidents of the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary and their counselors shared a notable trait they appreciated in one of their counterparts before “passing the phone” to another leader to do the same.

‘I Salute All Women’

“On this Mother’s Day, I salute all women who give tirelessly of themselves to make life better for all of us,” President Nelson, the 99-year-old leader of the worldwide Church, said in a social media video posted Sunday, May 12, 2024. “I have reflected about how our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation was entirely dependent upon the heroic actions of two valiant women: Eve, the mother of all living, and Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“These heroic actions continue today, as women from all walks of life — and in every circumstance imaginable — give the precious gift of a mortal body to God’s beloved sons and daughters,” he said.

President Nelson paid tribute to his own mother, “who impacted my life for good in more ways than I could ever describe.”

Because motherhood is vital to successful societies and the fulfillment of God’s plan for His children, the Church continuously collaborates with dedicated leaders and charitable organizations to improve conditions for mothers and children around the world, he explained, sharing two recent examples.

In both instances, the Church participated with “extraordinary women,” he said, in implementing these efforts. “The day-in, day-out influence women from every circumstance have as they lift, mentor, encourage, console, teach, and love others is remarkable. In other words, women mother us all.”

Many Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also posted Mother's Day tributes on their social media accounts.

‘Passing the Phone’

In a video shared on Church social media channels, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson said she was “passing the phone to someone whose ability to teach from the scriptures inspires us all” —Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman. President Freeman in turn said she was passing the phone to “someone with a kind heart, generous spirit and deep wisdom” — Primary General President Susan H. Porter.

Each counselor in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary General Presidencies then took a turn passing the phone and highlighting characteristics of other leaders such as love of children, testimony of Jesus Christ, compassion wisdom, nurturing spirit, love and leadership.

 

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