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    The Newsroom Blog
    31 March 2015 | POSTED BY Newsroom Staff

    Mormonism Online: In Your Own Words | 31 March 2015

    In Your Own Words is a regular sampling of online articles, blog posts and social media that represent some of the current conversations about Mormonism. The posts in this series do not necessarily represent the views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor are they meant to be a comprehensive summary of the online conversations about the Church. The intent is to highlight social media content from individuals that will help journalists and the public better understand Mormonism.

    The first session of the 185th Annual General Conference took place on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Thousands of tweets, posts and comments were shared online as women from around the world gathered to listen to Church leaders.

    General women's meeting with these awesome ladies!!! #ldsconf #thefamilyisofGod #feelinginspired pic credit @netmoser

    A photo posted by Ines Bugingo (@inesbugingo) on


    Sister Linda K. Burton, general president of the Relief Society, conducted the session, which focused on the family, an important part of Latter-day Saint beliefs. 

    Church leaders expanded on the session’s theme by discussing the need to support families and the home. Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, general president of the Young Women, focused on the "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," which was first read by President Gordon B. Hinckley 20 years ago this year.

    Sister Oscarson asked that all look for ways to become more like homemakers and to make homes spiritual refuges.

    Women's meeting. #ldsconf

    A photo posted by Kelly Walker (@ripcurlmom) on

    Leaders also counseled members to support the home by staying spiritually close to God. Sister Cheryl A. Esplin, second counselor in the general Primary presidency, taught that building strong homes takes effort, and seeking for truth will help unite families.

    My daughter's note from the General Women's Broadcast. #LDSconf

    A photo posted by Jessica Barker (@jesscbarker) on

    Sister Carole M. Stephens, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, also pointed out that while families may look different, we are all needed as part of God’s family.

    The Church’s doctrine teaches that all are children of God and that He loves His children. Leaders echoed these words as they emphasized His love and support.

    President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, further addressed God’s worldwide family as he spoke about lifting others in life’s trials.

    President Eyring also emphasized that joy can be found after trials, and he encouraged women and girls to have hope.

    "Hope comforts despair." 💝 #LDSconf #SaltLakeCity #ShareGoodness #mormon #LDS #missionarywork #hope

    A photo posted by daughtersofgod (@daughtersofgod) on

    ~ Henry B Eyring ~ #rhonnadesigns #mormon #ldsconf #lds #ctr #inzionwestand #christ

    A photo posted by Mormon (@mormon.girl15) on

    While general conference is meant to inspire, its core purpose is to teach gospel principles. Members are asked to implement teachings from the twice-yearly meeting as they strive to follow Jesus Christ. The Church-owned Mormon Channel asked social media users what goals they were striving for after watching the general women’s session. Many described a desire to help others, cherish their families and strengthen their spirituality.

    To learn more about the general women’s session and general conference, visit Mormon Newsroom or watch the session on LDS.org.
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    About: This blog is managed and written by staff of the Public Affairs Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide journalists, bloggers, and the public with additional context and information regarding public issues involving the Church. For official news releases and statements from the Church, please also visit the Newsroom.org home page.

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