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.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather twice a year for the Church's worldwide general conference. Broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, the messages of the gospel of Jesus Christ reach millions around the world in nearly 200 countries. Last week we featured online discussion about the general women's session . This weekend thousands shared their online thoughts about their experiences with the five sessions of general conference held on April 4 and 5.
For many, the highlight of general conference was an announcement by President Thomas S. Monson that three new temples will be built in Bangkok, Thailand; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; and Port-au-Prince, Haiti:
When a temple is announced, my heart is so happy 4 the saints in those areas who will not have to travel so far & sacrifice so much
— User Name (@kathryn_lindsey) April 5, 2015
A temple is going to be built in Haiti and I've never seen my dad happier. Such a blessing❤️❤️
— Kate (@kateeward_) April 5, 2015
Overjoyed with the news of a second temple in the Caribbean. Yay for Haiti!
— Sara Martinez (@heysarajean) April 5, 2015
I screamed so loud after the Haiti temple announcement that we didn't hear what the third one was.
— Craig Palsson (@palssonc) April 5, 2015
Made many friends while working in Haiti. Excited for a temple to be built in Port-au-Prince.
— Jason Swensen (@JNSwensen) April 5, 2015
Tom literally screamed for joy when they announced the Bangkok, Thailand temple.
— Jen (@jennylovesgolf) April 5, 2015
A temple for Haiti!!!!
— Jeff McClellan (@jeffmcclellan) April 5, 2015
The temple is the house of the Lord but its also a house of healing! Go to God's house & lay your burdens down!
— Sistas in Zion (@SISTASinZION) April 5, 2015
A primary purpose of general conference is to learn from the teachings of inspired Church leaders. Mormons posted many memes online featuring their favorite quotes from the conference:
Tens of thousands of Church members attend general conference in person in the 21,000-seat Conference Center in Salt Lake City. The experience of gathering with so many others is a moving and cherished experience for many:
Many more — millions of Mormons, in fact — tune into general conference around the world. Some gather in their local Church buildings; others watch at home or on the road. The proceedings are broadcast in more than 90 languages to a live worldwide audience:
The music of general conference complements the messages of faith that are delivered. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings during selected sessions, and local choirs sing during others:
Whoa! That tenor soloist was spectacular! Eyes weeping already watching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir before
— Mike Whitmore (@mikewhitmore) April 5, 2015
I Know That MY Redeemer LIVES! Thanks for the beautiful words and music!
— kathy bishop (@klbishop7) April 5, 2015
Beautiful and spiritual music so far at
— Curtis Jewell (@CSJewell) April 5, 2015
Oh the music just speaks to my soul!
— Kristen Bowen (@kbstudio) April 5, 2015
conducting. So love the song #considerthelillys miss my moms piano playing her music was beautiful
— Mary Gallegos (@marylgallegos) April 5, 2015
Glorious music from @MormonTabChoir celebrating #Easter
#BecauseHeLives
#ldsconf
— Ariel M. Panga (@riyel27) April 5, 2015
For most, conference time is important not only because of the teachings Church leaders share but also because it's an opportunity to gather with family and friends:
A prevailing sentiment shared on social media during general conference is gratitude for the experience:
To read more about general conference, see Mormon Newsroom's complete coverage.