The April 2016 general conference has seen many exciting new changes and announcements. From a new Primary general presidency to four new temples, here's all the biggest news from conference.
Church Launches New Initiative to Help Refugees
"It is our hope that you will prayerfully determine what you can do—according to your own time and circumstances—to serve the refugees living in your neighborhoods and communities," Linda K. Burton, general Relief Society president, challenged the women of the Church during the first session of general conference Saturday. "As we consider the pressing calls of those who need our help, let's ask ourselves, 'What if their story were my story?'"
The following Monday, the First Presidency released a letter officially announcing the new Relief Society initiative "I Was a Stranger" as well as the launch of a new website to help members better recognize the difficulties refugees face and learn how to serve.
President Monson Announces 4 New Temples
It's incredible to think there were only 12 temples when President Monson was first called as an apostle.
Sunday morning when President Monson approached the pulpit, Saints around the world rejoiced as they heard the names of four new temples announced: Harare, Zimbabwe; Quito, Ecuador; Belém, Brazil; and Lima, Peru (the second built in this city).
This marks a historic occasion, as it will be the first time a temple is built in Zimbabwe and the first time a second temple is built in a city outside of the United States. As of yesterday, we have 150 operating temples around the world and another 27 announced or under construction.
► Read more about these temples here.
New Primary General Presidency Announced
The First Presidency announced a new Primary general presidency during the Saturday afternoon session of the 186th annual general conference.
Sisters Joy D. Jones, Jean B. Bingham, and Bonnie H. Cordon will take the place of Sisters Rosemary M. Wixom, Cheryl A. Esplin, and Mary R. Durham as the new Primary general presidency. These remarkable women will have the opportunity to travel the world while overseeing the teaching of every Primary child within the Church.
► Learn more about these women here.
11 New General Authority Seventies Called
During the Saturday afternoon session of general conference, the First Presidency announced the calls of 11 new General Authority Seventies and 62 Area Seventies who will work under the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to visit with, minister to, and teach Saints around the world.
The 11 new General Authority Seventies are Elder W. Mark Bassett, Elder Mark A. Bragg, Elder Weatherford T. Clayton, Elder Valeri V. Cordón, Elder Joaquin E. Costa, Elder Massimo De Feo, Elder Peter F. Meurs, Elder K. Brett Nattress, Elder S. Mark Palmer, Elder Gary B. Sabin, and Elder Evan A. Schmutz.
► Learn more about these men here.
