Study Guide for "The Sustaining of Church Officers"

In this General Conference talk, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, presents changes in Church leadership and invites members to sustain new leaders. This talk highlights the importance of sustaining Church officers, expressing gratitude for their service, and understanding the global nature of Church leadership. The sustaining of new leaders signifies the unity and support of the members of the Church for those called to serve.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the significance of sustaining Church officers?
How does the process of releasing and sustaining Church leaders work?
Why is it important to express appreciation for the service of Church leaders?
What does the diversity of General Authorities tell us about the Church?
How can we show our support for new Church leaders?

Topics

Sustaining Church Officers

President Oaks outlines the process of sustaining Church officers, which includes proposing new leaders, releasing those who have completed their service, and inviting members to show their support through a sustaining vote.

It is proposed that we release Elders Gerrit W. Gong and Ulisses Soares from serving as members of the Presidency of the Seventy.

It is proposed that we release, with heartfelt gratitude, Sisters Bonnie L. Oscarson, Carol F. McConkie, and Neill F. Marriott as the Young Women General Presidency.

What is the purpose of sustaining Church officers?
How does the sustaining process demonstrate unity among Church members?
How can you show your support for the newly sustained Church leaders?
In what ways can you express gratitude for the service of released Church leaders?

Expressing Gratitude for Service

The talk emphasizes the importance of expressing appreciation for the devoted service of released Church leaders. This acknowledgment reflects the gratitude of the Church members for the leaders" dedication and efforts.

All who wish to express appreciation to these Brethren for their devoted service, please so manifest.

Those who wish to join us in expressing appreciation to these Brethren for their willing service may do so with the uplifted hand.

Why is it important to express gratitude for the service of Church leaders?
How does expressing gratitude benefit both the leaders and the members?
Think of a Church leader who has impacted your life. How can you express your gratitude to them?
What are some ways you can show appreciation for the service of Church leaders in your local congregation?

The Global Nature of Church Leadership

President Oaks highlights the diversity of the General Authorities, with nearly 40 percent born outside the United States. This diversity reflects the global reach of the Church and its leadership.

With the sustaining that has just taken place, we now have 116 General Authorities. Nearly 40 percent of them were born outside the United States—in Germany, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Canada, South Korea, Guatemala, Argentina, Italy, Zimbabwe, Uruguay, Peru, South Africa, American Samoa, England, Puerto Rico, Australia, Venezuela, Kenya, the Philippines, Portugal, Fiji, China, Japan, Chile, Colombia, and France.

What does the diversity of General Authorities indicate about the Church?
How does having a diverse leadership benefit the global Church?
How can you embrace and celebrate the diversity within the Church?
What can you do to support Church leaders from different cultural backgrounds?

The Role of General Authorities and Area Seventies

The talk outlines the roles of General Authorities and Area Seventies, who provide leadership and guidance to the Church. Their callings are essential for the administration and spiritual welfare of the Church.

It is proposed that we sustain the following as new General Authority Seventies: Steven R. Bangerter, Matthew L. Carpenter, Jack N. Gerard, Mathias Held, David P. Homer, Kyle S. McKay, Juan Pablo Villar, and Takashi Wada.

It is proposed that we sustain the following as new Area Seventies: Richard K. Ahadjie, Alberto A. Álvarez, Duane D. Bell, Glenn Burgess, Víctor R. Calderón, Ariel E. Chaparro, Daniel Córdova, John N. Craig, Michael Cziesla, William H. Davis, Richard J. DeVries, Kylar G. Dominguez, Sean Douglas, Michael A. Dunn, Kenneth J. Firmage, Edgar Flores, Silvio Flores, Saulo G. Franco, Carlos A. Genaro, Mark A. Gilmour, Sergio A. Gómez, Roberto Gonzalez, Virgilio Gonzalez, Spencer R. Griffin, Matthew S. Harding, David J. Harris, Kevin J. Hathaway, Richard Holzapfel, Eustache Ilunga, Okechukwu I. Imo, Peter M. Johnson, Michael D. Jones, Pungwe S. Kongolo, George Kenneth G. Lee, Aretemio C. Maligon, Edgar A. Mantilla, Lincoln P. Martins, Clement M. Matswagothata, Carl R. Maurer, Daniel S. Mehr II, Glen D. Mella, Isaac K. Morrison, Yutaka Nagatomo, Allistair B. Odgers, R. Jeffrey Parker, Victor P. Patrick, Denis E. Pineda, Henrique S. Simplicio, Jeffrey H. Singer, Michael L. Staheli, Djarot Subiantoro, Jeffrey K. Wetzel, Michael S. Wilstead, Helmut Wondra, and David L. Wright.

What are the roles of General Authorities and Area Seventies in the Church?
How do these leaders contribute to the administration and spiritual welfare of the Church?
How can you support the General Authorities and Area Seventies in their callings?
What can you do to follow the guidance and counsel of these Church leaders?

The Importance of Unity and Support

The sustaining process emphasizes the importance of unity and support among Church members. By sustaining new leaders, members show their commitment to the Church and its leadership.

Those in favor, please manifest it. Those opposed, if any.

We invite those who may have opposed any of the proposals to contact their stake presidents.

Why is unity important in the Church?
How does sustaining Church leaders demonstrate support and commitment?
How can you foster unity within your ward or branch?
What actions can you take to show your support for Church leaders?