Study Guide for "The Sustaining of Church Officers"

In this General Conference address, President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, presents the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Auxiliary Presidencies of the Church for the sustaining vote of the members. This process is a significant and sacred tradition within the Church, reflecting the members" collective support and faith in their leaders. President Eyring also acknowledges the release and expresses gratitude for the devoted service of certain leaders who have been granted emeritus status or released from their callings.

Before Reading

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

What is the significance of sustaining Church leaders in the General Conference?
Why is it important for members to participate in the sustaining vote?
How does the process of releasing and expressing gratitude to outgoing leaders reflect the values of the Church?

Topics

Sustaining the First Presidency

President Eyring proposes the sustaining of Russell M. Nelson as the President of the Church, alongside Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring as his counselors. This act signifies the members" support and recognition of their divine callings.

It is proposed that we sustain Russell Marion Nelson as prophet, seer, and revelator and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Dallin Harris Oaks as First Counselor in the First Presidency; and Henry Bennion Eyring as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.

Who are the members of the current First Presidency?
What roles do the members of the First Presidency fulfill?
How can you show support for the First Presidency in your daily life?
What experiences have strengthened your testimony of the First Presidency's divine calling?

Sustaining the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The sustaining of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, including the President and Acting President of the Quorum, underscores the importance of these leaders in guiding the Church and receiving revelation.

It is proposed that we sustain Dallin H. Oaks as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and M. Russell Ballard as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

It is proposed that we sustain the following as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: M. Russell Ballard, Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen, Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, Dale G. Renlund, Gerrit W. Gong, and Ulisses Soares.

Who is the current President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
What is the role of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Church?
How can you sustain the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in your prayers and actions?
What personal experiences have helped you understand the importance of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?

Releasing and Expressing Gratitude to Leaders

President Eyring acknowledges the release of certain General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies, expressing gratitude for their dedicated service and granting emeritus status to some.

It is proposed that we release with appreciation for their devoted service Elders Mervyn B. Arnold, Craig A. Cardon, Larry J. Echo Hawk, C. Scott Grow, Allan F. Packer, Gregory A. Schwitzer, and Claudio D. Zivic as General Authority Seventies and grant them emeritus status.

It is proposed that we release the following as Area Seventies: B. Sergio Antunes, Alan C. Batt, R. Randall Bluth, Hans T. Boom, Fernando E. Calderón, H. Marcelo Cardus, Paul R. Coward, Marion B. De Antuñano, Robert A. Dryden, Daniel F. Dunnigan, Jeffrey D. Erekson, Mervyn C. Giddey, João Roberto Grahl, Richard K. Hansen, Todd B. Hansen, Michael R. Jensen, Daniel W. Jones, Steven O. Laing, Axel H. Leimer, Tasara Makasi, Alvin F. Meredith III, Adonay S. Obando, Katsuyuki Otahara, Fred A. Parker, José C. Pineda, Gary S. Price, Miguel A. Reyes, Alfredo L. Salas, Netzahualcoyotl Salinas, Michael L. Southward, G. Lawrence Spackman, William H. Stoddard, Stephen E. Thompson, David J. Thomson, George J. Tobias, Jacques A. Van Reenen, Raul Edgardo A. Vicencio, Keith P. Walker, and Daniel Yirenya-Tawiah.

Why is it important to release and express gratitude to outgoing leaders?
What does emeritus status mean for General Authority Seventies?
How can you show appreciation for the service of Church leaders in your local congregation?
What lessons have you learned from the service of released leaders that you can apply in your own life?

Sustaining General Authorities and Auxiliary Presidencies

The sustaining of other General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Auxiliary Presidencies as presently constituted is a reaffirmation of the members" support for the broader leadership of the Church.

It is proposed that we sustain the other General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Auxiliary Presidencies as presently constituted.

Who are the General Authorities and General Auxiliary Presidencies?
What is the significance of sustaining these leaders?
How can you support the General Authorities and Auxiliary Presidencies in your daily prayers?
What actions can you take to sustain these leaders in your local Church activities?

The Role of Members in Sustaining Leaders

President Eyring emphasizes the importance of members" faith and prayers in sustaining Church leaders, highlighting the collective responsibility of the Church membership.

Brothers and sisters, we are grateful for your continued faith and prayers in behalf of the leaders of the Church.

Why is it important for members to sustain their leaders through faith and prayers?
How does the sustaining vote reflect the members" commitment to the Church?
In what ways can you increase your faith and prayers for Church leaders?
How does participating in the sustaining vote strengthen your testimony and commitment to the Church?