Study Guide for "Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers"

In this talk, President Henry B. Eyring presents the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for the sustaining vote of the members. He outlines the process of sustaining and provides the names of those in key leadership positions. He also notes those who have been released from their positions, those who have passed away, and those newly called to serve.

Before Reading

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

What is the purpose of the sustaining process in the Church?
Who are the key leaders of the Church that are being sustained?
What changes in leadership have occurred recently?
What is the significance of expressing gratitude for the service of those released from their positions?

Topics

Understanding the Sustaining Process

President Eyring explains the process of sustaining leaders in the Church. Members express their sustaining vote wherever they are, and if any oppose, they are asked to contact their stake president. The purpose of this process is to show support and acceptance for the leaders of the Church.

Brothers and sisters, as announced, I will now present the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for your sustaining vote.

Please express your vote in the usual way wherever you may be. If there are those who oppose any of the proposals, we ask that you contact your stake president.

What is the purpose of the sustaining process?
How do members express their sustaining vote?
What should a member do if they oppose any of the proposals?
How do you feel when you participate in the sustaining process?
How can you better support the leaders of the Church?

Recognizing Key Leaders of the Church

In his talk, President Eyring presents the key leaders of the Church, including the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the General Authorities. He asks for the sustaining vote of the members for these leaders.

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.

It is proposed that we sustain the following as the 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 are the members of the First Presidency?
Who are the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
How can you better follow and support the key leaders of the Church?
What can you learn from the teachings and examples of these leaders?

Acknowledging Changes in Leadership

President Eyring announces changes in leadership, including those who have been released from their positions and those newly called to serve. He also acknowledges the passing of Elder Dean M. Davies.

We have released Elders J. Devn Cornish, Timothy J. Dyches, David F. Evans, Robert C. Gay, James B. Martino, and Terence M. Vinson as General Authority Seventies and grant them emeritus status.

We note that Elder Dean M. Davies, who passed away on August 31, 2021, would have been released as a General Authority Seventy this conference. We extend to Sister Darla Davies and to the family our heartfelt condolences and appreciation for Elder Davies’s tireless service.

It is proposed that we sustain the other General Authorities, Area Seventies—including two new Area Seventies announced earlier this week in newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org—and General Officers as presently constituted.

Who were the General Authorities released from their positions?
Who were the newly called Area Seventies?
What is the significance of acknowledging the service of these leaders?
How can you show gratitude for the service of these leaders?
What can you learn from the changes in leadership in the Church?

Expressing Gratitude for Dedicated Service

President Eyring invites members to express their gratitude for the dedicated service of those who have been released from their positions. He also acknowledges the excellent service of the Area Seventies who have completed their service during the past year.

Those who wish to express gratitude to these Brethren and their families for their dedicated service may do so by the uplifted hand.

We also note with appreciation the Area Seventies who have completed their service during this past year.

Those who wish to join in expressing gratitude to these brethren for their excellent service may manifest it.

Why is it important to express gratitude for the service of Church leaders?
How can members express their gratitude for these leaders?
How have you been blessed by the service of these leaders?
How can you express your gratitude for their service?

Continuing Faith and Prayers for Church Leaders

President Eyring thanks the members for their continued faith and prayers on behalf of the leaders of the Church. He emphasizes the importance of supporting the leaders through faith and prayer.

Thank you for your continued faith and prayers in behalf of the leaders of the Church.

Why are faith and prayers important in supporting the leaders of the Church?
How can members continue to show their faith and offer their prayers for the leaders?
How can you strengthen your faith in the leaders of the Church?
How can you include the leaders of the Church in your prayers?