Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers
Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency
President Oaks presents and sustains Church leaders, releases some, and calls new Area Seventies.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Understanding the Sustaining Process
President Oaks explains the process of sustaining Church leaders, which involves presenting the names of individuals to the congregation and asking for their sustaining vote. This process is a demonstration of unity and support for the leaders of the Church.
Brothers and sisters, it will now be my privilege to present the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for your sustaining vote.
Please express your support in the usual way. If there are those who oppose any of the proposals, we ask that you contact your stake president.Key Points:
- The sustaining process is a demonstration of unity and support for Church leaders.
- Members are asked to sustain leaders by raising their right hand.
- If there are those who oppose any of the proposals, they are instructed to contact their stake president.
- When have you felt a sense of unity during the sustaining process?
- How does the sustaining process help you feel involved in the Church?
- Can you share a time when you felt prompted to sustain a Church leader?
Sustaining the Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
President Oaks presents the names of the Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for sustaining. He emphasizes the importance of these leaders in guiding the Church.
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 counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.Key Points:
- The Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are key leaders in the Church.
- Members are asked to sustain these leaders as prophets, seers, and revelators.
- How have the teachings of the Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles influenced your life?
- Can you share a time when you felt guided by these Church leaders?
- What does it mean to you to sustain these leaders as prophets, seers, and revelators?
Announcing Leadership Changes
President Oaks announces several changes in leadership positions, including releases and new appointments. He invites the congregation to express gratitude for the service of those being released and to sustain those being appointed.
The following General Authorities will be released from their assignments and given emeritus status, effective on August 1, 2024: Elders Ian S. Ardern, Shayne M. Bowen, Paul V. Johnson, S. Gifford Nielsen, Brent H. Nielson, Adrián Ochoa, Gary B. Sabin, and Evan A. Schmutz.
It is proposed that we sustain the following as members of the Presidency of the Seventy: Elder Marcus B. Nash, who began his service in January 2024, and Elders Michael T. Ringwood, Arnulfo Valenzuela, and Edward Dube, who will begin their service on August 1, 2024.Key Points:
- Changes in Church leadership positions are a regular part of the Church's operation.
- Members are invited to express gratitude for the service of those being released and to sustain those being appointed.
- Can you share an experience where a change in Church leadership had a positive impact on your ward or stake?
- How does the rotation of leadership positions in the Church reflect the principle of "every member a missionary"?
- Can you share a time when you felt inspired by the service of a Church leader who was released from their assignment?
Sustaining New General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies
President Oaks presents the names of new General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies for sustaining. He highlights the important role of these leaders in the Church.
It is proposed that we sustain the following as General Authority Seventies: David L. Buckner, Gregorio E. Casillas, Aroldo B. Cavalcante, I. Raymond Egbo, D. Martin Goury, Karl D. Hirst, Christopher H. Kim, Sandino Roman, Steven D. Shumway, Michael B. Strong, and Sergio R. Vargas.
We note that 64 new Area Seventies were sustained during the general conference leadership meetings on Thursday, April 4, and then announced on the Church’s website. We invite you to sustain these brethren in their new assignments.Key Points:
- New General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies are presented for sustaining.
- These leaders play an important role in the Church.
- How have you been influenced by the teachings or service of a General Authority Seventy or an Area Seventy?
- Can you share a time when you felt guided or inspired by these Church leaders?
- What does it mean to you to sustain these leaders in their new assignments?
Expressing Gratitude for Church Leaders
President Oaks encourages members to express gratitude for the service of Church leaders who are being released from their assignments. He highlights the dedication and selfless service of these individuals.
Those who wish to express gratitude to these brethren and their wives for their years of dedicated service throughout the Church may do so by the uplifted hand.
We note with gratitude the Area Seventies who will complete their service and whose names can be found on the Church’s website.Key Points:
- Members are encouraged to express gratitude for the service of Church leaders.
- These leaders have dedicated years of service to the Church.
- Can you share a time when you felt grateful for the service of a Church leader?
- How has the service of a Church leader positively impacted your life or your ward or stake?
- How can expressing gratitude for Church leaders strengthen your faith and commitment to the Church?
