After two years LDS church returns to in-person general conference

Salt Lake City, Utah – In October 2019, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had its last general conference that was open to the public. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, conference sessions were held remotely for the last two years.

This year, for the 192nd Annual General Conference, members were invited to attend in person again.

Due to concerns with construction and parking around Temple Square, only 10,000 tickets were issued per session, although the Conference Center has room for 21,000 people.

Collen and Hiva Olive say they listen to conference talks year-round, and they were grateful for the opportunity to see it in person. “Just to be able to come to the building where these talks are held and be able to be in the same room as the brethren, it’s a blessing,” said Hiva.

According to Elizabeth Appiant who’s from Ghana, it was her first time attending in person. “Seeing the apostles and prophet…looking at them, listening to them, talking about change of heart, if I am in the stage of good, I strive to better, if I am better I strive to be the best,” she said.

In the past, David and James Dotter have been to the Conference Center multiple times and are grateful for the experience to return after a such a long break. “What a wonderful opportunity to come back together and be together to hear the word of the Lord and the opportunity to be members in person together,” James said.

“To feel the spirit there is much greater than being at home,” David said.

There were twelve new leaders announced at Sunday’s conference, including six General Authority Seventies and new Relief Society and Primary General Presidencies.