Overview
- Dallin H. Oaks opened the 195th Semiannual General Conference as president of the Quorum of the Twelve, offering a brief tribute to Russell M. Nelson and asking speakers to reserve longer remembrances for the funeral.
- With the First Presidency dissolved, the Quorum is governing the church during an apostolic interregnum, a circumstance leaders noted has not occurred in about 75 years.
- Leaders emphasized forgiveness and peacemaking after the deadly attack on a Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, with Elder Gary E. Stevenson urging members to respond to hate with Christlike kindness.
- The church strengthened security for the Salt Lake City gatherings, adding metal detectors, bag checks, barricades and a heavy law-enforcement presence around the Conference Center.
- Authorities report the Michigan attack killed four and injured eight before police killed the gunman, who was reported to have a grudge against the church, and an online fundraiser started by Latter-day Saints for the gunman’s family has raised more than $360,000.