October 2025 Saturday Afternoon Session: Key Talk Summaries Revealed

On October 4, 2025, the Saturday afternoon session of the 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took place at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, concluded the session with remarks on the growing membership of the Church.

Key Highlights from the October 2025 General Conference

• Conversion Surge: Elder Cook revealed that nearly 900,000 new converts had joined the Church in the past 36 months, accounting for about 5% of its total membership. This year alone, conversions increased by over 20% across regions including Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America. In North America, the rise was recorded at 17%.
• Encouragement for Inclusion: Elder Cook urged Church members to embrace both new and returning members, recalling the message of unity shared by Elder Gerrit W. Gong earlier in the meeting.
• Reflections on Turmoil: He highlighted that Christ’s ministry occurred during tumultuous times and emphasized the importance of focusing on spiritual growth rather than worldly challenges.

Notable Speakers and Messages

Elder David A. Bednar presided over the session. He paid tribute to the late President Russell M. Nelson, acknowledging the honor of his contributions. Elder Ronald A. Rasband commemorated the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” asserting its significance as doctrine. He reminded members of their divine heritage.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong invited individuals to be more compassionate, suggesting they ease their judgments of others and themselves. He stressed that healing and forgiveness are central to the Church’s teachings.

Furthermore, Brother Chad H. Webb encouraged diligent learning and reliance on the Holy Ghost as essential for comprehending the gospel’s message. Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi emphasized the importance of worship at the altars dedicated to Christ.

The Power of Restoration

Elder Kevin G. Brown reiterated three fundamental truths regarding the Restoration: God’s love, the gift of agency, and the role of the Holy Ghost in conveying testimony. Elder Michael Cziesla noted the joy found in adhering to pure and simplified doctrine as a way to navigate life’s complexities.

Music for the session was provided by a combined institute choir from Ogden and South Jordan, Utah. Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman offered the prayers, adding a spiritual tone to the gathering.

The overall themes of the session emphasized growth, compassion, and the importance of community as the Church continues to expand and adapt to a changing world.