In recognition of the Easter season, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following Easter message
At this Easter season of hope and renewal we testify of the glorious reality of the atonement and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The empty tomb brought comforting assurance and provided the answer to the question of Job, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14).
Because of the Savior’s resurrection we will overcome death and become the beneficiaries of His mercy and grace. In a world of trouble and uncertainty, His peace fills our hearts and eases our minds. Jesus is in very deed “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
We give our sure witness that Jesus is the Christ. Though He was crucified, He rose triumphant from the tomb to our everlasting blessing and benefit. To each member of the human family He stands as our Advocate, our Savior, and our Friend.
President Thomas S. Monson and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, constitute the First Presidency of the Church.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the calling of new members of the First Quorum of the Seventy, the Second Quorum of the Seventy and 43 Area Seventies today at the Saturday afternoon session of the Church’s 180th Annual General Conference. The First Presidency also announced the reorganization of the Primary General Presidency.
The 180th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City this weekend. Thousands of Latter-day Saints, along with friends and guests, will gather with millions more watching and listening to the broadcast.
Watch General Conference: http://lds.org/broadcast/gc/0,5161,8584,00.html
Called as General Authorities to serve in the First Quorum of the Seventy are Elder Kevin R. Duncan, Washington, Utah; Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Provo, Utah; Elder Patrick Kearon, Somerset, England and Elder Juan A. Uceda, Clifton, New Jersey.
Second Quorum of the Seventy
Called as General Authorities to serve in the Second Quorum of the Seventy are Elder Larry R. Lawrence, Clovis, California; Elder Per G. Malm, Göteborg, Sweden and Elder Jairo Mazzagardi, Vinhedo, Brazil.
Members of the Seventy have responsibility for administering the work of the Church throughout the world under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Some of them also have executive responsibilities in a number of Church departments. Members of the First Quorum of the Seventy usually serve to age seventy.
Primary General Presidency
A new Primary General Presidency was also announced. Sister Rosemary M. Wixom was called as the general president of the Primary. Sister Jean A. Stevens and Sister Cheryl A. Esplin will serve as first and second counselors. Sister Cheryl C. Lant, Sister Margaret S. Lifferth and Sister Vicki F. Matsumori were released and received an expression of gratitude for their five years of leadership.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve (God’s) children,” said Sister Wixom, in a news conference following the announcement. “There are only two requirements for this calling; to love the Lord, and to love His children.”
The newly called leaders served on the General Primary Board at the time of their call. In response to questions from the media, Sister Wixom affirmed their role is to assist what is being taught by parents in the home.
“Our greatest concern is that children know who they are and that they are loved,” she said.
