Peggy Fletcher Stack
Tamarra Kemsley
Dylan Eubank
David NoyceAgainst the backdrop of the planned reopening of the majestic Salt Lake Temple across the street and with millions of members turning in from around the world, top leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will command the pulpit of the Conference Center for General Conference this weekend.
President Dallin H. Oaks, the 94-year-old leader of the nearly 18 million-member global faith, will preside over the Saturday and Sunday sessions and is expected to deliver a keynote address.
The gathering comes amid increased tensions and divisions in the United States and across the globe — continued fighting in the Middle East, Ukraine and parts of Africa; persistent inflation and affordability challenges for families and individuals; heightened worries about artificial intelligence; next month’s pivotal and polarizing midterm elections in the U.S.; and contested ballot questions on abortion in a couple of Western states.
Whether church authorities address these issues and other emerging topics this weekend will show.
Check back here for the latest announcements and sermons from Saturday’s morning and afternoon sessions:
Hired in 1991 to cover Utah's various faiths, particularly Mormonism, Peggy has talked forgiveness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, nearly fainted waiting for the Dalai Lama, fasted with Muslims during Ramadan — and has reported on 50 consecutive semiannual LDS General Conferences.
Tamarra Kemsley has been a reporter at The Tribune since 2021 but has been covering religion and politics since 2019. Her work has appeared in Religion News Service, the New York Post, and Religion & Politics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Brigham Young University and a master’s in Islamic studies from Hebrew University.
David is a managing editor at The Tribune, where he has worked since 1984. He oversees coverage ranging from local government and west-side issues to growth, development and housing. In addition, he directs religion reporting, co-hosts the award-winning “Mormon Land” podcast and writes the Mormon Land newsletter.