BREAKING: Public Not Permitted to Attend General Conference Due to COVID-19
Cancel your trips, unpack your bags, and get your pajamas ready. It looks like we’re all going to be live streaming general conference this year!
Related: God Speaks Through Men and Women at General Conference
General Conference Announcement
Due to the concerns regarding COVID-19, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints just announced that “the public will not be admitted to the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City for the Church’s April 2020 general conference.”
Church leaders wrote,
We are deeply concerned about the global spreading of illness caused by COVID-19. We have counseled with worldwide governmental, ecclesiastical, and medical leaders and have prayerfully considered the current circumstances. We want to be good global citizens and do what we can to control this contagious illness. We are most grateful for the many who are working tirelessly to address this health hazard. We pray for them and for all who may be suffering.
All general authorities, musicians, and crew members will still take part as needed. However, the rest of us must enjoy via technology only.
The letter also said,
We live in a remarkable age. The Lord has blessed us with the technology and capacity to participate in and receive messages from Church leaders in all parts of the world. This special conference will commemorate the bicentennial of the First Vision and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days.
Changes for Missionary Work
Along with this announcement, church leaders also informed the public of some changes to missionary protocol. According to the Church News website,
Missionaries scheduled to enter missionary training centers in Provo, Utah, or Preston, England, will be trained remotely by video conference. Other missionary training centers will continue to function as usual, but they will not receive any missionaries from regions where government officials are restricting activity.
Every missionary will be receiving more specific instructions regarding their situation. The letter from church authorities stated, “Once missionaries complete their online training, they will travel directly to their mission assignments.”
Leaders also said,
We love our missionaries and their families and are grateful for their willingness to serve the Lord. We hope they will take advantage of this unique training experience to prepare for a wonderful period of Christlike service.
Related: General Conference Is 34 Days Away. Are You Ready?
When the time comes, make sure to stream general conference via the Church’s website, YouTube, or other means!