But as followers of Christ, we should seek to live peaceably and lovingly with other children of God who do not share our values and do not have the covenant obligations we have assumed.

In a democratic government, we should seek fairness for all.

In countless circumstances, strangers' suspicions or even hostility

gradually give way to friendship when personal contacts produce mutual respect.

This is Mary Richards, reporter at the Church News.

Welcome to the Church News podcast.

Today we are taking you on a journey of connection

as we discuss news and events of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions tuned in Easter weekend, April 4th and 5th, for the 196th annual General Conference

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with messages from the President and Prophet

of the Church, President Dallan H. Oaks, the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other church leaders.

This special conference edition of the Church News podcast features excerpts from each of the conference addresses

and covers topics such as Easter and Christ's resurrection, walking his covenant path, and sustaining his called prophet on the earth today.

General conference began with a solemn assembly introduced by President Dallan H. Oaks as follows.

The conference we convened today is different because it begins with what we call a solemn assembly.

For more than a century, this has been an event of great significance to members of the Church.

In a solemn assembly, we will sustain members of the First Presidency

and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, voting by quorums and groups. We do this only in the

first conference where a new president and prophet of the church has been called.

I am grateful to be among those whose leadership challenges are formally recognized in this way,

and to express appreciation for your participation in this significant occasion.

In advance, I express our gratitude as leaders of the Church

for our members' sustaining vote, prayers, and support.

...