On Sunday 22nd May 2016, over a thousand members of the Belfast Stake to part in a special conference session. President Dieter F Uchtdorf, 2nd Counsellor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presided over a meeting in the Belfast Northern Ireland Stake Centre. President Uchtdorf was accompanied by his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf. Also in attendance were, Elder Patrick Kearon (General Authority Seventy) and Sister Kearon, President and Sister Donaldson of the Scotland/Ireland Mission and President James M McCrudden, President of the Belfast, Northern Ireland Stake.
A Choir of Primary Children provided prelude music, President and Sister Uchtdorf were presented with a book containing drawings and messages from the children.
President Uchtdorf told the members that the Church in Europe is at a point of significant change and that they are living in an historic moment. Because of Northern Ireland’s troubled past, members should know from their own history that it is wise to reach out to their fellow man regardless of race, language etc. He told members that their past experiences can help others in Europe. He talked of the refugee situation and stressed the importance of members moving forward, refocusing and recalibrating themselves to be true followers of Christ, never looking down on others, but reaching out to all in need. This would involve stepping over emotional borders, he said, showing kindness, love and generosity. “Happiness is a Choice” President Uchtdorf said, “Never under-estimate your impact”, “Now matters, you can make a difference”.
President Uchtdorf told the young members of the Stake to always choose the right in life because it builds and edifies. He counselled them to live by the standards found in the For the Strength of Youth booklet, saying “It is the path to the Temple”. He also urged them to get a good education so that they can be a spiritual and temporal strength to the church and to society.
Adult members were counselled to choose the right by making sure they always have a current Temple Recommend. President Uchtdorf said, “It is a symbol of your faithfulness, dedication and commitment”.
In talking about faith, President Uchtdorf President also urged members to suspend suspicion and cynicism and make room for Faith. The Prophet Joseph Smith and the First Vision are central to our faith he taught; we need to know that it is true and then stand up for it.
President Uchtdorf likened the Holy Ghost to the central propeller on a ship. It is directly in front of the rudder and provides a constant stream of moving water to allow the rudder to do its job. If the propeller isn’t working then the rudder can’t do anything. The Holy Ghost (like the propeller) provides what is necessary for us to make correct decisions. President Uchtdorf taught that we need never make mistakes if we follow the Holy Ghost.