Conference, In General

Over the last two weekends, we LDS folk had general conference.

We have church every Sunday and other kinds of meetings all year long, but general conference marks the two times a year when everyone in the world tunes in to hear directly from our leaders.

We believe that God still speaks to man, that revelation didn't cease after the New Testament. We believe in living prophets and apostles. It makes sense, then, that we would set aside time to hear what they have to say.

There are around twelve hours of general conference. On the last Saturday in September, there's a two-hour block (that usually actually lasts around an hour and a half) dedicated to women. My sisters and I often watch it together.

Then, on the first weekend in October, we have the other sessions. On Saturday, there are two two-hour blocks, one at 10 a.m. and one at 2 p.m., and then another block at 6 p.m. The 6 p.m. block is aimed towards the men who have been ordained to priesthood offices. Like the women's session, it tends to run a little short.

The next day, Sunday, we have two more two-hour blocks, again at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m.

My family usually watches general conference by broadcast from our own home. We snuggle up on the couch, take notes, and eat treats while we watch. However, lots of people watch broadcasts at their church buildings, and those who were given tickets to do so can watch in the conference center itself. (Tickets are free, but there is limited space in the building, so not everyone who wants a ticket can get one.)

There are often religious or political protestors standing outside the conference center. The city has worked with the church to create "free speech zones" around the conference center. Anyone who has something to say to the people coming and going has to be in one of these zones. I have at least once noticed a non-LDS Facebook friend criticize these zones for being a violation of free speech. I wondered if she'd ever seen the protestors at LDS events. Some are very polite and respectful, but there are also some who scream vulgar things, wave graphic signs, and destroy artifacts important to our religion before our eyes. The free speech zone is a good community compromise between free speech and religious freedom, in my opinion, because it allows people to say what's on their minds but makes it possible for those who don't wish to listen to simply leave and avoid potential harassment. You also might be interested to learn that it's not just protestors who have to stay in the free speech zones: I've gone with church-sanctioned groups to sing hymns on the sidewalk during general conference, and church security guards instructed us to stay within the zones. It goes both ways.

Whether I'm in the conference center or at home, I'm always enlightened and uplifted by the words that are spoken in the conference. We're counseled to come with questions in our minds and in our hearts, questions that we've prayed and pondered about. I usually bring some pretty weird questions with me. I'm surprised by how often I receive answers to fit them.