Speakers at the General Women’s Session of general conference encouraged women to emulate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Women around the world gathered to the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City — and virtually around the world — for the General Women’s Session of the 187th Annual General Conference on Saturday night, March 25.

Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, opened her remarks by making reference to the “I Was a Stranger” refugee effort, which she announced in the same meeting one year ago. Her invitation complimented two First Presidency letters, sent in October 2015 and March 2016, asking members to help refugees and support “I Was a Stranger.”

During her remarks she said when life seems unfair, Latter-day Saint women can look to the examples of “certain women” — past and present — who have exercised faith in Jesus Christ and in his Atonement.

Referencing a phrase found in the New Testament, the LDS Church’s Relief Society general president explained that “certain women” are “exemplary disciples and important witnesses in the work of salvation.”

Sister Burton said she has read in the scriptures and passed over “the seemingly unremarkable expression ‘certain women,’” numerous times. “But recently as I pondered more carefully, those words just seemed to jump off the page at me.”

In addition to Sister Burton, President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency; Sister Bonnie H. Cordon of the Primary general presidency; and Sister Carol F. McConkie of the Young Women general presidency also spoke of the life and teachings of the Savior and how they can help LDS women today. Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president conducted the meeting, which was attended by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency; other church leaders; and members of the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary general presidencies and boards.

A Relief Society choir from Brigham Young University — directed by Jean Applonie and accompanied by Linda Margetts — provided music.

“I got to sit by one of my daughters and hear another daughter sing in the choir,” said Christine Crellin from Stonewall, Winnipeg, Canada. Sister Crellin attends a branch that has an average of about 75 people, so meeting with more than 20,000 women was empowering, she said.

“I loved singing with the whole congregation — we sounded like one voice.”

mholman@desnews.com @marianne_holman

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