The 172nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began Saturday morning with talks about wedges, nets and the youth of the world.

President Gordon B. Hinckley entered the room saluting the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with his cane, to which they enthusiastically saluted back.

President Hinckley spoke first and remarked on the progress of the church worldwide, the recent Olympics and the Perpetual Education Fund.

President Hinckley commended the people of Salt Lake City for their graciousness to the people of the world during the Olympics. He said the positive experience people had at the Olympics reflected positively on the church.

"Representatives of the media, so often a tough and calloused group, with very few exceptions spoke and wrote in language both complimentary and accurately descriptive of a unique culture they found here, of the people they met, and dealt with, of the spirit of hospitality which they felt," President Hinckley said.

President Hinckley, President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Earl C. Tingey of the presidency of the Seventy, all spoke of the importance of teaching and helping the youth.

President Hinckley spoke of the success the Perpetual Education Fund is having. He said young men and women in underprivileged parts of the world "will be enabled to get good educations that will lift them out of the slough of poverty...."

He continued, "They will likewise grow in the Church, filling positions of responsibility and rearing families who will continue in faith."

President Packer related several experiences where he came into contact with destitute orphans and youth struggling with disabilities. President Packer gave a warning to those who hurt children: "There is nothing in what we believe or teach that gives license to parents or anyone to neglect, or abuse or molest our own or anyone else's children," President Packer said.

These remarks came in a time when religious leaders across the country are being accused of molesting children under their care.

Elder Tingey said that children should be taught early to pay their tithing so it becomes a habit later in life. Elder Tingey quoted President Joseph F. Smith saying, "Our children, as soon as they become old enough to earn means, should be taught to pay their tithing, that their names may be written in the book of the law of the Lord."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Council of the Twelve, and President Thomas S. Monson, of the First Presidency, both talked about things that hinder us from living the fullness of the gospel.

Elder Wirthlin recalled the story of Andrew, Peter, James and John leaving their fishing nets to follow Jesus. Elder Wirthlin said there are nets in the lives of many people that stop them from progressing, such as work, debt or even sports.

"It is impossible to list the many nets that can ensnare us and keep us from following the Savior. But if we are sincere in our desire to follow Him, we must straightway leave the world's entangling nets and follow Him," said Elder Wirthlin.

President Monson, in his familiar narrative style, told stories about wedges between Church members that are destructive. He counseled those who have been hurt or wronged by another to forgive, as the Savior forgives.

"Sometimes we take offense too easily. On other occasions we are too stubborn to accept a sincere apology. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals," said President Monson.

President Mary Ellen Smoot, president of the General Relief Society, spoke on gaining inner strength through service and not dwelling in self-pity.

"No matter our circumstances, who of us can afford to waste our life in front of the mirrors of self-pity and discouragement?" said President Smoot.

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Apr 2002