Thomas Spencer Monson was sustained in a solemn assembly Saturday morning as prophet, seer, revelator, and as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Unlike the normal pattern of conference sustaining, a new President is sustained first by individual priesthood quorums. Presidents Monson and Eyring stood as President Uchtdorf began the sustaining. The Quorum of the Twelve then stood, followed by the other priesthood bodies, Relief Society, Young Women, and the general membership of the church.

This sustaining is not only acknowledgement of a new president but a covenant with God to abide by directions and counsel that comes from the prophet.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, formerly of the Presidency of the Seventy, was called to be the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Whitney F. Clayton was called and sustained to fill the vacancy in the Presidency of the Seventy. 15 new general authorities were also sustained to be in the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy. 38 Area Seventies were called to positions across the world and Elaine S. Dalton replaced Susan W. Tanner as Young Women general president.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve

Salvation is an individual responsibility and exaltation is a family responsibility, Elder Russell M. Nelson said. Individuals have the obligation to develop faith, to repent, and be baptized.

Individual progression is fostered in what Elder Nelson called "God's laboratory of love and service." Parents have a sacred responsibility to properly teach their children about God and to love their spouse and children.

Children should be taught to honor their father and mother. Elder Nelson said we also need our ancestors, for we cannot be made perfect without them. The sealing ordinances for families are essential for exaltation.

"This life is the time to prepare for salvation and exaltation," Elder Nelson said. "In God's plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter."

Elder Ronald A. Rasband Presidency of the Seventy

Spiritual experiences are building blocks of faith in our lives, Elder Rasband said.

"Faith is increasing amongst God's covenant people, and I believe it is through having a personal treasury of such valued experiences that an increase of faith can happen for us," Elder Rasband said.

These experiences are unpredictable, vastly different and may be small or large events. He said these experiences may also be heavy trials and challenges.

"In these days of worldly intrusions into our lives, when trials and difficulties may seem to engulf us, let us remember our own special, spiritual experiences," Elder Rasband said. "These building blocks of faith and testimony will bring conviction and reassurance of a caring, loving Father in Heaven, of our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, and of their restored true and living church."

Sister Cheryl C. Lant Primary General President

Sister Lant encouraged members to build righteous traditions in their families, asking if our traditions would help our families or hinder them.

Our traditions should be determined by being "steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works," she said. Personal conversion to the true faith precedes the ability to be firm and steadfast.

Sister Lant encouraged personal conversion through diligent scripture study, prayer and fasting. She said people must have a true desire to know the truth and hearts open to the Lord's way. The tighteous traditions and legacies members will give to their families start with us, Sister Lant said.

"As we become steadfast and immovable" in keeping the commandments of the Lord, we will secure the blessings of heaven for ourselves and our families," she said.

Elder Kenneth Johnson First Quorum of the Seventy

Knowledge of the plan of happiness gives us the opportunity and responsibility to restore faith in the family, Elder Johnson said. He used physical laws of nature as a parallel and that knowing these laws helps mankind progress. This applies to spiritual truths as well, he said.

As parents teach their children correct principles, children will also progress and develop sound character. Elder Johnson cited examples of teachings he learned through his home, such as integrity, dependability, selfless service and others.

"Although spiritual truths appear less tangible - to the humble heart their impact is undeniable," Elder Johnson said.

Spiritual truths, like natural laws, were not determined by popularity. Marriage and family are spiritual truths that all should know.

"We must hand down to future generations a foundation of faith in the family, as defined by deity," he said.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve

Elder Wirthlin spoke about three different types of individuals that may be lost and said that Christ's disciples are always concerned about the one lost sheep.

"Brothers and sisters, if only we had more compassion for those who are different from us it would lighten many of the problems and sorrows in the world today," he said.

Members who are weary should put their shoulder to the wheel, he said, reminding them that the Lord chooses the weak things of the world to accomplish his works.

To those that have strayed or sinned, Elder Wirthlin said the church is where imperfect people become perfected through Christ. If any have strayed because of doctrine, the church could not change its doctrine, but said the spirit would reveal the truth to them.

"I know that each of you bears concern for a loved one," he said. "Give encouragement, service, and support to them. Love them. Be kind to them."

President Henry B. Eyring Of the First Presidency

President Eyring testified that the church is a true and living church. It is true because of the keys of the priesthood which were restored through Joseph Smith. Members have an obligation, he said, to remain worthy of the faith they need to sustain the leaders of the church.

He counseled members to make an individual evaluation of their lives by measuring the depth of their gratitude, and by seeking the Holy Ghost to know how we can keep the commandments better. President Eyring said the improvement in the church is evidence that it is true and living. President Eyring is confidentthat more people would be invited to hear the gospel, families will improve in protecting their children, members will serve better and the poor would be helped more.

"I bear you my solemn witness that this is the true and living Church of Jesus Christ," President Eyring said. "Heavenly Father will answer your fervent prayers to know that for yourself."

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Apr 2008