Major Change Announced Ahead of April 2026 General Conference
SALT LAKE CITY – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially announced that starting in April 2026, there will no longer be a Saturday evening general conference session. The decision marks a significant change to the format of one of the most anticipated events for members of the Church around the world.
According to the Church’s First Presidency, the general conference will now consist of four daytime sessions spread across the usual Saturday and Sunday schedule. This adjustment aims to simplify the conference experience and provide a more unified format for both in-person attendees and online viewers.
A Long History of Saturday Evening Sessions
For decades, the Saturday evening general conference held a distinct place within the event’s lineup. Historically, it was dedicated to different groups within the Church. A special priesthood session for men was traditionally held on Saturday evenings in April, while the women’s session was held the Saturday before the general conference in October.
However, this arrangement has changed multiple times over the years. In 2017, the Church announced that these sessions would be held annually rather than semiannually. The women’s session would take place during the October lds conference saturday evening session, while the men’s priesthood session would continue in April.
Then, in June 2021, the Church temporarily discontinued the Saturday evening meeting altogether. One month later, it was reinstated, but with a new purpose — a general session open to all members, regardless of gender or Church role. Since October 2021, the lds conference saturday evening session has been part of the five general sessions, offering messages that address a worldwide audience.
Official Reason for the Change
The First Presidency did not specify detailed reasons for discontinuing the Saturday evening general conference session but emphasized that the adjustment aligns with ongoing efforts to streamline conference programming. The decision likely reflects the Church’s broader focus on accessibility and adaptability in an increasingly digital world.
By reducing the number of sessions from five to four, the general conference will maintain its global reach while simplifying the weekend schedule for both leaders and participants. This format change will allow Church members to engage fully in each session without extending the conference time unnecessarily.
Evolving Role of General Conference in Modern Times
Over the past decade, the Church has continually updated the structure of general conference to meet the needs of its global membership. The event, held twice a year in April and October, serves as a spiritual gathering for millions of Latter-day Saints across more than 160 countries.
The move to discontinue the saturday evening general conference session continues this trend of adaptation. Since the pandemic, the Church has placed greater emphasis on digital participation, making each session available through live broadcasts, social media, and streaming platforms.
This approach ensures that members from diverse time zones can watch, listen, or read conference messages at their convenience. Leaders of the Church have often highlighted the importance of using technology to strengthen spiritual connection, even when physical attendance is not possible.
Member Reactions and Global Context
Initial responses from Church members have been mixed. Many appreciate the simplification of the conference schedule, especially families who balance multiple weekend commitments. Others expressed nostalgia for the lds conference saturday evening session, which often carried a unique tone of reflection and counsel.
Church historians note that adjustments to the general conference schedule are not new. Over the years, the Church has modified session times, languages, and formats to better serve its growing international audience. As membership continues to expand, leaders have sought to maintain a balance between tradition and the evolving needs of a worldwide congregation.
Looking Ahead to April 2026
When the change takes effect in April 2026, general conference will feature four main sessions — two on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each session will continue to include messages of faith, hope, and guidance from Church leaders.
The announcement signals a continued focus on efficiency and accessibility, allowing members worldwide to participate more easily while maintaining the event’s spiritual purpose.
As the Church continues to evolve, the decision to discontinue the saturday evening general conference session demonstrates its commitment to thoughtful adaptation without losing sight of its mission to strengthen faith and unity among members.
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