TCATS #460 - Conference Reimagined

The Tabernacle Choir enters the Conference Center stage area and begins taking their seats well before General Conference begins. It's the first Sunday in April and they'll be singing at the two sessions that Conference has been reduced to. (The Quorum of the Twelve, in consulting with the Relief Society presidency and the other auxillary presidencies, decided that five sessions--10 hours--was a little too long for most church members). Special to this session are members from other countries who have been flown in to help sing praises to God with the regular choir members.

Also entering the expanded stage section is the Orchestra at Temple Square--a Conference first! This talented group has wanted to be part of the music for Conference for decades, but has never been able to because of the tradition of having members of the Seventy occupy precious stage space. (The Seventy now take their seats in the general audience section, with their wives and families--a change which they are happy about.) The orchestra starts warming up, thrilled to be there, and thrilled to add their talents to creating music that will inspire and uplift. 

As both choir and orchestra members look over the music lineup for these sessions, they are happy to be singing a very diverse set of pieces that are not only inspiring and testify of Christ and gospel principles, but are sure to resonate with the global diverse church membership. Yes, there are the traditional conference favorites ("How Firm a Foundation", "Redeemer of Israel", and "High on the Mountain Top"), but at long last, there are songs like spiritual anthems "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,"  and "Praise to the Lord the Almighty";  and spirituals like "Down to the River to Pray", "and My God is So High"; and inspiring songs from musicals like "Hold On" and "Fill the World With Love";  and classics like Beethoven's "Hallelujah" and Holst's "Psalm 148";  and Hispanic favorites like "Alaberé". 

In addition to the wonderful new changes to the music, the speaker line-up has also been modified from the traditional format. Along with the members of the Twelve Apostles and the prophet of course, several sisters from the presidencies of the Relief Society, Young Womens, and Primary will speak, along with sisters who serve on their boards, and several wives of the apostles. Rounding out the speakers are three youth from other countries, giving their talks in their native tongue. All talks will be approximately eight minutes or shorter.

Several of the talks will include multi-media elements in them, including footage from the scripture videos and other inspirational videos the Church has published. These video excerpts will help to highlight what the talks are all about and drive home the important gospel messages. The talks also have had more inclusive language centered on one important aspect of this church: the family. Instead of exclusively referring to "Heavenly Father" and "God the Father", leaders of the church have now started using "Heavenly Parents". Some of the talks, too, will focus exclusively on those within the church that feel like they struggle to fit into the mainstream membership--including singles and LGBTQ individuals.

As this new conference format plays out and finally comes to a conclusion, all have been edified in a higher and holier and more inclusive way. Attention spans have been honored, music and talks have inspired and uplifted, and women and men and those on the fringes have felt equally represented and loved. A beautiful spiritual and uplifting feast indeed.

Until next time, God be with you.