Elder Gary E. Stevenson Calls for Peacemakers at 195th LDS General Conference

When Gary E. Stevenson, Elder of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stepped up to the podium at the 195th Semiannual General ConferenceSalt Lake City Conference Center on October 4‑5, 2025, he delivered a message titled “Blessed Are the Peacemakers.” The address cut straight to the heart of a world bruised by violence, reminding members that their faith can act as a balm for brokenness.

Why This Talk Matters Now

The timing could not be more striking. In the weeks leading up to the conference, a tragic shooting at a chapel in St. Joseph Chapel in Michigan left families reeling, and newsfeeds were clogged with images of worshippers caught in the crossfire of broader geopolitical strife. Stevenson’s opening words—“our hearts are mourning loss and some feel uncertainty caused by violence or tragedy throughout the world”—echoed the raw emotions echoing across congregations from Utah to Sydney.

Stevenson’s Peacemakers Narrative

Instead of delivering a dry doctrinal lecture, the elder invited listeners on an imaginative journey. “Imagine you’re a teenager in Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee during the ministry of Jesus Christ,” he said. He painted a dusty road, a mount overlooking the water, and a crowd buzzing with the hope that a rabbi might bring new insight. By putting the audience in the sandals of a first‑century observer, Stevenson made the Sermon on the Mount feel immediate, not abstract.

He then tied that ancient scene to present‑day responsibilities: “As we strive to become peacemakers, I bear testimony of Jesus Christ who is the prince of peace, the son of the living God.” The link between Christ’s example and modern‑day action was the article’s core, urging believers to translate spiritual gratitude into tangible acts of reconciliation.

Conference Structure and Global Reach

The conference unfolded over two days with five sessions, a format familiar to members worldwide. Saturday’s schedule featured a 10 a.m.–noon morning session, a 2 p.m.–4 p.m. afternoon slot, and an evening session from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday mirrored the first two sessions. According to a September 4, 2025 letter from the First Presidency, the event serves as “an opportunity to receive personal revelation as general Church leaders give counsel and direction from the Lord.”

Broadcast from Salt Lake City, the proceedings streamed live to 190‑plus countries, with simultaneous translation in Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean. For the first time, the Gospel Library app offered a dedicated “Peacemakers” playlist, letting members re‑watch Stevenson’s address on-demand.

Accessibility and Inclusion Efforts

In line with the church’s commitment to accessibility, the address was accompanied by American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation on the main stage and a captioned version on the official website. This dual‑track approach is part of a broader initiative launched in 2023 to ensure “all are welcome to hear the word of God,” as the conference’s media director explained.

Reactions Across the Faithful

Social‑media chatter was immediate. On Twitter, the hashtag #Peacemakers2025 trended for several hours, with members sharing personal stories of conflict resolution in their families and neighborhoods. A bishop from a rural Utah ward posted, “Elder Stevenson reminded us that peace starts at home. I’ve already organized a youth service project to clean up a community garden.” In contrast, a few observers from outside the faith questioned whether the message gave enough concrete steps for inter‑faith dialogue. The International Center for Religious Peace issued a brief statement commending the emphasis on love while urging “greater collaboration with non‑LDS groups facing similar challenges.”

What This Means for the Global LDS Community

Stevenson’s talk reinforces a long‑standing LDS focus on agency and service but places peace‑building front and center, a shift some analysts view as a response to rising global insecurity. By referencing a real‑world tragedy in Michigan, the elder linked doctrinal hope to lived experience, encouraging members to view peacemaking as both a spiritual and civic duty.

• Key takeaway: Personal revelation is tied to actionable peace efforts.
• Next step: Local congregations are encouraged to launch “Peace Projects” by the end of 2025.
• Long‑term outlook: The First Presidency plans to feature peacemaking themes in the next three General Conferences.

Looking Ahead

As the church rolls out resources on the ChurchofJesusChrist.org site, members can expect study guides, personal reflection questions, and training videos aimed at equipping them to intervene in domestic disputes, community tensions, and even international humanitarian crises. The direction set by Elder Stevenson suggests a strategic pivot: faith as a catalyst for tangible, world‑changing peace.