In PH meeting, Pres Nelson, and Elders Christofferson  and Rasband are announcing a big priesthood quorum change.

The high priest quorum now consists of active stake presidencies, high councils, bishoprics and patriarchs. The stake president is president of this quorum.

All other brethren will be in one Elders/Melchizedek PH Quorum. Stake presidents will call new presidencies as soon as it is convenient.

This will bless the members by strengthening one another with their experience, talents and skills.

No more PEC meetings. All will work within the Ward Council. Where needed, a bishop can call a special meeting with only those needed, to handle sensitive issues.

President Dallin H. Oaks will be conducting this meeting. President Russell M. Nelson presides.

Choir: Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice

Opening Prayer:

Changes in Church Leadership: President Dallin H. Oaks – Many members of the Presidency of the Seventy and the Leadership of the Young Woman General Board are released. Sister Bonnie H. Cordon is also released from the Primary Presidency.

New Members of the Presidency Carl B. Cook and Robert C. Gay to begin serving immediately. The following will begin to serve in August, when the other members of the Seventy whose release was announced depart service: Terence M. Vinson, José A. Teixeira, and Carlos A. Godoy. Numerous other General Authorities called.

Bonnie H.Cordon to be Young Women General President. Lisa Renee Harkness called to replace Bonnie Cordon’s place in the Primary Presidency. Other organizations as currently constituted.

There are now 116 general authorities, with 40% born outside the United States.

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Choir: Where Can I Turn for Peace?

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President Henry B. Eyring will be conducting this meeting. President Russel M. Nelson presides.

President Eyring : We offer condolences to the family of Thomas S. Monson, who passed away earlier this year. The Music will be provided by the Tabernacle Choir

Choir: We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

Opening Prayer: Elder Mervyn B. Arnold

Solemn Assembly: President Eyring led the Solemn Assembly. Since the time John Taylor was sustained to succeed Brigham Young, each occasion of approving the new Prophet is expressed as a formal solemn assembly. You will be asked to stand and should vote only when asked to stand. If anyone casts a contrary vote, those individuals are asked to contact their respective Stake Presidents. Elder Gong and Elder Soares were announced as new members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Gerrit W. Gong is an American of Asian descent, previously of the Presidency of the Seventy and Asia Area President.

Elder Ulisses Soares is a native of Brazil, previously of the Presidency of the Seventy, counselor in the Africa Southeast Area, and President of the Brazil Area.

First voting is by the First Presidency. The voting was unanimous.

Next voting is by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The voting was unanimous.

General Authority Seventies and the Presiding Bishopric. The voting was unanimous.

Next all High Priests and Elders throughout the world.

Next all women of Relief Society (all women 18 and older).

Next all holders of the Aaronic Priesthoood.

Next all Young Women (12-17).

Finally the entire memership voted, including any not part of the prior sustaining actions. There were no vocal indications of disagreement during any stage of the Solemn Assembly.

Choir: We Listen to a Prophet’s Voice

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It’s fun when the media publishes something nice about Mormons. Woot to The Atlantic. Who knew family ritual and togetherness (even if not the ideal we envision) could become so revered.

Enjoy your Easter, which hopefully you will be able to spend with family. I’m headed for easter basket fun with a grandkid, together with the promise of games with friends and a meal of delectable lamb and hot cross buns, between sessions of General Conference.

May your weekend be similarly focused on the renewal of Christ’s resurrection and the preciousness of those with whom we have the privilege of associating in life.