Leadership sessions of April 2020 general conference postponed

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has postponed leadership sessions that were scheduled to coincide with the faith’s April 2020 general conference.

In a statement, the church attributed the postponement to its “deep concern for global public health,” in relation to the growing number of global cases of COVID-19, or Coronavirus 2019.

“Out of an abundance of caution and with deep concern for global health considerations, as well as sympathy for all who have been or may be affected by the COVID-19 virus, we are postponing leadership meetings associated with the upcoming general conference,” the First Presidency said in a prepared statement.

“We wish to be good global citizens and do what we can to limit the spread of this disease,” the statement continued. “We also want to relieve concerns of our leaders, members, and their families related to the uncertainties of travel at this time.”

With the same concern for public health, church officials discouraged members outside of the United States from traveling to the April 2020 general conference.

Leadership sessions for General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers, which were scheduled to be held on April 2-3, 2020,  October 1-2, 2020.

This postponement applies only to pre-conference leadership meetings. Present plans call for the general sessions of the April 2020 conference to be held as previously announced.

“We are grateful that all members who do not travel to Salt Lake City will be able to view the proceedings of April general conference through technology,” the First Presidency stated. “With great compassion, we pray for all whose lives have been affected by this illness.”

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