LDS General Conference: New Primary presidency 'thrilled' to serve

The spiritual well-being of LDS children around the world shifted to the shoulders of a new Primary general presidency Saturday as church leaders announced the change during the afternoon session of the 180th Annual General Conference.

Sustained as the new presidency, which will oversee the activities of children from 18 months to 12 years of age, were Sisters Rosemary M. Wixom, president; Jean A. Stevens, first counselor; and Cheryl A. Esplin, second counselor. They succeed Sisters Cheryl C. Lant and her counselors, Margaret S. Lifferth and Vicki E. Matsumori, who were released with thanks for five years of faithful service.

In a news conference in the Relief Society Building following the afternoon session, Sister Wixom said the new presidency welcomes the privilege and the challenge of leading the organization that partners with parents in the gospel teaching of children and is often their introduction to the tenets of the LDS faith.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the Lord" through service to the church's youngest, said Sister Wixom. She praised the previous presidency for its emphasis on the use of scriptures in Primary worship and said the practice will continue.

She used words from a well-known LDS children's hymn, "Do you (God) hear and answer every child's prayer?" as the question she hopes every child will ask, and that each will find the affirming answer through Primary involvement. In a tumultuous and challenging world, "There has never been a greater need for guidance and good mentors for children," she said.

She and her counselors lauded the many Primary workers who do the practical work of the organization, and said they can, in real fact, save their small charges. Their challenge is to present deep religious concepts in simple ways. "We thank you. You can make a difference in a child for a lifetime. Look for reasons to love them," said Sister Esplin.

Sister Stevens recounted the manifest love the Savior had for children and said the mission of the Primary is to "do what he did."

The role of the Primary is to support parents and families in grounding children in the faith, said Sister Esplin. "We need to be on the same page, teaching children the same things."

In an increasingly diverse church, Primary leaders are committed to allowing flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of children around the world, said Sister Stevens. The new presidency expects that travel will be a part of their commitment.