The Church will hold a solemn assembly during the Saturday morning session of the April 2026 general conference. This sacred gathering during Easter weekend will give us the chance to sustain our new prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, and his two counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson. The general Church membership will also have the opportunity to sustain the two newest Apostles, Elder Gérald Caussé and Elder Clark G. Gilbert, for the first time.
Here are some interesting facts about solemn assemblies to help you prepare.
What’s the Biblical history of solemn assemblies?
The phrase “solemn assembly” comes from the Hebrew Bible. It’s used to describe sacred gatherings that happened during Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles.
On specific days, the Lord commanded the Israelites to rest from their usual work and come together in prayer and worship, similar to the Sabbath. Jerusalem’s first temple was also dedicated during the time of a solemn assembly.
What are solemn assemblies in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Today, the Church holds solemn assemblies for dedications of temples or significant buildings like the Conference Center, the sustaining of a new prophet and First Presidency, special commemorations, and other sacred purposes.
The most recent Churchwide solemn assembly took place on April 5, 2020, during the Sunday morning session of general conference. It commemorated the 200th anniversary of Jospeh Smith’s First Vision and included a Hosanna Shout.
The last solemn assembly to sustain a new Church president and First Presidency was held on March 31, 2018, which also happened to coincide with Easter weekend.
When was the first solemn assembly to sustain a new prophet in the latter days?
In the latter days, the Church’s first solemn assembly to sustain a new prophet took place on October 10, 1880, when John Taylor was sustained to succeed Brigham Young as the President of the Church.
How are solemn assemblies different from typical Church meetings?
Latter-day Saints are asked to bring increased reverence to solemn assemblies. This atmosphere is primarily what sets them apart from other Church meetings.
Instead of implying sadness, the word “solemn” refers to elevated sacredness and spirituality. President Eyring has also explained that solemn assemblies are formal gatherings designated as opportunities for “the body of the Church to express the voice of the Church.” In contrast to the typical sustaining of Church officers at general conference, the sustaining vote for new Church leadership takes place by quorums and groups. You are invited to stand when requested and express your choice to sustain the names by lifting your hand.
In some solemn assemblies, the members of the congregation are led in a Hosanna Shout and wave white handkerchiefs to honor God the Father and Jesus Christ. This sacred action symbolizes the Savior’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Is a Hosanna Shout done at every solemn assembly?
Hosanna Shouts are only performed at temple dedications and other special events when specified. For instance, a Hosanna Shout was featured in the April 2020 general conference to celebrate the bicentennial of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
There will not be a Hosanna Shout in the upcoming April 2026 general conference.
Prepare for post-conference study
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▶ The meaning of the word ‘conference’ can transform how you prepare for general conference
▶ Pres. Uchtdorf shares 3 questions to ask yourself during Holy Week
▶ What my grandparents’ Easter recipe teaches me about the Savior
