President Veazey 04-15-12

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25 May 2011


To the church:

After several months of prayerful consideration and thoughtful discussion, the USA Team of Apostles and the Council of Twelve Apostles recommended to the First Presidency that the USA National Conference dates be changed from July 2012 to April 2013, following the 2013 World Conference. After additional consideration, The First Presidency approved this recommendation.

The next World Conference will be held April 13–18, 2013. The USA National Conference will be held April 19–21, 2013. Both events will be held in Independence, Missouri. The International Leaders Meeting will be held April 10–12 and 22–24, 2013.

Because of the continuing impact of the global economic recession in the United States, concerns were raised about the cost of a USA National Conference being held July 18–22, 2012. A conservative estimate of expenses related to the USA National Conference in Independence is $1 million in travel, lodging, food, and registration expenses to delegates and participants.

The financial impact would be increased when the World Conference begins nine months later in April 2013. Leaders concluded the expenses of two important conferences within a nine-month period could cause financial hardships on members as well as reduce participation in one or both conferences.

In deciding to move the USA National Conference to April 2013, the First Presidency and Council of Twelve discussed many issues, including implications for delegates and participants from other nations. The two conferences are organized as separate events and there will be opportunity for leaders outside the United States to meet in International Leaders sessions before and after World Conference. Apostles recognized these benefits and supported rescheduling the USA National Conference to April 2013.

Other nations and fields had the opportunity to schedule their national conferences following the 2013 World Conference. The Canadian National Conference leadership team decided it was in the best interest of their nation to keep the already announced conference date in June 2012. The Australian National Conference leadership team is planning for a national conference but has not yet set a conference date.

The First Presidency and the Council of Twelve invites the church to join them in daily prayer for World Conference and national conferences. Leaders also pray that Christ’s mission will be our mission as we pursue “what matters most for the journey ahead” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:9f).


In Christ’s Peace,

Linda L. Booth, Stassi D. Cramm, Ronald D. Harmon Jr., Rick W. Maupin, and K. Scott Murphy
USA Team of Apostles

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Questions & Answers

Q: Will delegates to World Conference also be delegates to the USA National Conference?

A: It is possible for a person to serve as a delegate to World Conference and the USA National Conference, if they are elected as a delegate for each conference. During August through December 2012 mission center conferences, two elections will be held to select delegates for the 2013 World Conference and then for the USA National Conference.


Q: How will scheduling the USA National Conference following World Conference provide financial relief to delegates and participants?

A: Participant’s financial costs will be significantly reduced because travel expenses can be consolidated into one trip. There will also be some reduction in registration costs due to savings gained by having only one equipment set-up in the Auditorium for both conferences and only one dismantling and clean-up afterwards.


Q: What will be the impact of a shortened World Conference?

A: By beginning World Conference earlier in the afternoon on the Saturday, April 13, 2013, and scheduling ample time for business sessions, the Presidency believes the World Conference can accomplish its business within the time available. For example, it will not be necessary to schedule a three-hour morning session at World Conference for national and field discussions because those discussions are being handled in other settings. Of course, based on previous experience, we anticipate that the Spirit will bless all of our activities as we assemble to conduct the business of the church and clarify direction for the future.


Q: Will having the USA National Conference after World Conference cause serious harm to our brothers and sisters in nations outside the United States?

A: The two conferences will be separate events. Those who cannot or should not participate in discussions about certain issues because of cultural taboos and national legalities will not participate. Some international delegates and participants may choose to observe the USA National Conference to witness the nature and spirit of the deliberations in order to better communicate the outcomes of the national conference when they return home.

Q: Will there be a separate registration process for the USA National Conference?

A: Yes. More information about pre-registering for the USA National Conference will be provided in the future. Registration at the Auditorium, including receiving materials, will occur Thursday evening April 18, 2013, before the national conference convenes on Friday morning April 19, 2013.