Introduction
The Salt Lake Temple, a gleaming icon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), casts a long shadow – both literally and figuratively – over its neighbor, the LDS Conference Center. This seemingly innocuous edifice, a massive convention hall capable of seating over 21,000, presents a far more complex picture upon closer inspection. This investigation probes beyond the polished façade, examining the Conference Center's role as a symbol of LDS power, a logistical marvel, and a potential source of internal tension. Thesis: The LDS Conference Center, while a testament to the Church's organizational prowess and global reach, simultaneously reveals inherent contradictions within the LDS faith, reflecting tensions between traditionalism, modernization, and the ever-growing need for accessible communication in a digital age. The Conference Center, completed in 2000, represents a dramatic shift in LDS communication. Prior to its construction, General Conferences were held in the Tabernacle, a historic building with significantly less seating capacity. This expansion reflects the Church’s explosive global growth throughout the late 20th century. However, this expansion raises questions.
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The sheer scale of the Conference Center – its immense size and technological sophistication – stands in stark contrast to some of the Church’s more traditional doctrines, emphasizing simplicity and humility. This dissonance is reflected in scholarly critiques questioning the opulence of the structure in light of the Church’s humanitarian efforts and focus on tithing. (e. g. , research on religious architecture and conspicuous consumption could be cited here). The technological advancements within the Conference Center further fuel this internal debate. High-definition cameras, intricate sound systems, and simultaneous translation in multiple languages facilitate global dissemination of General Conference addresses. This readily available, high-quality broadcast contradicts the historic reliance on in-person attendance and word-of-mouth dissemination.
While broadening access, it also challenges the traditional emphasis on community and shared experience within LDS worship. This tension is explored by researchers studying the impact of technology on religious practice and community building (relevant sociological studies could be cited). Furthermore, the Conference Center’s architecture itself is a subject of critical analysis. The imposing structure, designed to project an image of power and grandeur, can be interpreted as both a symbol of the Church's ambition and a potential barrier to outsiders. Its imposing scale may inadvertently reinforce the perception of the LDS faith as exclusive or even elitist, a criticism leveled by some external observers. This relates to studies on religious architecture and its role in constructing religious identity and public image (relevant architectural history and sociology sources could be cited). However, a counter-argument exists. The Church maintains the Conference Center is a necessary tool for facilitating its global missionary work and administrative functions.
Its capacity allows for gatherings of significant proportions, not only for General Conferences but also for other Church events. From this perspective, the building represents efficient management and pragmatic organizational growth. Ultimately, the LDS Conference Center is a multifaceted symbol. It reflects the Church’s organizational success, its embracing of modern technologies, and its attempts to address a global congregation. Yet, it also embodies internal contradictions between tradition and modernization, between a desire for inclusivity and the potential for perceived exclusivity. The sheer scale and technological sophistication of the building, while enabling unprecedented dissemination of religious messages, simultaneously raises questions about the Church's priorities and its evolving relationship with its global membership in the 21st century. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of this architectural and technological shift on the LDS faith and its interaction with the wider world. The Conference Center remains a powerful, if complex, case study in the intersection of religion, architecture, technology, and global communication.
3 days ago Millions will tune in this weekend, April 5-6, to the April 2025 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. April 2025 general conference — the Church’s 195th Annual General Conference — will feature messages from the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders.
6 days ago Where to watch and follow general conference. All sessions of general conference will be available via live broadcast and streaming options. Deseret.com will host the church’s live YouTube English broadcast of each session, in addition to photos and talk summaries, here.; Deseret.com will also provide live coverage of each session here.; Live television broadcasts.
Mar 29, 2025 For information about attending in person at the conference center, see Tickets for LDS General Conference October 2025. #6: Participate on Social Media. Follow the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Facebook and Twitter for more inspiration during general conference weekend and throughout the rest of the year.
1 day ago (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) The Conference Center fills for the afternoon session of General Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Seventy Hans T. Boom: ‘Just carry on’
Oct 6, 2024 General conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints take place every six months. The five sessions of the October 2024 conference (October 5–6) were broadcast live from Temple Square in Salt Lake City. This page is a summary of the conference’s sermons, news and announcements. Full Talks from the October 2024 ...
Oct 3, 2024 More than 17 million Latter-day Saints — in addition to friends and associates of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds — are invited to watch, listen or follow the semiannual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this weekend.
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