Mormon conference kicks off as refugee concerns grow

Mormon leaders are set to deliver spiritual guidance at this weekend’s twice-yearly conference as their members in the U.S. grapple with a testy presidential election and followers around the world try to respond to increasing needs of refugees.

More than 100,000 members of the faith are expected to attend five sessions in Salt Lake City that span Saturday and Sunday. Thousands more will listen or watch around the world in nearly 100 languages on television, radio, satellite and internet broadcasts.

Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints give carefully crafted speeches and make announcements about church statistics, new temples or initiatives.

Church leaders could talk more about their push to be welcoming toward refugees at a time when some others are tightening the hatches.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: You can watch 4 sessions of the LDS General Conference on KIFI Local News 8 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday this weekend.