The Church has updated the wording for the purpose statement of the Relief Society.

On her Facebook page today, Sister Linda K. Burton, General President of the Relief Society, explained the following:

“When we were newly called as the Relief Society General Presidency, we sought the Lord earnestly to know what essential things He would have us focus on to continue moving His work forward. We were impressed that He would first have us help His beloved daughters understand the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, that their faith and righteousness might increase. Second, we considered the critical need to strengthen families and homes and felt that the Lord would have us encourage His beloved daughters to cheerfully cleave to their covenants. When covenants are kept, families are strengthened. Finally, we felt He would have us work in unity with the other auxiliaries and with our priesthood leaders, striving to seek out and help those in need to progress along the path. Focusing on these things helps prepare us for the blessings of eternal life.

“Recently, we have updated the Relief Society purpose wording to reflect the additional insights the Lord blessed us with.

“Relief Society helps prepare women for the blessings of eternal life (see Moses 1:39) as they increase faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement; strengthen individuals, families, and homes through ordinances and covenants; and work in unity to help those in need.”

“We hope you will study and focus on the purpose of Relief Society and come to understand the divine identity and eternal work and purpose that each sister in Relief Society has. How does understanding this purpose bring hope and meaning into your daily life and actions?”

The updated Relief Society purpose poster and bookmark are now available online and through Church Distribution centers.

• Learn about the purpose of the Relief Society.
• Purpose of Relief Society in Handbook 2.
• “Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?” By Linda K. Burton, General Conference, October 2012
• Download the Relief Society bookmark and poster. Order printed copies of the bookmark and poster.

Relief Society General Presidency: Linda K. Burton (center), Carole M. Stephens (left), and Linda S. Reeves (right)