Gérald Caussé

The authorized account for Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

How is it that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we know where we came from, why we are on earth, and where we are going after this life?

I was asked this once and I thought it was a wonderful question.

The knowledge of God’s plan of salvation and exaltation is one of the truths restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

It is a gift of direction, hope, purpose, and understanding in our lives.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

Do you realize that your testimony of Jesus Christ can literally change lives—your own and the lives of others?

I invite you to look each day for opportunities, as prompted by the Holy Ghost, to bear witness of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel—even if only for a minute or two.

A brief and sincere expression of faith can make a profound difference—whether at home with your family, in testimony meetings, in ministering visits and missionary lessons, on social media, or in simple, everyday interactions with others.

Imagine what could happen if all of us—millions of disciples of Jesus Christ—consistently shared our testimonies. Countless lives would be blessed, faith would grow, and the love of Christ would spread more abundantly throughout the world.

#GeneralConference

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

Years ago, I received a letter from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints asking me to deliver a general conference address. Thinking this might happen, I prepared a talk on a topic I was eager to share with Church members. To my surprise, I found in that letter that a topic had already been assigned to me. The topic was “The Atonement of Jesus Christ as Taught in the Book of Mormon."

What followed were weeks filled with prayers and studies, and my testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement increased like never before.

Understanding the meaning of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives is a magnificent and priceless gift. It helps us remember that, through Him, there is always hope.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

Making crêpes is a cherished tradition in our family. Valérie and I enjoyed sharing this simple tradition, and others, with these wonderful young disciples of Jesus Christ.

Families are not always perfect, but they are central in God’s plan. Heavenly Father wants our eternal happiness, and that happiness is best achieved as we live as eternal families and support one another.

View the full "Friend to Friend" broadcast here: https://t.co/m67yCSm0zf

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

I am so grateful to know that I can have a personal relationship with God. He knows us. He is interested in us. He loves us. This fundamental truth has been a great blessing in my life.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

Recently, after a stake conference, a sister approached me and said, “Thank you so much for coming!”

I replied jokingly, “But you know… I didn’t choose to come—I was assigned!”

She looked at me thoughtfully and, choosing her words carefully, said, “Elder Caussé, we always get to choose.”

She was right.

Her response helped me realize that the real reason I was in her city that weekend was not simply because I had been assigned…

…but because I had personally chosen to dedicate myself to the Lord—to go wherever He wants me to go.

It matters little where we serve or which position or responsibility we hold. What truly matters is our deliberate choice to follow the Savior—or rather, to be chosen by Him.

We make this choice as we enter into sacred covenants, such as baptism and temple ordinances. And it is our faithfulness to these covenants—not the callings or positions we hold—that shapes our eternal blessings.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

This week, Valérie and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.

It feels like just yesterday that we first met.

I can still remember the excitement and sweet feelings we shared as we began dating. Very quickly, we knew we were meant for one another—not just for this life, but for all eternity.

From the beginning, nothing brought us more joy than simply being together. We cherished every moment.

I remember one day in particular—we had nothing planned, nowhere to be, and chose to do nothing at all, quietly hoping time might slow down.

Today, that memory makes me smile.

How tender—and a little ironic—it seems now that we once wished time would slow, when an eternity together awaited us.

This mortal life is a precious moment of eternity—a time to learn, to grow, and to prepare to live with our Heavenly Father as eternal families.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with all those affected by the devastating wildfires in France and Spain. Having lived much of my life in one of the hardest-hit regions of France, the destruction caused by these fires is deeply personal to me and to many members of my family.

We pray for the families who have suffered loss, for those who have been displaced, and for the courageous first responders who continue to serve with remarkable faith and selflessness.

Some of our chapels have been opened to those affected by the fires, providing shelter, food, essential supplies, and compassionate support to those in need.

In moments of uncertainty and sorrow, I know we can find peace in the assurance that our loving Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us. He knows our individual needs as well as our collective burdens. As we turn to Him, the Holy Spirit can comfort our hearts and help us feel the Savior's sustaining love and power through even the most difficult days.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

Last year, my wife Valérie and I had the opportunity to spend a few unforgettable days hiking the breathtaking trails of the Dolomites in northeastern Italy. It was a powerful reminder of the beauty and wonder of God’s creations.

There are few things more energizing than being immersed in nature while actively using our bodies.

Experiences like this deepen our gratitude toward our Heavenly Father—not only for the natural beauty around us but also for the incredible gift of our physical bodies.

One meaningful way we express that gratitude is by caring for all that God has entrusted to us: the earth, our own health, and the physical and emotional well-being of others.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

Some of you asked for the list of the 23 questions that were inserted at the end of Francine’s Book of Mormon. Here are the questions:

1) Does the Bible contain all the words of God? (2 Nephi 29 [pp. 131-133])
2) Who were the "other sheep" Jesus spoke of in John 10:16? (3 Nephi 15:13-24 [p. 538))
3) How can a person know that the Book of Mormon is true? Moron:-[p50])
4) How can the desire to believe develop into strong faith? (Alma 32 [pp. 350-354])
5) What is the purpose of human existence? (2 Nephi 2:25 [p. 70])
6) How can God be both just and merciful? (Alma 42 [pp. 379-382])
7) What happens to our spirit after we die? (Alma 40:11-14 [pp. 375-376])
8) How can a person transform personal weaknesses into personal strengths? (Ether 12:27 [p. 626])
9) What happened on the American continent when Jesus was born in Bethlehem? (3 Nephi1:15-21 p.502])
10) What happened on the American continent when the Savior was crucified in Jerusalem? (3 Nephi 8:5-23 [pp. 520-521)
11) What do we witness "unto the Father" when we are baptized? (2 Nephi 31:10-14 [p. 136])
12) Why was Jesus Christ baptized? (2 Nephi 31:4-9 [p. 135])
13) What exactly is the gospel of Jesus Christ? How does the Savior explain it? (3 Nephi 27:16-21 [p. 563])
14) Why was the Atonement of Jesus Christ necessary? (2 Nephi 9:4-14 [pp. 86-87]; Alma 34:8-17 [pp. 357-358)) 15) To what extent are people responsible for their choices and actions? (2 Nephi 9:25-27 [p. 89]; 2 Nephi 2:27 [p. 70]; Helaman 14:30-31
lp. 495])
16) Do little children need repentance and baptism? (Moroni 8:1-24 [pp. 644-646))
17) Does the Lord always protect the righteous from the wicked? (Alma 60:12-13 [p. 440])
18) How did a prophet who lived 600 years before Jesus Christ describe our day? (2 Nephi 28 [pp. 128-131])
19) What should we pray about? (Alma 34:17-28 [pp. 358-359])
20) Why should we not put off repentance until later? (Alma 34:30-41 [pp. 359-360])
21) What will our bodies be like at the resurrection? (Alma 40:23 [p. 377])
22) Are we saved by grace, by works, or by both? (2 Nephi 25:23 Ip. 119])
23) In a world with so many conflicting paths, how can a person judge what is right? (Moroni 10:3-5 [p. 650])

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

The conversion story of my mother-in-law reminds me of how grateful we should be for the restored truths that are unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

It was an absolute delight to join the Bella Voce Women’s Choir at the BYU–Idaho devotional yesterday, as they beautifully performed “On This Day of Joy and Gladness.”

Our time is truly a day of joy and gladness.

Never before has the gospel been preached so widely. Never have so many missionaries been called. Never have so many people been introduced to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and entered the waters of baptism. Never have so many nations opened their doors to the gospel message, nor so many temples been built across the earth.

My message to the 10,000 young adults gathered in the BYU–Idaho Center was simple:

“You are the children of the Restoration. Yours is the generation called to help lead this work forward.

With your faith, your creativity, and your devotion, you will move this work forward in ways we have never seen before.”

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are all united in faith and in our commitment to living the gospel. But unity does not mean uniformity. Our church congregations are like a beautiful mosaic—rich with diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences. 

I invite each of you to find and recognize your gifts so that you can use them to bless others and move the Lord’s work forward.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we bear witness of Him whenever we share His love with all around us—and help it take root in each person we meet.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

Today is Mother’s Day in France.

With children living on both sides of the Atlantic, our family has the blessing of celebrating Mother’s Day twice each year—a privilege certainly well deserved by my wife, Valérie.

One of our daughters once shared a touching testimony of how her mother’s example continues to guide her in her own role as a young mother. She said:

"Today, whenever I have a decision to make regarding my own children, I think about what my mother would do.

When I reflect on the joyful nature she has always had—and still has today—I simply want to be like her.

Her example has inspired me to create a happy home, just as she did, and to lead with love as she always has.

I find joy in raising my children because she often told me how much she loved being a mother.

Each Sunday, I feel a desire to attend church with my family because she passed on to me the joy she felt in taking us to church."

I feel deeply grateful for Valérie and for the happiness she brings into our lives.

May we all strive to create loving, Christ-centered homes—places where joy can flourish and where our children are inspired to cherish the gospel throughout their lives.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

During a church meetinghouse tour with city councilors many years ago, I was asked this very important question about the need for multiple priests in our congregations.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

The same way that a ten-dollar bill given to me was turned into something with priceless value, our life can be something of eternal value through the sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

When I received a calling from President Dallin H. Oaks to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, I felt overwhelmed with emotion and deeply aware of my own limitations.

After I accepted the call, President Oaks invited me to follow him into a room where my fellow Apostles were gathered. Then he asked me to share my testimony of Jesus Christ.

In that sacred moment, a passage of scripture came clearly to my mind from Doctrine and Covenants 68:

“Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me.”
I felt a powerful assurance of the Lord’s promise. As we bear witness of Him, He sustains us and stands with us.

Though I felt the weight of my calling, those words—"be of good cheer, and do not fear"—brought comfort and peace. I knew then, and I know now, that as we bear witness of the Savior, Jesus Christ, He will stand by us.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

I was grateful for the meaningful visits we had with government and religious leaders during our time in Indonesia. We were warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, Minister for Religious Affairs and the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta; Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia; and leaders of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia.

Each meeting was marked by a spirit of respect and sincere friendship. We spoke of the sacred responsibility we share to promote peace and build bridges of understanding among all of God’s children.

In his recent general conference address, President Dallin H. Oaks emphasized that “all mortals are beloved children of God” and the importance of expressing goodwill and love toward all, regardless of religious background or culture.

Though our beliefs and traditions may differ, we are united in our divine identity. Each of us is a child of a loving Heavenly Father. As we come to more fully understand this eternal truth, our hearts are drawn together in greater compassion, respect, and love.

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

The reorganization of a stake and the calling of a new stake presidency is a remarkable process in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We witnessed this last weekend as we reorganized a stake in the beautiful city of Singapore.

This process stands as a witness that the Lord is conducting His work through the power of revelation. This is true for Church administration, but it is also true in our daily lives. Each of us can seek the Spirit and be guided in our decisions to do the Lord’s will.