Elder Neil L. Andersen Speaks on Eternal Marriage Journey

Apostle emphasizes marriage as a sacred covenant and eternal process of becoming.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:04pm

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In his April 2026 general conference address, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the importance of eternal marriage as a sacred covenant and an eternal journey of spiritual development. He shared personal experiences and emphasized that eternal marriage is not a short-term experiment but a lifelong process of growing together and becoming who God desires.

Why it matters

Elder Andersen's message on eternal marriage reinforces core Latter-day Saint beliefs about the divine nature and eternal significance of the marriage covenant. As a senior Apostle, his teachings carry significant weight and influence within the Church, providing guidance and inspiration to members on this fundamental aspect of their faith.

The details

Elder Andersen spoke about the sealing power restored to the earth, which binds couples together for eternity. He shared a personal experience of kneeling across the temple altar with his wife Kathy, emphasizing that the sealing ordinance is a sacred bond with God. He taught that within this eternal marriage, couples can develop the divine attributes of Christ. However, he acknowledged that perfection in marriage will not be achieved in this life, and there are times that require 'a stellar dose of patience.' In these challenging moments, he counseled to 'keep your hope in each other and in Jesus Christ' and focus on the glorious eternal destination.

  • Elder Andersen spoke during the Sunday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 5, 2026.
  • The conference was held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

The players

Elder Neil L. Andersen

A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Kathy Andersen

Elder Andersen's wife, with whom he shared a personal experience of being sealed in the temple.

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What they’re saying

“In my 74 years, there are only a few experiences where nearly every emotion and feeling are solidly cemented in my conscious mind. One of the most poignant is as I knelt across the altar from Kathy in a holy temple of God.”

— Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“We anticipate our marriage with faith and confidence because we conscientiously prepare for the covenants we make in the house of the Lord.”

— Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“While embracing the happiness and sorrows of life's experiences, we etch our covenants indelibly upon our souls, and we keep our eyes focused heavenward toward the glorious destination awaiting us.”

— Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“As we increase our love for the Savior, our love for each other grows.”

— Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The takeaway

Elder Andersen's message emphasizes the eternal and sacred nature of the marriage covenant, providing Latter-day Saints with guidance and inspiration on this fundamental aspect of their faith. His teachings underscore the importance of preparing for and embracing the lifelong journey of eternal marriage, even through its challenges, as a path to spiritual growth and becoming who God desires.