Montreal Hosts Historic Women's Meeting With Elder and Sister Renlund

On November 17, 2017, Elder Dale G. Renlund, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Ruth Lybbert Renlund, hosted a special women's meeting in Montreal. This was the first time an apostle of the Church has hosted a regional women’s meeting in Quebec. Nearly 800 women from across Quebec and the Ottawa region participated. Here are some of the participants’ thoughts on this historic meeting.

Lindsay Luc, director of public affairs for the Montreal Quebec Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stated, “I loved the women's meeting. It felt great to be surrounded by hundreds of women from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds that share my beliefs and love for Jesus Christ. It was such a positive meeting. I loved Elder Renlund's remarks on faith and hope. I found peace in Sister Renlund’s thoughts on how to gracefully and realistically manage the challenges modern women face.”

Eve Anabelle Saintonge, a psychoeducator and mother of two young daughters, commented that “Sister Renlund shared empowering words that testified to me of the importance of my personal faith through daily, private, personal acts of devotion and worship. She was a witness for me that my faith is important and of great influence for others.”

Nancy Landrigan, a university student, mother and grandmother, noted, “The past year has been a very rocky road for me, which has placed a huge burden on me physically, spiritually and emotionally. Coming into tonight’s women's meeting, I felt as though I was running on empty with nothing left to give myself or anyone else. However, after Elder and Sister Renlund’s words, I am reminded that I don’t need to take all these burdens on myself. I can give it to Christ, and He will lighten my load and carry me through it. Two words come to mind when I think of tonight’s meeting with my sisters: powerful and empowering. I went home with a new energy to face whatever lies ahead.”

As part of the meeting, Sister Renlund moderated a question-and-answer period. Heather Ruttan Ward, a designer and businesswoman, appreciated this discussion portion of the meeting and wrote, “I really loved their Christ-centred messages. I especially appreciated Sister Renlund’s insights on balancing Church commitments, family life and career, and Elder Renlund’s thoughts on how to explore doubts in a spiritually healthy way while feeling loved and supported.”

The event ended with the singing of a well-loved Mormon hymn, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Fatima Glowa, a cake designer and new grandmother, commented that “the music was such a powerful unifier. To be among 800 women singing in at least four different languages as one voice is something I will not soon forget.”

Janell Gehmlich, director of public affairs for the Montreal Quebec Mount Royal Stake of the Church, said, “I appreciated that Elder and Sister Renlund addressed the needs of women as individual daughters of God. They did not distinguish between married or not, mothers or not, old or young, but delivered universal messages that apply to all women in all circumstances.”