President Russell M. Nelson’s opening remarks brought hope and comfort by inspiring confidence in the gospel’s progress and announcing a surprising new policy.

Highlights from the session include a surprising announcement relating to tithing. President Nelson said, “During the past… months, a global pandemic, raging wildfires, and other natural disasters have turned our world upside down… I pray for all who are currently suffering”, before announcing that for the remainder of 2021, tithing would be reduced to 9%.

“It’s been a hard year for everyone and we hope this really helps our members have the flexibility they need in these turbulent times,” commented Elder Jeffery R. Holland. “However, we would like to invite members to use these additional funds to serve their brothers and sisters. In spite of what we all feel are our limitations and inadequacies—and we all have challenges—nevertheless, may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees.”

Caren Walker, a local primary teacher, was not thrilled by the announcement. “How am I supposed to have an object lesson now? Getting 5-year-olds to make a pile of nine coins is hard enough, they’re never going to figure out nine and one-tenth coins.”

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf was also reached out to for comment but was unavailable due to a prior engagement flying the airplane delivering the church’s contribution of 100,000 copies of the Pearl of Great Price for the next round of stimulus.