Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society

By Julie B. Beck - General Relief Society President

Relief Society was established by the Lord to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare for the blessings of eternal life.

Through Relief Society, women have an official role in the church with great responsibilities, "including working in the temple and teaching the gospel." Relief Society is to help women "plant and make grow...a testimony of Jesus Christ and of the Gospel," "strengthen the family and the home," and "attend to all family duties." It has responsibility to take care of the "necessities of the poor, the sick and the needy," but President Joseph F. Smith said that the larger part of its work is "to look after the spiritual welfare [and salvation]...of all the female members of the Church."

President Spencer W. Kimball stated the aim of Relief Society is to support the women of the Church in their individual responsibilities by ensuring that every meeting, every lesson, and every activity we undertake helps them increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen their families and their homes, and serve the Lord and His children.