Travel will be limited for general authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the church's general conference next month.

Area Presidencies and Area Authority Seventies throughout the world will not travel to Salt Lake City for the biannual conference in April as they have traditionally done.

"The pattern will allow Area Presidencies to remain closer to the church membership in their assigned areas, and will avoid problems caused by potential uncertainties," according to a church news release.

According to the Associated Press, the church does not want leaders in Salt Lake City at the same time when the possible war with Iraq could make it difficult for leaders to return to their service in foreign lands.

Keeping leaders in their areas will also allow leaders to further the extension of simplified leadership training.

Training will utilize technology similar to that used in January for the church's first-ever global priesthood leadership broadcast.

The new pattern will be evaluated after April's general conference.

In the past, the church closed the tabernacle and general conference to the general church membership during World War II.
Copyright Brigham Young University 13 Mar 2003