Emily Belle Freeman

Emily Belle Freeman
16th Young Women General President
August 1, 2023 (2023-08-01)
Called byRussell M. Nelson
PredecessorBonnie H. Cordon
Personal details
BornEmily Belle Oswald
(1969-12-31) December 31, 1969 (age 54)
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Educationstudent
Alma materBrigham Young University, University of Utah
Spouse(s)
Gregory Garth Freeman
​
​
(m. 1989)​
ParentsMcKinley McVichie Oswald and Leslie James Oswald
WebsiteEmily Belle Freeman

Emily Belle Freeman (born December 31, 1969) has been the sixteenth Young Women general president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) since August 2023.

Early life and career

Freeman was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to McKinley McVichie Oswald and Leslie James Oswald and grew up in Sandy, Utah. She attended Brigham Young University, and later the University of Utah.

Freeman is the author of over twenty published books, including the bestselling "The Ten Virgins". She has also spoken at a variety of conferences, workshops and gatherings. She taught for many years in the Church Educational System.[1][2]

In 2022, Utah Valley Magazine named Freeman "Person of the Year" for her approach to connection amidst challenges.[3]

LDS Church service

Freeman previously served as the president of both the Young Women and Relief Society organizations in her local ward.[1]

A new Young Women general presidency was announced on April 1, 2023, during the church's general conference. On August 1, Freeman, along with her counselors, Tamara W. Runia and Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, replaced Bonnie H. Cordon, Michelle D. Craig, and Becky Craven.[4]

As of December 2024, Freeman has spoken twice in general conference. An October 2023 address was entitled "Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ" and her October 2024 talk was entitled "Live Up to Your Privileges."[5][6]

Personal life

Freeman married Gregory Garth Freeman in the Los Angeles California Temple on December 19, 1989. They are the parents of five children.[1]

Publications

  • Emily Belle Freeman (2020). Grace Where You Are (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book) ISBN 9781629727271
  • —— (2017). Even This: Getting to the Place Where You Can Trust God With Anything (Salt Lake City, Utah: Shadow Mountain Publishing) ISBN 9781629723389

References

  1. ^ a b c Richards, Mary. "President Emily Belle Freeman’s deep and abiding belief in Jesus Christ", 3 June, 2023. Retrieved on 2 December 2024.
  2. ^ Rappleye, Christine. "Utah author Emily Belle Freeman shares 12 principles in 'The Christ-Centered Home: Inviting Jesus In'", 31 December, 2016. Retrieved on 2 December 2024.
  3. ^ Bennet, Jeanette. "Inklings of Solutions" p. 14, Utah Valley Magazine. January 2022. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  4. ^ Richards, Mary. "New Young Women general presidency begins service", Church News, Utah, 1 August 2023. Retrieved on 3 December 2024.
  5. ^ [1] "Live Up to Your Privileges"
  6. ^ [2] "Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ"
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints titles
Preceded by Young Women General President
August 1, 2023 - Current 		Succeeded by
Current