How I Lead as Stake Relief Society President in Switzerland | An Interview with Christiane Lauener

Christiane Lauener was born and raised in Switzerland to a Canadian
mother and a Swiss father—both the only converts in their families.
She has served as a ward Relief Society president, in Primary and
Young Women presidencies, Sunday School, public relations, and
probably every other calling a woman can have. She is currently
serving as the stake Relief Society president for the second time.
Christiane served in the Canada Winnipeg mission and later earned a
bachelors degree in English Literature. She is married and the
mother of four grown sons, including one with severe disabilities,
and works as an assistant to a patent engineer. A recurring
highlight is her weekly visit to the temple, and she counts her
faithfulness to God and His to her as the greatest blessing in
life. Links There is already a discussion started about this
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Library Highlights 02:30 Christiane shares her background and what
the church is like in Switzerland. Navigating church with multiple
languages. 07:10 Christiane was surprised to be called a second
time to be stake Relief Society president. She shares her
leadership experience. 09:00 Visiting the wards in her stake and
how they do meetings as a stake 11:15 What are the main concerns of
Relief Society presidents right now? 14:50 One of the most
important principles for Christiane is personal conversion. 19:40
Stepping up and speaking in stake council. Christiane has been bold
in sharing her ideas but they aren’t always well received. However,
she keeps going and keeps speaking up. 23:00 Women need to be more
seen in our wards and stakes. There is conflict over women leaders
sitting on the stand. It’s important for not only the women to be
seen but so that they can also see the ward and who might be
struggling. Also having young women contribute in sacrament
meeting. 27:20 There seems to be more balance seeing men and women
serve in the temple than in our Sunday meetings. People visiting
our church aren’t seeing the women and probably don’t know that
there is a whole organization for the women in our church. 29:30
Switzerland is the motor of Europe. For many years Switzerland had
the only temple in Europe. Many of the members of Switzerland
emigrated to the US and the growth of the Church there has been
slower. 33:30 Do members understand the depth of the changes that
President Nelson has made since becoming prophet? The importance of
the work of the family and home. 36:15 Christiane shares the people
and books that have changed her and inspired her life. 38:45 What
motherhood and leadership have taught Christiane and made her a
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