Church News

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  Preparing for the Salt Lake Temple Celebration 21.07.2026 49min

  What took the pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 40 years to complete the first time has now taken six years to renovate and revitalize. The Salt Lake Temple is almost ready to host the world at an open house that leaders are calling a full celebration. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Elder Brent H. Nielson, an emeritus General Authority Seventy, and Richard Sutton from the Church’s Temple Department, join guest host Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency. The three discuss the unparalleled nature of the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration and the many opportunities it provides for individuals to learn about the historic and holy structure and its purpose in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation.
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  Connecting with Jesus Christ through Church historic sites 14.07.2026 40min

  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains a network of free museums, sites, monuments and markers for members and friends of the Church to interact with virtually or in person. These places show the events of the Restoration and the stories of Latter-day Saints who sacrificed to build the kingdom of God. The process of restoring, preserving, operating and sharing the Church historic sites includes making improvements and finding new ways to reach global audiences. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Jacob W. Olmstead and Benedicte Dansie with the Church History Department join Church News reporter Mary Richards to discuss how Church historic sites help visitors not only see the Church’s heritage and history but also connect with the Savior, Jesus Christ.
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  Historian Spencer W. McBride on U.S. history, Church history and religious freedom 07.07.2026 32min

  With the 250th anniversary of the United States this year, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have invited members to learn more about moral agency and how the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence support religious liberty. These founding documents helped enable the Restoration of the Church, which now spreads throughout the world. Historian Spencer W. McBride with the Church History Department joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to talk about the American Revolution, religious freedom and God’s hand in history.
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  The significance of America250 30.06.2026 26min

  In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the opportunity to study the country’s inspired founding documents and participate in commemorative and celebratory efforts. With May’s fifth-Sunday lesson, July’s fast for religious liberty and other events, the First Presidency has invited all to remember “religious freedom and our God-given agency.” Ensign College professors Kurt Fertig and Joseph Kerry join Church News reporter Mary Richards on this episode to discuss the significance of America250.
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  Three podcast hosts reflect on the journey to 300 episodes 23.06.2026 34min

  In commemoration of the 300th episode of the Church News podcast, three of the hosts come together to reflect on this milestone. Sarah Jane Weaver, former editor of the Church News and current editor of the Deseret News; Church News editor Ryan Jensen and Church News reporter Mary Richards talk about the beginning of the podcast in 2020 to where it is now.They share experiences interviewing guests and covering the ongoing Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including what they have seen and felt over the years and answering the question, “What do I know now?”
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  Responsible and principled use of AI 16.06.2026 33min

  In recent years, artificial intelligence has moved from being a concept illustrated in science fiction books and movies to being something that many individuals use on a daily basis. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has spoken about AI to Church members, to politicians, to business leaders and to others. And he has done so in the United States, Italy, Turkey and Greece, among other locations.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published a video on Sunday, June 7, featuring Elder Gong teaching how to hear God’s voice in an age of AI.  On this episode of the Church News podcast, Deseret News reporter Tad Walch joins Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen to talk about AI and principles he has learned while covering Elder Gong. “I've dived into AI closely with one Apostle, and it's remarkable to see the knowledge that he has about AI, the deep understanding of the technology, and also the ability to provide direction around faith to help people use AI in an ethical and appropriate way so that they can continue to be faithful members of Christ's kingdom,” Walch said. 
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  Examining religious activity data with Justin Dyer 09.06.2026 35min

  During the April 2026 general conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported 385,490 individuals were baptized in 2025. That historic number increased the Church’s total membership to 17,887,212, according to the annual statistical report. Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called the increase in baptisms “remarkable.” He also noted that those new members are attending sacrament meeting at higher rates than in the past, as well. A new report co-authored by Brigham Young University professor of religious education and BYU Studies editor-in-chief Justin Dyer and four other colleagues at BYU Studies, highlights data showing that members of the Church demonstrate the highest religious activity in America. “What we find in the research is that it’s that religiosity — it’s that connecting with the divine — that really makes the big differences in our lives,” Dyer said. Dyer, who has been a guest on the Church News podcast before, joins Church News editor Ryan Jensen on this podcast episode to discuss what he sees in this data and what it means for Church members.
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  Sculpting a testimony with Michael Hall 02.06.2026 51min

  Millions of individuals visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City each year. Many are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many others come from around the world to see the 10-acre site of the Salt Lake Temple and other parts of the site that is headquarters to the global Church. The Salt Lake Temple has been undergoing significant renovations since 2019 and is scheduled to host an open house and dedication in 2027. As the grounds around the temple have been refreshed, new sculptures that represent aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the life of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of Jesus Christ’s Church have been placed around the grounds. Two of those sculptures came from the dedicated work of sculptor Michael Hall. “It’s humbling,” Hall said. “How do you depict God? How do you depict God in a way that will help people to feel the Spirit?” Hall joins Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen to discuss the testimony-refining process of creating sculptures of the Savior’s mortal life and of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
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  New Sunday schedule to help build disciples of Jesus Christ 26.05.2026 47min

  Starting in September, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will again participate in three meetings on Sundays. After sacrament meeting, the second-hour will include two 25-minute blocks to ensure both Sunday School and then Relief Society, elders quorum and youth classes. These updates are meant to support members as they learn, worship and serve — both at home and at church, as they try to become more devout and lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.  Elder David P. Homer, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Church’s Priesthood and Family Department, joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to explain what to know about the changes and how to prepare.
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  Banana Ball players say the Lord helps them ‘keep coming up to the next at-bat’ 19.05.2026 26min

  Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints work in nearly every profession imaginable. Some, including the two guests on this episode of the Church News podcast are professional athletes. But Kaden Bowler and Bronson Balholm play in a unique league with equally unique rules in a spinoff of America’s pastime — Banana Ball.  Bowler grew up largely in northern Utah’s Cache Valley where he played high school baseball before serving a mission on the other side of the world in Cambodia. Balholm is from Southern California. He played baseball in college, including time at Arizona State University.  For Bowler, moving from the “darkest, loneliest time” of his life, to now being “super grateful for where I am,” was not an easy or predictable process. Balholm likewise had an unpredictable path that led to the two players meeting in Savannah, Georgia, where they attended the same young single adult branch.  “There are going to be ups and downs,” Balholm said. “But the Lord’s always going to be there. You always gotta keep coming up to the next at-bat.”  On this episode of the Church News podcast, Bowler and Balholm join Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen to describe how playing baseball, serving a mission and studying the scriptures has helped them develop faith in Jesus Christ.
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  ‘Beloved, familiar’ meetinghouse reopens after Southern California wildfire 12.05.2026 27min

  In January 2025, the Palisades Fire became one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, burning homes, neighborhoods, schools, businesses and places of worship.  Last month, the Pacific Palisades meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reopened in Southern California after more than a year of extensive renovation because of the fire. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Pacific Palisades Ward Bishop Taylor Mammen joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to share more of the recovery process and what it is like to meet again “in a beloved, familiar place where many sacred experiences have taken place.”
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  Elder Mark A. Bragg on how temple and family history unify families in Christ 05.05.2026 38min

  For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temple and family history go hand in hand with the Church’s mission of uniting families for eternity. As new temples are announced, built and dedicated around the world, more members than ever have access to do this sacred work for themselves and their ancestors. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Elder Mark A. Bragg, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Family History Department and FamilySearch International, joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to discuss how tools, resources and growing interest are helping connect families on both sides of the veil. Elder Bragg reminds listeners that Latter-day Saints are promised greater blessings, understanding and a bolstered testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement as they gather family names to bring to the house of the Lord.  The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by Rex Warner. 
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  The global and individual impact of caring for those in need in 2025 28.04.2026 33min

  The Caring for Those in Need 2025 report shows that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints exceeded the previous year's record, spending $1.58 billion to help those in need. The Church’s efforts to care include both the work of the Church as an organization and the individual efforts of Latter-day Saints around the world. The summary highlights humanitarian aid, volunteer service and welfare and self-reliance efforts worldwide. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to talk about this important work. They discuss how members, as disciples of Jesus Christ, strive to follow His teaching to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen and Rex Warner.
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  Young Women general presidency celebrates new names for Young Women groups 24.04.2026 51min

  The First Presidency announced new names for Young Women age groups on Monday, April 20, and young women around the world reacted quickly to the news.As those young women learn about and begin to embrace the new names of Builders of Faith, Messengers of Hope, and Gatherers of Light, the Young Women general presidency of the Church rejoices with them.In this episode of the Church News podcast, special guest host Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News executive editor, speaks with Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and her counselors, Sister Tamara W. Runia and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus.Together, they discuss the doctrinal meaning behind each of the three names and the celebrations they hope will take place across the globe. They also explain the divine identity that these new names can help young women feel as they learn about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by Rex Warner.
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  The power of Primary music, with Sister Kathleen F. Kelly and Ryan Eggett 21.04.2026 42min

   President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taught, "The singing of hymns is one of the best ways to learn the doctrine of the restored gospel." As new songs are added to “Hymns for Home and Church,” including music written for Primary children, that teaching and testifying power is evident for people of all ages. In this episode of the Church News podcast, Sister Kathleen F. Kelly of the Primary general advisory council and Ryan Eggett, a music manager in the Church's Priesthood and Family Department, join Church News reporter Mary Richards. Together, they talk about the power of sacred music to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as strengthen and fortify testimony. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by Rex Warner. 
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  Get to know the new General Authority Seventies and Primary general presidency through their testimonies  14.04.2026 20min

  Eight General Authority Seventies and a new Primary general presidency were sustained at the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, April 4, 2026. On this episode of the Church News podcast, hosted by Church News editor Ryan Jensen, these new Church leaders share their testimonies of Jesus Christ, His restored Church and the blessings that come from obedience to His word. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by Rex Warner.
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  April 2026 general conference — Easter and a solemn assembly 07.04.2026 53min

  On April 4-5, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held its 196th Annual General Conference. The two days of general sessions began with a solemn assembly to sustain the new Prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, and a new First Presidency. This special conference edition of the Church News podcast, hosted by reporter Mary Richards, features excerpts from each of the conference addresses and covers topics such as Easter and Christ's Resurrection, walking His covenant path and sustaining His called prophet on the earth today. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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  Sunday School general presidency helps individuals find the Savior and major themes in the Old Testament 31.03.2026 41min

  In 2026, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are studying the Old Testament and reading the words of prophets as they prepared for the first coming of the Messiah.President Paul V. Johnson, Brother Chad H Webb and Brother Gabriel W. Reid joined the Church News podcast to talk about the Old Testament and how members of the Church can study it more fully this year in life’s different scenarios.“The Lord says that ‘his mercies [are] according to the conditions of the children of men’ (Doctrine and Covenants 46:15),” President Johnson said. “He dealt with them according to the conditions that they were in. He deals with us according to the conditions we’re in.”President Johnson and his counselors share this and other observations from their time together as a presidency. They also say they hope members of the Church will better understand the role of counseling together both at church and at home as individuals study the scriptures together. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience.
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  How Passover, Easter and the sacrament bring hope and increase faith 24.03.2026 34min

  Since the Israelites' liberation from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, Jews have commemorated the Passover that spared their ancestors from death and marked a new beginning for their people.   Exodus 12 describes the Passover as an ordinance. When the Savior and His disciples participated in the Last Supper, Jesus transitioned parts of the Passover to become the sacrament. In a way, the sacrament ordinance of today is a tie to both the Last Supper and the original Passover.  In this episode of the Church News podcast, Matthew Grey, a professor of ancient scripture and coordinator of Ancient Near Eastern studies at Brigham Young University, speaks with Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen about the lessons that can be remembered during the Easter season from the Passover and the institution of the sacrament.  Grey shares how the sacrament helps demonstrate hope in the past, present and future, thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience.
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  Young adults 'part of something historic' as institute celebrates 100 years 17.03.2026 34min

  Around the world, young adults are finding community, discovering their divine identity and deepening their conversion to Jesus Christ by attending institute classes. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Institutes of Religion, an education program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Institute began in one building in 1926 near the University of Idaho and is now a worldwide program with more than 2,700 locations in more than 170 countries. Brother Chad H Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, said young adults can be "part of something historic" in this centennial year. He and Yaw Danso, an associate administrator for Seminaries and Institutes, join Church News reporter Mary Richards on this episode of the Church News podcast. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience.