Church News

For the fourth consecutive year, the Church's Utah Area will host young single adults for a multiday conference. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, attendees will learn from general Church leaders, participate in service projects and build friendships with others. On this episode of the Church News podcast, 2026 Utah YSA Conference co-chairs Zach Sutton and Shelby Hurst talk with Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen about their preparation to host thousands from around the world at the Church's largest annual gathering of young single adults. "The YSA conference has a very special spirit about it," Sutton says in the podcast. "I'm just so grateful that we can be able to help to organize that kind of thing. ... When we go to this YSA conference, what better place for [Heavenly Father] to direct paths?"

In 2027, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will study the New Testament for “ Come, Follow Me ” at home and church.  The New Testament includes Jesus Christ's birth, life and teachings; His Atonement, Crucifixion and Resurrection; and the teachings of His apostles. The manual is now available on the Church’s website and in the Gospel Library app.  Donny Anderson, an institute teacher at the Logan Institute of Religion in Logan, Utah, joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to talk about the themes, structure and language of the New Testament in preparation for next year’s study.  

In the April 2026 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members of the Church sustained a new Primary general presidency to begin their service on Aug. 1. The current Primary general presidency has served together since 2022 and will conclude its service on July 31. On this episode of the Church News podcast, President Susan H. Porter and her counselors, Sister Amy A. Wright and Sister Tracy Y. Browning , talk with Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen about their observations of children around the world who are learning the gospel of Jesus Christ at home and in church settings. “We have tried to drink so deeply from the Savior's example in 3 Nephi,” President Porter said in the interview. “When He gathered children so often around Him, and He prayed for them, and He called down angels, and He invited them, He loosed their tongues, invited them to share.” The three members of the Primary general presidency recall favorite moments from their time serving together and the ways their own testimonies of the Savior grew through fulfilling a calling that President Porter described as initially being “overwhelming” but became a blessing in each of their lives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?”

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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. 

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.

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.

  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. 

E ight 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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.  

Although professional basketball player Parker Van Dyke has worn jerseys for the Salt Lake City Stars and Austin Spurs, he sees his first identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Parker currently plays for the NBA G League and broadcasts high school games. He’s also played professionally in Europe, after starting for the University of Utah Utes and serving a full-time mission in the Alabama Birmingham Mission. Through all this, Van Dyke’s advice to others is to be builders — both on a team and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He joins Church News reporter Mary Richards in the meetinghouse gym where he grew up playing in Salt Lake City.

RootsTech , a three-day global family history event, is scheduled for March 5-7. The gathering will reach a worldwide audience online while also featuring an in-person experience in Salt Lake City. This year’s theme is " Together ," and organizers hope to empower attendees to uncover their family history and make new, meaningful connections. The lineup for 2026 includes Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as other keynote speakers, hundreds of classes and new technologies. In this episode, Jonathan Wing , director of events for FamilySearch International , joins Church News editor Ryan Jensen to preview RootsTech 2026 and discuss how family history can help individuals and families draw closer to the Savior, Jesus Christ.