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Joel Randall
Joel Randall

Joel Randall is a reporter with the Church News. He has worked as a writing/editing intern with the Liahona magazine, as assistant copy editor at the BYU–Idaho Scroll newspaper and as a freelance copy editor. Joel is the author of the self-published book "Study, Sleep, Repeat: 130 Tips to Schedule Your College Life." He was born in Arizona and graduated from Brigham Young University–Idaho with a degree in communication. Joel served a mission in the Peru Arequipa Mission from 2017 to 2019.


The First Presidency has announced the closure of the existing Anchorage Alaska Temple structure before the relocated structure is dedicated in summer 2027.

“Construction of a temple blesses … the entire surrounding community and society,” said Elder Ronald M. Barcellos at the first of six August groundbreakings.

Read about the first same-year, same-month and same-day groundbreakings, along with which months saw ground broken for multiple temples.

Primary General President Susan H. Porter, Sister Amy A. Wright and Sister Tracy Y. Browning recall the ways their testimonies of the Savior grew.

The new pieces in Salt Lake City depict the Savior declaring He’s the Messiah, ordaining apostles and appearing to Mary Magdalene after His Resurrection.

This house of the Lord in Colorado’s second-largest city will become the fourth in the state.

The Nov. 22 dedication of the Torreón Mexico Temple will follow the dedication of the San Luis Potosí Mexico Temple three weeks prior.

Three General Authority Seventies, two general officers and two art studio directors will speak to Utah young adults about gathering “Together in Christ.”

From selfie stations to faith-building exhibits to a virtual tour, here’s what Salt Lake Temple Celebration visitors can expect April to October 2027.

Elder Brent H. Nielson, Richard Sutton and Sheri Dew discuss the unparalleled nature of the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration and this house of the Lord's purpose in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation.

The October ceremony will be the fourth temple groundbreaking in Brazil this year.

Jacob W. Olmstead and Benedicte Dansie of the Church History Department explain how historic sites allow members and friends to see Jesus Christ in the Church's heritage and history.

Here’s where houses of the Lord in Medellín, Colombia; Goiânia, Brazil; and Campo Grande, Brazil, will be constructed.

Here’s a first look at the final house of the Lord announced by the late President Russell M. Nelson.

"We see the way that God works in the big moments. We see the way that He works in the subtle changes of our lives. He’s there."

The August groundbreaking will be presided over by Elder Hutch U. Fale.

Commemorating the country’s 250th birthday, Elder Rasband says that “this promised land is a stepping stone to life eternal ... if we live faithfully” in a new Church News video.

See quotes, summaries, videos and other resources on conference messages to help “study and ponder them prayerfully and to act in faith on the principles they explain.”

In a Church News video titled “The Temple Is Set Free,” construction workers and engineers explain recently completed seismic renovations.

Also, carpet was installed in the celestial room, and chandeliers now hang above the east baptismal font and other areas.

Ensign College professors Kurt Fertig and Joseph Kerry discuss the First Presidency’s invitation to remember "religious freedom and our God-given agency."

See resources for Elder Quentin L. Cook’s April 2026 general conference message to enrich gospel learning individually and in the home.

“This promised land is a stepping stone to life eternal, to the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ — if we live faithfully,” said Elder Ronald A. Rasband at a Patriotic Service in Provo, Utah.

“We have a singular opportunity to help the world rejoice in Christ,” said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Hosts Sarah Jane Weaver, Ryan Jensen and Mary Richards talk about the beginning of the podcast in 2020 to where it is now.

Submissions are open until Tuesday, June 30, to write a brief testimony of the Savior and His light.

See resources for Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong’s April 2026 general conference message to enrich gospel learning individually and in the home.

Also, a rendering and site map were released for the Victoria British Columbia Temple.

Elder Ulisses Soares and other Church leaders thanked fathers and father figures who “strive to nurture their families in love, faith and righteousness.”

Gospel teaching should be centered on Heavenly Father and His plan, on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and on the Restoration of the gospel, said Elder Bednar.