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Mary Richards
Mary Richards

Mary Richards is a reporter for the Church News. Before that, she was a morning reporter/anchor for KSL NewsRadio in Salt Lake City. She graduated from BYU with a degree in journalism, and she and her husband have five children. Email her at mrichards@deseret.com.


President Emily Belle Freeman and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus reiterated President Dallin H. Oaks’ teachings from his BYU devotional.

Two students’ examples show the worldwide impact of giving time, talents, funds or testimony to Church higher education.

More wellness coordinators and male counselors are needed in the U.S. and Canada this summer.

Read how donations, self-reliance initiatives and service have blessed families and communities across the country.

“We wanted to be able to give back to the adults that have given us so much love and support,” said Magdalena Buckner, 16, one of the organizers.

Born Feb. 6, 1951, Elder Ronald A. Rasband has served as an Apostle since October 2015.

This is not just a principle, but a fundamental human right, explained Elder Vaiangina Sikahema of the Africa South Area presidency.

BYU–Pathway Worldwide's new vice president of advancement discusses the broader impact of Church initiatives and how it is all "One Work."

Words and music that Stephen Reynolds jotted down on his ward program later became a new hymn in the global hymnbook.

For the Strength of Youth conferences are transformational, testified Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes.

Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes and Young Woman General President Emily Belle Freeman shared Enoch’s story and other examples for youth.

A new English-speaking branch in Praia, Cape Verde, will meet the needs of immigrants to the Portuguese-speaking island country off the coast of West Africa.

Church News reporter Mary Richards writes about witnessing a moment when Elder Ronald A. Rasband turned back to the microphone to offer a blessing.

Members of the Primary general advisory council and ward Primary music leaders shared experiences of how to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ through music.

President D. Todd Christofferson has served as an Apostle since April 2008 and in the First Presidency since October 2025.

New guidance explains that wards should hold this meeting near the beginning of the year for the Primary Valiant 7 class, parents and Primary leaders.

Jill McAuley shares the lessons she has learned after being paralyzed in a car crash, and how her greatest identity is as a child of God.

In Part 3 of the Church News documentary "Harvest of Faith," see how for-profit farms and ranches with AgReserves in Brazil, Chile and the United States are nurturing people as well as crops.

In Part 2 of the Church News documentary “Harvest of Faith,” take a look inside Church welfare processing and distribution facilities across the United States.

President D. Todd Christofferson, President Emily Belle Freeman and President Timothy L. Farnes discussed the 2026 youth theme on the Church’s Jerusalem set in Goshen, Utah.

In Part 1 of the Church News documentary “Harvest of Faith,” peer through the lens of a year’s worth of experiences on Church welfare farms.

Women are invited to meet on or near March 17, to hear from Elder Quentin L. Cook and the Relief Society general presidency.

At the beginning of the year, Church members might feel a desire to become better at their ministering assignments. See articles and resources here.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is adjusting how sister missionaries serve at Temple Square to enhance the guest experience.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Switzerland will take part in a national day of mourning after a New Year's fire killed 40, injured more than 100.

Youth are invited to gather on or after Jan. 18, 2026, for a worldwide discussion featuring President D. Todd Christofferson, President Emily Belle Freeman and President Timothy L. Farnes.

Set apart Jan. 8, President Uchtdorf now serves in the position following President Holland’s death.

Donations in Uzbekistan, Bolivia, Ghana and Nauru are part of the Church’s efforts to care for those in need.

Born on Jan. 6, 1972, Sister Wright has served as first counselor in the Primary general presidency since August 2022.

A stake in Gilbert, Arizona, modeled Primary day camp after FSY conferences and saw the blessings for children, youth, young single adults and adults.