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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.


"His desire to create a song was to express his testimony, as a special witness of the Savior, with the added power of music," composer Michael F. Moody said of President James E. Faust.

The Church's General Handbook says Young Women class presidencies can organize youth to minister by welcoming visitors and members as they enter the chapel.

Born Nov. 6, 1940, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has been an Apostle since 2004.

This year's First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional will be a recorded broadcast on Sunday, Dec. 7. Find out how to watch.

While in Nairobi, Kenya, Elder Ronald A. Rasband met again with the founder of a children's organization and with South Sudanese refugees whom he had invited previously to serve missions.

The children’s song in the new hymnbook "was a contribution that I could make to the Lord even if nobody else saw it," Kenneth S. Schank said.

Performances will include arrangements of new and old hymns during "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise" on Nov. 15.

Learn the story behind the writing and meaning of the new children's song in "Hymns — For Home and Church" by Merrijane Rice and Jennette Jay Booth.

Wendy Lynn Platt hopes her sacrament hymn, written in 1997, can help people look more closely at the ordinance each week.

Find the 2026 youth theme logo, artwork, stickers and how to stream the 2026 youth music album "Walk With Me."

President Jeffrey R. Holland, President Emily Belle Freeman and President Timothy L. Farnes spoke to youth about how they can "doubt not, fear not" and take steps toward Jesus Christ.

Two Book of Mormon summaries also adjusted, with updates made on Gospel Library online and app.

President Emily Belle Freeman and Sister Tamara W. Runia answered questions about when and where youth can watch the upcoming worldwide event.

"It’s remarkable to watch this generation. There is something wonderful happening," said Brother Chad H Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency.

President D. Todd Christofferson bore witness of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in his first ministry after being named to the First Presidency.

President Dallin H. Oaks and Sister Kristen Oaks discuss temples, religious freedom, life experiences and more in these episodes of the Church News podcast.

Sister Amy A. Wright spoke to students and young single adults in New York about what they can do in the world.

Watch Church News videos with President Dallin H. Oaks, featuring his thoughts on religious freedom, the Philippines, women, temples and councils.

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, Sister J. Anette Dennis and Sister Tracy Y. Browning met with government representatives and Church members, trained and ministered one-on-one.

New First Presidency testifies that the Lord is leading The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Youth gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a five-day For the Strength of Youth conference to learn how to look unto Christ.

With President Dallin H. Oaks leading The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, this temple dedication marks the first time a house of the Lord has been dedicated during a period of apostolic interregnum since 1888.

Those involved with the open house shared how they have seen the house of the Lord touch individual lives.

President Russell M. Nelson chose to be happy, centering his life and family on the Savior, said his son and daughter at his funeral.

Thirty years after “The Family Proclamation,” President Dallin H. Oaks emphasized that "the family is central to the Creator's plan.”

‘The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family.’

“Our congregations and families can be gathering places where we cheer each other on,” said Sister J. Anette Dennis.

“Come worship the Son of God at His holy altars,” said Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi.

“We fulfill our divine role as children of a loving Heavenly Father as we strive to become peacemakers,” said Elder Gary E. Stevenson.

The latest version of the Church’s World Report includes President Russell M. Nelson’s death, plus other events in the last six months.