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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.


From a college classmate to persistent missionaries, Church members told their conversion stories at the dedication of the Davao Philippines Temple.

Born May 5, 1981, Sister Kristin M. Yee has served in the Relief Society general presidency since Aug. 1, 2022.

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Elder Mark A. Bragg discusses how tools, resources and growing interest in family history are helping connect families on both sides of the veil.

"Our combined efforts can bless many lives," said one stake presidency counselor about improving child nutrition both in member children and in the community.

"We know what is going to happen if we choose to follow the Savior. That should give us the greatest optimism in the world," Elder Dale G. Renlund said about the dedication of the fifth house of the Lord in the Philippines.

Get links to resources to prepare for the Sunday youth curriculum changes and participate in a weekly global reading experience.

The Davao Philippines Temple dedication is coming a few days after the 65th anniversary of the Church in the country.

The Sunday meeting schedule change will allow for Relief Society meetings that are more like discussions and counseling each week.

Blaine Maxfield, managing director of Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, speaks about the Caring for Those in Need 2025 report.

The forum emphasized the importance of strong families, religious freedom and interfaith cooperation.

Four young full-time missionaries were welcomed with "great joy and gratitude" as they returned to Burundi, in central Africa, after more than a year.

See how the new Young Women age-group names can help young women understand their place in God’s work and highlight their spiritual progression.

The third annual JustServe night at the Royals game honored the Kansas City Heroes nonprofit and brought many Latter-day Saints in the area to the ballpark.

See answers to questions about the new Young Women age-group names such as: What is changing and when? What are the differences between groups and classes? What about small wards or large wards?

Sacred music teaches the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as strengthens and fortifies testimony.

Latter-day Saints have a new chapel in Praia and received general conference interpreted in the creole language of Kabuverdianu for the first time.

Young Women age groups will now be known as Builders of Faith, Messengers of Hope and Gatherers of Light.

Patience Christenson is the committee chair of Porterville Celebrates Reading, which just marked 25 years in Porterville, California.

This donation strengthened the emergency medical services of a Catholic hospital in Yamoussoukro.

Ward members feel hope for the future after the rededication of building that suffered damage in January 2025's Palisades Fire.

Family, church and community can follow the Savior, who said "Behold your little ones."

A practice Missionary Training Center activity in Brambleton, Virginia, drew youth closer to Jesus Christ and increased their confidence to serve missions.

While in Salt Lake City, Paula White-Cain from the White House Faith Office saw Welfare Square and met Elder Gérald Caussé.

Sustained during April 2026 general conference, the incoming Primary general presidency will step into their roles on Aug. 1. Learn more about them here.

The Friend to Friend broadcast on May 24, 2026, will feature Elder Gerrit W. Gong and will teach about prophets.

This episode features excerpts from each general conference address.

President Oaks, Elder Cook, Elder Andersen, Elder Gilbert and others spoke about marriage, eternal families and the sealing power.

“Celebrate the joyous message of Easter every day by reflecting every day on the blessings you receive because of Him,” said Elder Dale G. Renlund.

President Chibota, Sister Garfield and Sister Collins will begin their service on Aug. 1.

“Not only does the Savior know you, but He also wants you to come to know Him and His Father,” said Elder Clement M. Matswagothata.