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In the News
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Scott Taylor

On the Deseret News staff since September 1984, Scott Taylor has been managing editor, opinion editor, sports editor, Olympic sports editor and an assistant city editor as well as a reporter/writer covering events and issues for the News, Sports, Olympics, Church News, Faith/Ethics, City and Utah County departments/sections. From 2011 to 2014, he took a leave of absence to serve as a Church mission president in Phoenix. A BYU graduate and Pulliam Fellow/intern at the Arizona Republic, he has reported from five continents with coverage from high school sports to five Olympic Games and from local city government and law enforcement agencies to relief efforts following the 2010 Haiti earthquake. He has received numerous local, state, regional and national journalism awards in news, sports, features, columns, headline writing and section supervision.

One of the rooms inside of a mobile clinic with medical equipment that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Global
Church’s relief assistance to Turkey, Syria quake victims passes $11 million
Latest relief aid includes food boxes — with items appropriate for the Muslim-observed Ramadan — and mobile health clinics.
A concrete slab is laid around the perimeter of the temple to create a clean and level working surface during the multiyear renovation of the temple in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 2023.
Temples
Temple Square renovation update: Salt Lake Temple’s estimated completion date amended to 2026
Unexpected challenges, setbacks move anticipated completion from previously announced 2025 date.
A rendering of the Feather River California Temple.
Temples
Dedication, open house dates set for Feather River California Temple
Elder Soares to preside at Oct. 8 dedication in Yuba City, California’s first temple dedication in nearly 17 years.
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Temples
Site released for 1 Central America temple; rendering published for 1 U.S. temple
Church announces location of the Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple, releases exterior rendering for the Tampa Florida Temple.
O Templo de Richmond Virgínia, revestido com pedra de calcário Moleanos e articulada com uma versão jeffersoniana de uma ordem dórica, encontrada na arquitetura grega e romana, está localizado perto de uma área arborizada da comunidade de Glen Allen, nos arredores de Richmond.
Temples
Take a look inside as the doors open to the Richmond Virginia Temple, Virginia’s first
Tours begin with the March 20 media day, as Church and project leaders talk about the temple’s design and purpose.
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Temples
1 year ago: First Presidency announced ‘gradual return’ to normal temple operations
The Church closed all temples worldwide in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then instituted a 4-phase plan to cautiously reopen them over the next 2 years.
Youth reach to shake — or even just simply touch ‚ the hand of Elder Neil L. Andersen.
Leaders & Ministry
How Elder Andersen’s ‘small life’ became enlarged through serving and repeatedly ministering in Brazil
Elder and Sister Andersen complete a 9-day ministry visit to Brazil, returning to the land and people they love and speaking to members, missionaries and government leaders.
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Temples
First Presidency identifies site for Cody Wyoming Temple
The temple will be the Church’s third house of the Lord in the western U.S. state.
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Temples
September dedication date set for Moses Lake Washington Temple — the third that day
Elder Cook will preside at the temple’s dedication, with an Aug. 4-19 open house planned.
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Members
Young elder serving in his native DR Congo dies from undetermined illness
The 26-year-old full-time missionary passed away in the hospital after feeling ill.
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Leaders & Ministry
How Elder Andersen’s testimony of the Savior brought comfort to state, city leaders in Brazil
At the heart of Elder Andersen’s interactions and the most powerful expressions were the Apostle’s teachings and testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ.
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Leaders & Ministry
A donation to feed children and an invitation for a temple tour, as Elder Andersen meets with Brazil’s first lady
Elder Andersen presents Book of Mormon, while Sister Andersen shares tender moments and expressions with Rosângela Lula da Silva.
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Temples
See the site location for the new Maceió Brazil Temple
The new site announcement is the latest milestone for Brazil’s total 18 temples — operating, scheduled for dedication, under construction or announced and in planning.
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Temples
Groundbreaking date set for the Montpelier Idaho Temple
First Presidency announces date for Idaho’s 9th temple, with Elder Ryan K. Olsen assigned to preside at the services.
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Living Faith
Scott Taylor: Why ‘dying testimonies’ is just one reason to avoid missionary slang
“Keep your language dignified and avoid using slang,” says the handbook “Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ.”
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Leaders & Ministry
‘I felt loved and embraced by the Savior’: Recife Saints welcome Elder Andersen in his ministry to Brazil
The Apostle and his wife embark on 9-day ministry with weekend meetings with members, leaders and missionaries.
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Global
Cyclones targeting Vanuatu: Missionaries safe, but temple groundbreaking rescheduled
State of emergency declared following severe tropical Cyclone Judy, with a second bearing down.
President Nelson waves as he walked into the at April 2022 general conference
Leaders & Ministry
First Presidency announces 193rd Annual General Conference, set for April 1-2
Individuals, families and friends invited to all five sessions, with in-person attendance again to be limited because of Temple Square construction.
President Nelson stands in the end of the tunnel and silhouetted against the Salt Lake Temple construction site.
Leaders & Ministry
10 invitations, promises and quotes on Christ, temples, covenants and ordinances from President Nelson
The list — from conference and devotional messages — is featured at the end of the 2023 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction.
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Leaders & Ministry
2023 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction offers council example, personal application
Elder Bednar, Elder Gong lead discussion with focus on sequences, being yoked to the Savior and personally relating to Lehi’s experience with the brass plates.
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Leaders & Ministry
President Ballard connects with ‘fellow missionaries’ at Provo MTC devotional
‘Apostles are missionaries, too — full time, until we die,’ says Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who focused on the Restoration and ‘Preach My Gospel.’
Site location map for the Vitória Brazil Temple.
Temples
First Presidency announces site location for Vitória Brazil Temple
The temple is one of 18 in Brazil that is operating, under construction or in planning and design.
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Members
Full-time missionary in Colombia in serious but stable condition after assault
Elder Maxwell Fish, 19, of San Antonio, Texas, was stabbed in the neck Friday, Feb. 24, in Popayán, Colombia.
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Living Faith
See the works of the 6 Visitors’ Choice Award winners from the 12th International Art Competition
The six — including one video entry — were among the 148 pieces on display since June 2022 at the Church History Museum.
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Leaders & Ministry
First Presidency’s directive for Easter Sunday: Sacrament meetings only, with a Christ-centered focus
“During the Easter season we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and share His gospel with others as we consider His life and mission.”
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Leaders & Ministry
Sister Browning ponders ‘preserve’ and what it means to one’s relationship with the Father and the Son
At BYU devotional, the counselor in the Primary general presidency poses questions to prompt listeners in their efforts of preserving reciprocal relationships.
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Temples
First Presidency announces 2 temples to be dedicated on the same day
Bentonville Arkansas Temple is that state’s first and Brasília Brazil Temple is 10th in that South America nation.
During sacrament meeting, a speaker stands in front of a congregation and gives a talk.
Living Faith
Scott Taylor: Seated for worship and finding a ‘comfort zone’
Some personal observations and reflections on congregations and locations when worshipping at church and in temples.
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Members
How to prepare for this year’s temple and family history leadership broadcast
“This is different than just passively sitting and watching a 35-minute presentation,” said Elder Kevin S. Hamilton.
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Global
How the Church of Jesus Christ is initiating relief efforts to aid quake victims in Turkey, Syria
The Europe Central Area Emergency Response Committee — organized in 2022 in response to the Ukraine conflict — is coordinating Church relief efforts.