During the week of Dec. 24 to Dec. 30, Church News looked back at the year of 2023. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified of the “Work of God” in a new Church News video. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talked about the 200 millionth copy of the Book of Mormon being distributed.
Read what Church leaders have taught, promised and testified about the Book of Mormon and sharing the Book of Mormon app. Take a look at temple news for 2023. The Young Women and Young Men general presidents talk about the 2024 youth theme.
Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman’s ministry included attendance at 1st-ever FSY conference in Fiji. Church News executive editor Sarah Jane Weaver wrote about what she learned from President Russell M. Nelson about accepting prophetic invitations and the Book of Mormon. Listen to a review of 2023 on the Church News podcast with Deseret News editors Doug Wilks and Hal Boyd.
1. 2023 in review: A look back on Church events this year
As the year comes to a close, it is an opportunity to reflect on what has happened in the Church in the last 12 months.
In 2023 the Church dedicated 11 temples and announced 36 new missions. Leaders also ordained a new Apostle. Also in 2023 Church members mourned the loss of President M. Russell Ballard and the wives of a First Presidency counselor and two Apostles.
Here is a brief look back at the news of the Church in 2023
Read the full article here.
2. Video: Elder Uchtdorf testifies of the ‘Work of God’ — ‘I know that ... He is there for me’
Elder Uchtdorf shares his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this Church News video, titled “Work of God.”
Watch the video here.
3. Church distributes 200 millionth copy of the Book of Mormon
More than 200 million copies of the Book of Mormon have now entered the hands of individuals worldwide seeking to know more about Jesus Christ and His role in their lives.
Elder Renlund said the increasing distribution of the Book of Mormon is a fulfillment of prophecy and a sign that Heavenly Father is hastening the work of gathering scattered Israel.
Read the full article here.
4. What Church leaders have taught, promised and testified about the Book of Mormon
This year, Latter-day Saints across the globe have the opportunity to study the Book for Mormon as individuals and families and in Primary and Sunday School classes for “Come, Follow Me.” Church leaders have shared invitations, promises and testimonies about this “precious” book of scripture.
The Book of Mormon app makes it easier to use and share this sacred volume of scriptures digitally.
Read the full article about what Church leaders have said about the Book of Mormon here.
Read the full article about sharing the Book of Mormon app and what Church leaders have said about it here.
5. A look at temples in 2023
In a three-part series the Church News looks at what happened with temples during 2023.
Read part one here.
Read part two here.
6. 2024 youth theme: What being a disciple of Christ means to Young Women and Young Men general presidents
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
For Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman, it’s comparable to having the courage to perform on a stage in front of others.
For Young Men General President Steven J. Lund, being a disciple of Christ means knowing the Savior and your life’s purpose.
Read the full article here.
7. President Freeman ministry includes attendance at 1st-ever FSY conference in Fiji
In speaking to roughly 900 youth ages 14 to 18 gathered at the University of South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman noted they all had something in common:
“This is my first FSY since I was called as the Young Women general president, and this is your first FSY in Fiji,” said President Freeman, who began her service in August 2023.
Read the full article here.
8. Sarah Jane Weaver: What I learned from President Nelson about accepting prophetic invitations and the Book of Mormon
President Nelson invited us to ponder three questions: ‘What would your life be like without the Book of Mormon? What would you not know? What would you not have?’
Read the full article here.
9. Podcast episode 168: Recounting significant Latter-day Saint news of 2023 with Deseret News editors Doug Wilks and Hal Boyd
At the conclusion of 2023 — a remarkable year for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Doug Wilks, Deseret News executive editor, and Hal Boyd, Deseret News editor and executive editor of Deseret Magazine, join the Church News podcast to discuss the news of the Church and how it intersected with national, local and government news this year.
