Church News

Researchers provide genealogists and members guidelines for responsible AI use in family history

Carly Ludlow — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:30:00 +0000

In the “wilderness” of technological shifts and artificial intelligence, RootsTech 2026 participants were encouraged to follow clear guidelines for navigating its use.

The session titled “Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy in 2026,” on March 5, featured a panel of speakers from the Coalition for Responsible AI in Genealogy.

Lynn Broderick led the panel discussion, which is available on RootsTech.org. Broderick is a writer and researcher who focuses on family, community and social history and conducts research at the FamilySearch Library and university archives across the United States.

Broderick centered the discussion on five principles that guide responsible AI use: accuracy, disclosure, privacy, education and compliance.

“AI is truly a wilderness, not the Wild West,” said Broderick. “And we really do not know which direction we are going. So as we educate and consider these principles, we can maximize its benefits and minimize the risks.”

Accuracy

AI can generate false, biased or fabricated information. When conducting genealogical research, the panel emphasized verifying AI-generated information with other historical records and credible sources.

James Tanner, chairman of the board of directors of the Family History Guide Association, said AI can reflect the Dunning-Kruger effect — a cognitive bias in which individuals with limited knowledge overestimate their understanding.

Tanner said that once AI runs out of verifiable information, “it just simply starts trying to please people by telling them what it thinks they want to know.”

See more of Church News' coverage of RootsTech

The panel members suggested two ways to improve accuracy: learning how to properly prompt AI and applying personal judgment.

“You need to learn how to use the prompts and how to ask questions,” said David Ouimette, FamilySearch’s content strategy lead for Asia-Pacific. “That is the most important thing that will help you increase your accuracy.”

Ultimately, Tanner emphasized the need for human decision-making and agency.

“Make decisions based on your judgment, not on what AI is feeding you,” he said.

Disclosure

The principle of disclosure highlights the importance of transparency when using AI in research.

“Disclosure is all about trust,” said Ouimette. “When I think about disclosure, I think about transparency. Let’s just be completely open about what we are doing.”

Ouimette said acknowledging the use of AI helps others evaluate research that has been done and conclusions while maintaining credibility.

Privacy

Advances in technology allow information to be quickly stored in databases and servers, sometimes for unknown periods of time.

The privacy guideline encourages users to safeguard private information when using AI tools, as data exposure could lead to unintended public conversations.

Steve Little, AI program director for the National Genealogical Society, said users should ask two questions before uploading information into AI systems: how long the vendor stores the data and how it will be used.

“You have to educate yourself on the vendor you are using,” Little said. “If you are a new user, you don’t know the answer to those questions.”

Little referred to this concept as the “Water Cooler Rule.” Similar to workplace etiquette discouraging confidential conversations in public spaces, the rule warns against entering sensitive information into AI tools when storage and visibility are uncertain.

Katherine Borges, co-founder and director of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, said genealogists should be especially cautious when uploading DNA data.

“AI is the new shiny toy and we don’t want to upload match lists and the data of living people because once you do that, there’s no way to call it back,” she said.

Education

The panel members also emphasized the importance of educating the genealogy community about AI’s opportunities and risks.

“We want you to be curious,” said Broderick. “One of the things that is most important is to maintain your curiosity, but also with restraint.”

Broderick said AI tools can help people learn and understand how to use the technology effectively.

“As you become more educated, then you can help educate others and use it wisely,” she said.

Broderick suggested learning through university courses, social media resources or academic studies.

“Things are changing so fast,” she said. “You can take a class today and it will be different tomorrow.”

Borges added that although there is a lot to learn about AI, the effort will benefit genealogists in the long run.

“There is a lot to do in education, but there is a great payoff for it,” she said.

Compliance

The compliance guideline encourages members to follow contracts, terms of service, intellectual property laws and data privacy regulations when using or creating AI.

The principle also prompts users to consider who they are accountable to when using these tools.

“You need to comply with the organization’s rules and the law, but it’s still a wilderness,” Borges said.

As AI technology continues to evolve, staying informed and exercising caution will be crucial in ensuring that the integrity of genealogical research is maintained, the panel members concluded.

Tanner said: “In all cases we do not give up our agency in the way that we are dealing with AI. ... We want AI to be the servant and we want to be the principal.”

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In case you missed it: 2026 First Presidency Easter message published, Elder Cook ministers in Africa West Area

Jackie Asher, Carly Ludlow — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0000

During the week of Feb. 22 to 28, the 2026 First Presidency Easter message was published.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spent 10 days ministering to missionaries and Church members in the Church’s Africa West Area, and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified at BYU–Idaho of President Dallin H. Oaks’ prophetic mantle. Also, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed Church members and others at a district conference and met with a representative of the Romanian Orthodox Church while visiting Bucharest , Romania.

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performed the first of a series of concerts in Brazil on Feb. 25, with Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offering a welcome message. Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, spoke on the week’s Church News podcast episode about their family and testimonies.

The 2026 RootsTech Conference will begin in Salt Lake City later this week. Those wishing to attend the conference can attend either online or in person.

In temple news, ground was broken for the Fairview Texas Temple. Site maps and renderings of three temples in the Philippines were released, as well as a site map for the Rapid City South Dakota Temple. The Houston Texas South Temple was renamed, and a date was set for the groundbreaking of the Teresina Brazil Temple.

Twelve more songs were added to the “Hymns for Home and Church” hymnbook in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. 2026 First Presidency Easter message testifies of strengthened faith and testimony

The 2026 First Presidency Easter message testifies of Christ’s Resurrection and invites all to “seek this Jesus” (Ether 12:41).

Read the First Presidency Easter message here.

Read the 2025 First Presidency Easter message

Read the 2024 First Presidency Easter message

2. Elder Quentin L. Cook gives instruction and spiritual guidance in Africa West Area

Elder Cook spent 10 days in February in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and the Ivory Coast, where he provided spiritual guidance and training to local leaders and members; spoke at devotionals for missionaries, youth and young single adults; and bore witness of the Savior and His work.

3. Elder Andersen testifies ‘God has a Prophet upon the earth’

In a BYU–Idaho campus devotional, Elder Andersen added his witness to President Oaks’ teachings, especially those from a recent BYU devotional.

The Apostle promised: “Listening to President Oaks can lift our souls, but taking deliberate steps to follow his counsel can change our lives.”

4. Elder Renlund visits Romania: ‘I have great faith in the future of the Church here’

Elder Renlund spoke at a district conference in Bucharest, Romania, on Feb. 22, attended by Church members and representatives from government, faith and civic organizations. That afternoon, he met with a representative of the Romanian Orthodox Church to strengthen community and build trust.

5. Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra perform first ‘Songs of Hope’ concert in Brazil

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performed their first concert in Brazil in 45 years during their sixth stop on their “Songs of Hope” tour. Elder Soares, a native of Brazil, welcomed the audience of nearly 1,500 people.

6. Podcast Episode 282: Elder and Sister Gilbert on answering the Lord’s call

Just days after being called as the newest Apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Gilbert joined the Church News podcast with his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert. The couple spoke about how they have seen the Lord’s hand in their lives.

Listen to the podcast here.

Elder Gilbert says ‘Christ is always pointing you to something better’ as he accepts apostolic call

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

7. How to attend the 2026 RootsTech Conference

The 2026 RootsTech Conference will begin in Salt Lake City later this week. The global family history event will feature speakers including Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, National Football League Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP Steve Young, and Academy Award-winning actress and author Marlee Matlin.

Individuals wishing to attend the event can join either online or in person at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.

8. Ground broken for temple in north-central Texas

Ground was broken for the Fairview Texas Temple. The Fairview temple will be the third house of the Lord in Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area.

Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt, a General Authority Seventy and counselor in the Church’s United States Southwest Area presidency, presided over the ceremony and offered the dedicatory prayer on the site.

9. Temple news: 4 temple site maps released, new name for Houston Texas South Temple, groundbreaking date set for Teresina Brazil Temple

Renderings and site maps were released for three Philippines temples.

A location has been announced for South Dakota’s first house of the Lord. The temple will be located in Rapid City.

The Houston Texas South Temple of the Church has been renamed the Fort Bend Texas Temple.

A groundbreaking date for the Teresina Brazil Temple has been set. On Saturday, April 18, ground will be broken for this house of the Lord, presided over by Elder Ciro Schmeil, a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Church’s Brazil Area presidency.

See the three Philippines temple renderings here.

See the Rapid City South Dakota Temple site here.

10. Latest release of new hymns includes several to help with Old Testament ‘Come, Follow Me’ study

Twelve more songs were added to “Hymns for Home and Church” in the English, French, Portuguese and Spanish languages. The songs include several that have lyrics and related scriptures founded in the Old Testament, which is the subject of this year’s “Come, Follow Me” study.

Faith leaders tour Denver temple grounds in effort to build understanding

Carly Ludlow — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:09:49 +0000

In front of the Denver Colorado Temple, members of the Belonging Colorado Cohort gathered for their first look at the beliefs, customs and culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Dec. 5, 2025.

The Belonging Colorado Cohort was created by the University of Denver’s Iliff School of Theology to foster dialogue and collaboration among leaders from various faith traditions. The cohort includes 15 organizations, representing local Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Native American and nonaffiliated faith communities.

Each month, a different faith leader hosts the group, offering a tour of sacred spaces and sharing key aspects of their tradition.

Behka White, interfaith specialist for the Church in the Denver metropolitan area, said in a news release on the Church’s Colorado website that there was no better place to introduce members of the cohort to her faith than at the temple.

Elder Thaddeus M. Brown, an Area Seventy in the United States Central Area, and his wife, Sister Raylene Brown, attended the event, along with President Justin Matthews, president of the Aurora Colorado South Stake, and his wife, Gayla Matthews.

White and Heidi Staheli, communications director for the Church’s Denver North Communication Council, explained the purpose of temples around the world. They described temples as places of special worship and learning where sacred ordinances are performed, including eternal marriage and proxy baptisms for the dead.

The cohort toured the exterior of the temple and concluded in the annex building, which houses an 8-foot replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue that is open to the public.

The statue reminded Hamza Scheidigger of the Denver Islamic Society of a childhood visit to Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

“There was a statue of Jesus, similar to the one we saw in the temple tonight,” Scheidigger said in the news release. “My sister was looking at that statue, and tears were going down her face, and it made a very big impact on me. These are memories that were brought back to me today.”

After visiting the temple, the leaders traveled to the Littleton Colorado Stake Center, where the tour continued. The group moved through various rooms in the meetinghouse to learn what takes place during Sunday worship services and weekday activities.

“I learned a lot tonight about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said the Rev. Amanda Henderson, director of the Institute for Religion, Politics & Culture at the Iliff School of Theology. “I’ve done interfaith work for 20 years, but I haven’t learned as much about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until this evening. And so it felt like a real gift and a real opportunity to peek inside.”

President Matthews and Sister Brown explained the purposes of different rooms in the building. They discussed the Primary room, where children receive religious instruction, and the Relief Society room, where women gather for lessons and service coordination, before leading the group into the chapel.

In the chapel, Sister Matthews and Sister Brown addressed the cohort. According to the news release, Sister Matthews spoke about the service provided by women of the Church to those in need within their communities. Sister Brown discussed the Book of Mormon and its central role, alongside the Bible, in establishing the foundational beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Elder Brown concluded by sharing his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each interfaith leader received a copy of the Book of Mormon.

The evening ended with dinner and a discussion among participants about what they had learned during the visit.

“I feel like I’m better. And that’s one thing I try to work on throughout my life is experience things that will make me a better person,” said Thomas Mayes, senior pastor at Living Water Christian Center and president of the Aurora chapter of the NAACP. “And I’m better because I don’t go through life, I grow through life. And I feel like I’ve grown. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has drawn me to know more, to embrace more, to love more and to accept more. So I have grown tonight.”

— Corey Christiansen, news media specialist for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Denver Metro area, contributed to this report.

Church members in Washington, D.C., commemorate 10-year chapel anniversary with interfaith event

16-year-old Latter-day Saint presents at international interfaith conference

‘I am because we are’: Latter-day Saint leaders at G20 Interfaith Forum teach ubuntu and self-reliance

In Texas and Oklahoma, members embrace Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service and parades

Carly Ludlow — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:25:27 +0000

Through JustServe, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nationwide participated in various service activities, such as writing inspirational cards, organizing blood drives and cleaning up cemeteries, embodying the spirit of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day across the United States.

With a big red truck, lively music and high spirits, members of the Carrollton Texas Stake gathered for Carrollton’s 32nd MLK Day parade on Jan. 17.

The parade was sponsored by Christ Community Church and collaborated with JustServe. Members contributed to the JustServe float with posters and a red truck.

On the JustServe North Texas Facebook post, the parade was a celebration of both Dr. King’s legacy and the power of community action.

Steve Babik, mayor of Carrollton, was in attendance at the parade. In the social post, he said “It is events like this that bring us all together … representative of all that [Dr. King] stood for, in terms of equality for all, and no one person is better than the next.”

JustServe has contributed to the parade and the float for three years.

Elsewhere, more than 60 church members from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, helped in the nation’s third-largest MLK Parade.

Members in the United States Southwest Area have been asked by the area presidency to participate in three “impactful days of service” annually. In 2026, the area’s designated days of service are MLK Day on Jan. 19, Global Youth Service Days on April 24-26 and 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance on Sept. 11.

On Jan. 19, members participated in and collaborated with the OKC MLK Alliance to host a parade through Oklahoma City. The goal of the MLK Alliance is to unify and educate the community as well as bringing people together to love our neighbors.

The parade was founded on the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

Volunteers from local congregations assisted in the staging of parade floats, supporting the progress through the route and building relationships.

Sister Browning, Sister Yee participate in St. Louis food drive honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day blesses communities, volunteers

‘Saints in Unity’ devotional bridges faith and community in North Texas

Carly Ludlow — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:32:28 +0000

Celebrating faith, culture and community, residents from across North Texas gathered Nov. 16 in a Fort Worth chapel for the latest of the “Saints in Unity” devotional series.

Titled “Children Are an Heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3), the devotional celebrated faith, fellowship and the power of service in strengthening families and communities. It is part of the ongoing “Saints in Unity” devotionals and events — an effort by Latter-day Saints across North Texas to build understanding, celebrate shared values and strengthen local communities through service and faith.

The series seeks to foster friendship, connection and shared service among people of all faiths, with a particular focus on outreach to and fellowship with members of African heritage. Previous events have included devotionals, participation in the 2024 Opal Lee Walk for Freedom and Juneteenth celebrations highlighting faith, culture and service in North Texas.

“We’ve loved building relationships with pastors and community leaders,” said President Brandon Ellison, president of the Fort Worth Texas Stake. “It helps us look beyond our own walls and recognize the good others are doing. It’s opened my eyes to how we can connect and lift our neighbors.”

Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the event honored two local organizations. Hope Farm and the Fort Worth Save Our Children Learning Center each received Exemplary Service Awards for their dedication to mentoring, education and character development among Fort Worth youth.

Hope Farm is a leadership program that guides at-risk boys to become Christ-centered men of integrity.

“Our hope is to change the trajectory of our community, and that takes all of us,” said Sacher Dawson, executive director of Hope Farm Inc. “We can’t do it alone. We’re grateful for churches and nonprofits walking with us to reach that goal.”

Dawson received a service award recognizing Hope Farm’s impact on fatherless boys and their single mothers. Vernon and Linda James, founders of the Fort Worth Save Our Children Learning Center and longtime faith leaders, were also honored for their decades of service to local children.

The center, which offers a safe and supportive environment for youth, is celebrating 40 years of community service this year.

“We do this for the children — to see their potential and watch them blossom. It reminds us that the work matters,” said Vernon James.

The devotional also featured several musical performances. Children from Save Our Children sang songs they use to memorize scriptures, planets, continents, oceans and more. The OneVoice Community Outreach Choir, joined by church vocalist Bekah Sumsion, performed spirited renditions of “This Little Light of Mine” and “Oh Happy Day.”

“Being part of ‘Saints in Unity’ has been an incredible blessing for our choir,” said Trish Hodge of OneVoice. “OneVoice is about building bridges and reminding people of God that we are one. This event embodies that spirit — people coming together despite differences. It’s a beautiful opportunity to unite as one in God.”

Following the meeting, guests toured a Black History and Family Heritage exhibit, along with displays highlighting the work of Hope Farm and Save Our Children. Attendees viewed African heritage artifacts and learned about their origins and significance.

With music, messages of faith and a shared commitment to service, the devotional marked another milestone in the “Saints in Unity” initiative as it continues to strengthen friendships and promote service across North Texas.

Sharisa Lewis, assistant director of media for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dallas Fort Worth area, contributed to this report.

Church members in Texas help honor African American community leaders during Black History Month

Texas event shares stories of faith by Black American Latter-day Saints

Momentum grows from Texas interfaith efforts

Members of the Singapore Stake unite with local charity to provide essential aid to vulnerable families

Carly Ludlow — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

On Dec. 6, 2025, as part of a community outreach initiative, the Singapore Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distributed 120 ration bags to individuals and families experiencing financial difficulties.

This initiative was a joint effort with the People’s Association and local charity Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation, focusing on supplying necessary food and grocery items to those in need.

The Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation was established in 2005 for the Singaporean Muslim community to radiate compassion and kindness to the poor, needy and victims of disaster, regardless of the faith, race or creed. The Church and the foundation have coordinated in their relief projects over the past few years.

The distribution of the bags was held in conjunction with the West Coast Community Centre’s Study Awards Ceremony. Each bag was personally handed out by Minister Desmond Lee, minister for Education and minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, as well as Church volunteers.

According to the Church’s Singapore Newsroom, Minister Lee’s participation highlighted the importance of public-private and community-led collaboration in supporting vulnerable households.

“I think it is a great event where we have community organizers, the Church and others come together to support great community initiatives,” said Singapore Stake President Jean-Luc Butel. “It shows that we are involved in the community for good causes. For the Church, we will continue in the different communities of Singapore to show that we can help in multiple areas.”

In November, prior to the event, more than 40 volunteers assembled ration bags with specific items that families in need would appreciate.

“We thought about what the families will most appreciate having that would be practical and that they would use,” said Germaine Lim, who helped lead the project.

Each pack included rice, cooking oil, canned goods, noodles, biscuits and other daily necessities as well as $60 worth of grocery vouchers.

According to the news release, those receiving the ration bags expressed appreciation for the support. Leaders of the West Coast Community Centre also said such contributions help sustain ongoing assistance programs and ensure vulnerable households receive constant aid.

Latter-day Saint and volunteer Raymond Pun helped transport the ration bags. He said the project reminded him to share the light and love of Jesus Christ in small acts of kindness with everyone.

This project was the sixth collaboration between the Church and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation in their Blessings for All initiative.

“The initiative stands as a remarkable example of compassion in action, uplifting the community through its thoughtful distribution of grocery vouchers to families in need,” said Lavon Lew, the Church’s national communication director. “By directly easing the financial burdens of daily living, the foundation not only provides practical support but also strengthens the spirit of unity and care across diverse communities.”

The Church in Singapore plans to continue collaborating with local organizations to identify needs and provide additional relief when possible throughout the year, the release added.

Faith, food and friendship: Interfaith community party builds unity in Singapore

‘The four seas are one family’: Singapore’s SG60 family history seminar unites generations across language and time

Ground broken for first temple in Singapore

In case you missed it: President Oaks issues special invitation to young adults, Elder and Sister Kearon speak in worldwide devotional

Jackie Asher, Carly Ludlow — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:30:00 +0000

During the week of Feb. 1-7, Church President Dallin H. Oaks issued a special invitation for young adults around the world to attend institute. Plus, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon, spoke to young adults about how faith in Jesus Christ can eclipse doubts and fears.

Cindy McCain, executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme, visited Salt Lake City to tour the humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; the Church pledged support to the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Games; and a member of the Church is in Italy to compete on Team USA’s four-man bobsled team.

A new portrait of Joseph Smith was unveiled at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Also, Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Presidency of the Seventy addressed hundreds of global faith leaders at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C.

Elder Steven D. Shumway, Elder John D. Amos and Elder Ronald M. Barcellos — all General Authority Seventies — addressed students of BYU, BYU–Hawaii and BYU–Pathway Worldwide, respectively.

In this week’s episode of the Church News podcast, Tanise Chung-Hoon, vice president of advancement for BYU–Pathway Worldwide, discusses the importance of self-reliance and the broader impact of the Church’s education initiatives. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, president of Zimbabwe, along with other interfaith, government and civic leaders, toured the new Harare Zimbabwe Temple during a special open house.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. As institute celebrates 100 years, President Oaks issues special invitation to young adults across the world

During a devotional broadcast for young adults, President Oaks issued a special invitation.

“My dear young adults,” he said, “I invite you to consistently attend institute.” The Prophet then listed six specific blessings that come from attending institute and encouraged young adults to invite their friends to experience those blessings.

2. ‘Sing with redeeming love,’ Elder and Sister Kearon tell young adults in worldwide devotional

Elder Kearon and Sister Kearon spoke to a worldwide audience of young adults and commemorated the 100th anniversary of Institutes of Religion. Their remarks were centered on the Savior’s power to lift, redeem and offer true hope. They also gave special attention to several questions from young adults.

3. World Food Programme leaders visit the Church’s humanitarian facilities, express gratitude for 12 years of collaboration

Cindy McCain, executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme, visited Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 30, to tour humanitarian efforts of the Church, which include the Bishops’ Central Storehouse and Welfare Square. Following the tour, McCain and other guests had lunch with the Presiding Bishopric and Relief Society general presidency.

4. See the Church’s connections to the Olympics

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pledged a “significant financial donation” and use of Church property and volunteers to support the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Games. Bishop Sean Douglas, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, made the announcement at the Foreign Press Association offices in Milan, days shy of the opening ceremonies for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Plus, Caleb Furnell, 24, is a push athlete on one of Team USA’s four-man bobsled teams and a member of the Church. He is in Italy to compete in the 2026 Olympic Games.

Learn more about the Church’s pledge of support here.

Learn more about the Latter-day Saint Olympic bobsledder here.

Podcast Episode 271: Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus Pace on sharing the light of the gospel by being a covenant keeper

See more Church News coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics

5. What a Joseph Smith portrait at Morehouse College means to local Latter-day Saints

A new portrait of Joseph Smith was unveiled in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College on Sunday, Feb. 1.

The portrait of Joseph Smith is set to hang next to the portraits of President Russell M. Nelson and Abraham Lincoln in the Hall of Honor, which features more than 300 oil portraits of global leaders of the international civil and human rights movement.

6. Elder Nash addresses faith leaders, advocates for the protection of religious freedom

Elder Nash emphasized the importance of protecting religious freedoms to an audience of hundreds of global faith leaders at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C.

“There’s a mountain of evidence that shows the power of religious freedom in building families, communities and nations,” Elder Nash said.

Read about Elder Nash’s address here.

How President Oaks has defended religious freedom throughout his apostolic ministry

‘Resolutely resolve today’ to be a trusted disciple of Christ, says Elder Nash

7. Leaders speak at Church school devotionals

Elder Shumway spoke to students and faculty at BYU about pruning unnecessary distractions from their lives.

Elder Amos encouraged students at BYU–Hawaii to stop overthinking the gospel and keep it simple.

In a devotional to BYU–Pathway Worldwide, Elder Barcellos encouraged listeners to be truth seekers.

8. Church News podcast Episode 279: BYU–Pathway Worldwide’s Tanise Chung-Hoon on the impact of Church education

In the week’s Church News podcast, the vice president of advancement for BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Chung-Hoon spoke on the broader impact of Church initiatives and how it is all “one work,” as well as the importance of self-reliance.

Listen to the podcast episode here.

‘Never take your education for granted’: New documentary highlights BYU-Pathway students in Africa

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

9. President of Zimbabwe attends temple open house for Harare Zimbabwe Temple

During a special open house, President Mnangagwa toured the new Harare Zimbabwe Temple. Elder Erich W. Kopischke, an assistant executive director in the Temple Department, and Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, second counselor in the Africa South Area presidency, gave the tour and presented Mnangagwa with a Christus statue and artwork of the temple.

‘No one sits alone’: England wards promote friendship and love through activities

Carly Ludlow — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Members of the Cheltenham England and Chester England stakes gather monthly and sometimes weekly in various activities to build unity and friendship among the wards and the community.

These activities add an enjoyable spirit to each ward and bless community relationships.

Paulo Clarke-Martins, a member of the Moreton Ward elders quorum, said that the words of Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles describe the goal of the activity nights in his ward.

In his October 2025 general conference talk, "No One Sits Alone," Elder Gong emphasized the importance of helping others feel loved and welcomed.

Said Clark-Martins: “There is definitely a good enjoyable spirit in our ward lately. I don’t know if the activities have done any of that, but I do know that the ward members love the Savior and the way they choose to show that love is by loving others. I would encourage anyone to visit with us and allow us to love them, as it is our only goal and mission.”

Activity nights in Moreton

Last year the elders quorum of the Moreton Ward in the Chester England Stake decided to hold activities that would bring the quorum together and facilitate companionship and strength.

“Our brethren serve very well in their callings and generally participate well in their priesthood meetings,” Clarke-Martins said. “However, it is noted that our priesthood holders would benefit from having an outlet for their own needs, a place where they could talk with their peers about things that worry them about life, a place where a tie is not needed but a listening ear is welcome.”

Clarke-Martins said the ward still tries to hold an activity each month, ranging from a charcoal and graphite drawing night to a grill night, a Viking crazy golf night and most recently a curry night. Members and friends gather together to share in a night of inclusion and friendship outside of the regular Sunday meetings.

“In my opinion, the goal of the elders quorum in these events is to make sure that the brethren are looked after and that they are valued,” Clarke-Martins said. “More than anything though, they are loved as well.”

Youth nights in Forest of Dean

For 10 years, the Forest of Dean Ward in the Cheltenham England Stake have held weekly game nights for local youth, fostering relationships between the teenagers living on the estate and the chapel next door.

The game nights started after the Church’s local youth center shut down. The youth center became rundown and the teenagers would throw bricks through the windows and vandalize the building.

In an effort to rebuild relationships between the Church and the youth, members opened the meetinghouse for youth nights each week. Some nights they had upward of 40 youth attend.

The trouble with the teenagers and vandalism stopped quickly, and some of the young men took it upon themselves to be the meetinghouse’s “unofficial security guards.”

The game nights consisted of various billiard games, ping pong, snooker and other activities. After 10 years of game nights and with the youth getting older, the nights came to a stop.

“It’s really been a great success from a community involvement point of view and their outlook on what the Church offers and who we are,” said Charlie Lawson, a member of the Cheltenham stake.

Board game group in Gloucester

Board games, card games and strategy games have filled the Gloucester building each Tuesday night for about three years.

“If you know nothing about board games other than Monopoly or Risk, then there is a surprisingly huge world of hobby board games that has been growing in popularity over the last 15 years or so,” said Mark Hathaway, a member of the Gloucester Ward in the Cheltenham Stake.

According to Hathaway, the nights started outside of the Church but moved into the Gloucester building to utilize its facilities. More than 30 members join each week to mingle and play their favorite games.

“Once the club starts, people mill about talking to one another for 10 minutes or so before game groups and tables organically form,” Hathaway said. “I try to encourage everyone to play games with people they’ve not played with before as the more relationships they can build, the stronger the club is.”

The club has grown increasingly with the help of a personalized website and social media. Community members and ward members have grown to love the game nights so much that they have begun to complain about having to cancel the nights.

According to the Gloucester Board Game Night website, the group is a community of board game enthusiasts who love to play and discover new games.

“I enjoyed having a very easy way to share my church life with my gaming friends,” Hathaway said. “I would guess the game group has brought over 100 different people from the local area into the church building over the years.”

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In case you missed it: First Presidency announces 1-hour sacrament meeting for Palm Sunday, President Christofferson speaks on 2026 youth theme

Jackie Asher, Carly Ludlow — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

During the week of Jan. 18-24, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that congregations will hold a one-hour sacrament meeting instead of the usual two-hour meeting block to commemorate Palm Sunday this year.

President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency; Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman; and Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes discussed the 2026 youth theme, “Walk with me,” during a worldwide youth discussion, and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Alabang Philippines Temple on Jan. 18.

Elder Bednar, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and Sister Tamara W. Runia, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, were announced as speakers for the 2026 BYU Women’s Conference.

Interior and exterior photos were released as the public begins touring Zimbabwe’s first house of the Lord. Ground was broken for the Jacksonville Florida Temple and João Pessoa Brazil Temple, and site maps were released for the Flagstaff Arizona Temple and the Kahului Hawaii Temple.

A three-part series on BYUtv titled “Harvest of Faith” highlights Church welfare farms, factories and for-profit crops. Also, Elder Matthew S. Holland and Elder Edward B. Rowe, both General Authority Seventies, addressed Brigham Young University and Ensign College students, respectively, during the schools’ campus devotionals.

In the week’s episode of the Church News podcast, Latter-day Saint Jill McAuley shares how knowing her identity has helped her overcome and glory in her infirmities. Plus, member missionary work resulted in 184 new converts in two stakes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo across two weekends in December 2025.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. First Presidency announces 1-hour sacrament meeting to commemorate Palm Sunday

The First Presidency has announced that on Palm Sunday this year — March 29 — local congregations will hold a one-hour sacrament meeting rather than the usual two-hour meeting block.

2. Prayer, repentance and covenants the way Jesus invites to ‘Walk with me,’ President Christofferson teaches in worldwide youth discussion

President Christofferson was joined by President Freeman and President Farnes during a worldwide youth discussion made available Jan. 18. The three Church leaders discussed the 2026 youth theme, “Walk with me.”

President Christofferson promised youth that as they learn all they can about the Savior’s example, they will get to know Him. “You will know that He knows you and that He is not just the Redeemer, but that He is your Redeemer and Friend.”

3. Elder Bednar dedicates Alabang Philippines Temple, invites members to ‘bring the temple into our home’

Elder Bednar dedicated the Alabang Philippines Temple in Muntinlupa City, Philippines, on Jan. 18. This temple is the 213th Latter-day Saint temple worldwide and the fourth dedicated house of the Lord in the Philippines.

Read the Alabang temple dedicatory prayer here.

‘Heaven has come closer to home’ as members in metro Manila prepare for the Alabang Philippines Temple dedication

Open house underway for second temple in metro Manila, Philippines

4. Who is speaking at BYU Women’s Conference 2026?

The 2026 BYU Women’s Conference will feature keynote presentations by President Johnson and Sister Runia, with Elder Bednar offering the concluding keynote address.

Other keynote presentations will be given by Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese and his wife, Sister Wendy Reese, as well as Sheri L. Dew, a former counselor in the Relief Society general presidency and current executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp., and Sandra Rogers, international vice president at BYU.

Learn more about BYU Women’s Conference 2026 here.

‘Latter-day Saint women are incredible,’ Elder Cook says at BYU Women’s Conference

See past Church News coverage of BYU Women's Conference

5. Harare Zimbabwe Temple open house underway

After five years of construction, the Harare Zimbabwe Temple is open for public tours. A media day was held Jan. 19, and an open house runs from Jan. 22 to Feb. 7. Invited guests toured the temple Jan. 20-21.

6. Temple groundbreakings in Florida and Brazil; temple sites announced in Arizona and Hawaii

Ground was broken for the Jacksonville Florida Temple and João Pessoa Brazil Temple on Jan. 24. A General Authority Seventy presided over each groundbreaking — Elder Massimo De Feo in Jacksonville and Elder Joni L. Koch in João Pessoa.

Also, the future locations of the Flagstaff Arizona Temple and Kahului Hawaii Temple were announced by the First Presidency in a Jan. 20 news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Read about the Jacksonville Florida Temple groundbreaking here.

Read about the João Pessoa Brazil Temple groundbreaking here.

Read about both the Arizona and Hawaii temple sites here.

2025: Elder Andersen presides over Tampa Florida Temple groundbreaking, gives ‘3 specific reasons’ for building temples

Lahaina Latter-day Saints gather to draw strength after Maui wildfires

7. Church farms, factories highlighted in 3-part series on BYUtv

A three-part series on BYUtv highlights the Church’s various farms and factories used to support the mission of the Church. The series, titled “Harvest of Faith,” features comments from members of the Presiding Bishopric, President Camille N. Johnson and service missionaries who serve on the farms.

Part 1 of the series features welfare farms. Part 2 looks at welfare food processing and distribution facilities owned and operated by the Church. Part 3 focuses on AgReserves, the commercial arm of Farmland Reserve, an investment affiliate of the Church.

Read about Part 1 of the series here.

Read about Part 2 of the series here.

Read about Part 3 of the series here.

Podcast Episode 119: Inside Church Headquarters — The Presiding Bishopric and their role to provide temporal support to the divine mission of the Church

An inside look at how Church finances fund humanitarian efforts, temples, worship, missionaries and education

8. Elder Holland, Elder Rowe speak at Church school devotionals

Elder Holland — son of the late President Jeffrey R. Holland — counseled BYU students to “cling to the Book of Mormon” as he spoke at the school’s campus devotional Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Elder Rowe invited Ensign College students to develop faith in Jesus Christ, by partnering with Him to do what would otherwise be impossible, during a devotional on the same day.

9. Church News podcast Episode 277: Jill McAuley discusses finding purpose and identity in faith beyond ability

The week’s Church News podcast episode features Church member Jill McAuley as she shares how she has spent the last 20-plus years deepening her spiritual and emotional growth through service, study and grace through Christ despite being paralyzed in a car crash at 18 years old.

Listen to the podcast here.

Podcast Episode 276: BYU associate professor Norman Hill on aging better with faith

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

10. Member missionary work results in 184 baptized in 2 stakes in Democratic Republic of the Congo across 2 weekends

Members, missionaries and friends gathered in late December 2025 to witness the baptism of 87 converts in the Kasumbalesa Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake. In the Mwene-Ditu Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake, a similar baptismal service for 97 new converts was held the previous weekend. These baptisms were a result of individual member missionary work.

She left the house in pajamas and became an answer to a prayer

Carly Ludlow — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:30:33 +0000

A simple prayer led to an outpouring of help from neighbors and members of the Clarksville Ward for a family in Clarksville, Maryland.

After speaking with her children serving missions — Elder Sebastien Spencer and Sister Eleanor Spencer, serving respectively in Malaysia and on Temple Square — Amber Spencer offered a quiet prayer on Oct. 27, 2025. Inspired by her children’s desire to serve, she asked to be of service in her own way.

The next morning began like any other for her in Clarksville. Spencer got into her car to take a daughter to school, though they were running later than usual because her daughter had slept in.

“It was my day off from teaching, so I left the house in my pajamas because nobody would see me going just to school and back,” Spencer later wrote in her journal. “So I thought.”

At around 7:30 a.m., traffic came to a standstill. Spencer drove up to the car causing the delay, a white vehicle with its hazard lights flashing, and asked the driver if he needed help jump-starting it. Through tears, the man explained that his transmission was broken and that his only concern was getting his daughter to school.

Spencer offered to take the girl. As the daughter climbed into her car, Spencer noticed tears streaming down her face.

“I saw big tears rolling down her cheeks,” said Spencer. “I told her I was sorry that life is hard.”

The girl replied, “That’s our only car. I’ll be OK. I’m just worried for my dad.”

Spencer, who promised to return and check in with the father, said it broke her heart to watch the child walk into school wiping away tears.

When Spencer returned to the broken-down car, traffic had backed up even more. Wearing pajamas and slippers, she jumped out and tried to help the man push the car out of the road.

It didn’t budge.

“I prayed that someone else would notice and help push, but nobody did,” Spencer said. “So I walked into the middle of the road, in my pajamas and slippers and put my hands up to stop a big truck. I hoped a big guy was in it.”

To her surprise, the truck was filled with five football players from the local high school. The boys quickly jumped out, pushed the car into a nearby parking lot and proudly lined it up perfectly between the lines. They patted the man on the back, offered words of encouragement and headed off to school.

Spencer asked the man what his plan was next. He said he intended to walk the 2 miles home, so she offered him a ride. During the drive, he opened up about losing his job, being evicted from his home and the difficult downsizing his family was facing.

Spencer felt impressed to share the prayer she had offered the night before and explained how she was trying to follow the example of her missionary children. The man immediately recognized their names — his older daughter had played in the orchestra with Sebastien and Eleanor.

They clapped their hands and agreed: “God is watching over us. He is so good.”

Spencer knew that while money could help in the short term, it wouldn’t solve everything. She thought of turning to the people she knew best would help; her ward family.

She asked if she could email the neighborhood, the community and her church congregation to see if anyone had work. “I wrote [in the email] the whole story — how I prayed, how I was in my pajamas, how the football players showed up and how this family needed help. What happened next was incredible.”

Within 10 minutes, people began responding.

“Someone was on their way to Home Depot for packing tape,” said Spencer. “Someone dropped off Chipotle. Someone left $200 in their mailbox with a scripture that said, ‘Be of good cheer.’ Others brought dinner, gave $50 and went grocery shopping for them.”

Within two hours, the man had secured a job — and work scheduled every day for the rest of the week. Members of the ward lent the family a car, organized dinner rotations and continued rallying around them with love and support.

What Spencer saw as an answer to a prayer, the family saw as answered prayers of their own.

The support didn’t stop there. As the days passed, Spencer’s relationship with the family continued to grow as members of the ward and missionaries kept checking in, providing meals, transportation and encouragement.

Still today, the service continues with the family serving the Spencers and those who served them.

Looking back, Spencer sees the experience as a reminder that God is aware of every detail.

“I feel like God is playing chess,” she said. “He moves one piece, then another, and at exactly the right moment, everything comes together.”

Faith-focused surf competition builds community for Church members in Australia

This day has filled my soul’: Members in Argentina uplift communities during day of service

Missionaries and Church members serve at youth center in Guinea, West Africa

How faith guides this young athlete in her Paralympic pursuit

Carly Ludlow — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:00:04 +0000

Isadora Trevisani de Oliveira, 15, has her eyes set on the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane, Australia. For now, that dream begins far from the Paralympic arena in Brisbane, on the courts of her local gym in Curitiba, Brazil.

Competing in the fast-paced and physically demanding sport of para badminton, Isadora plays in the SL3 category, continuing to add technique and strategy to her game. The Latter-day Saint teen from the Boa Vista Ward in the Boa Vista Brazil Stake also relies on faith to improve.

The SL3 category in para badminton is for athletes with moderate to significant impairments in one or both lower limbs. These impairments affect mobility and stability on the court.

The diagnosis

“The first diagnosis we received was right after her birth,” said her mother, Andrea Trevisani de Oliveira.

Shortly after Isadora was born, she stopped breathing for a few moments. As a result, she spent the first week of life in an intensive care unit so doctors could investigate what caused her to stop breathing. During that week, Isadora did not present any clinical complications, but as a precaution, the doctors requested multiple in-depth tests.

The test results showed an extensive brain injury, leaving Isadora’s parents wondering if she would be able to walk. The doctors diagnosed Isadora with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a condition that causes significant motor impairments. Stiffness, weakness and coordination issues in the arms and legs are common symptoms.

“It was predicted that she probably would not walk, talk or have a normal life, but after much fasting and prayer, a miracle happened,” said Andrea Trevisani de Oliveira.

Isadora began physical therapy at 2 months old to gain more mobility in her limbs. Through her therapy and the faith and fasting of her family and friends, Isadora is seen as a “fasting miracle” by her family.

“In our home, we often say that she is our fasting miracle,” said Andrea Trevisani de Oliveira. “For us, this explains why, despite such an extensive brain injury, she now only has motor impairment in her left leg and has defied medical prognoses, building a trajectory of overcoming adversity that has led her to high-performance sports.”

Foundation of faith

Isadora integrates the foundational faith she developed earlier in her life into her current games and events. She relies on the Lord for strength and calmness in every game and competition.

“I always pray before any championship, and it strengthens me a lot and helps me face all the challenges,” said Isadora.

Isadora was first introduced to the sport after taking an athletic aptitude test that determined a strength for racket sports.

“I started attending training sessions with my brother and fell in love with the sport,” she said. “At first I had a little difficulty performing the techniques because it’s an extremely technical sport and completely new to me.”

With faith and diligence, Isadora has been able to achieve goals and accomplishments she never imagined. She is a two-time champion of Brazil’s National School Paralympic Games in the SL3 category, and Isadora sits in second place in the national ranking for the SL3 category.

‘Diagnosis is not destiny’

“Seeing [Isadora] grow, develop and compete is a great miracle for us,” said Andrea Trevisani de Oliveira. “We really like the phrase that says ‘Diagnosis is not destiny.’”

Isadora’s sights are firmly set on her destiny to be first in her category, be selected for the South American Championship in São Paulo and eventually compete in the Paralympic Games.

Isadora holds on to the words of the late President Russell M. Nelson: “The Lord loves effort because effort brings rewards that would not come otherwise.”

According to her family, this quote motivates Isadora to continue striving to reap the rewards of hard work in the future. She wants others to know they can do the same thing.

“With faith, persistence, discipline and hard work, we can achieve all our dreams,” said Isadora.

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In case you missed it: President Oaks to dedicate Burley Idaho Temple, see what Church leaders have taught about temples and temple covenants

Jackie Asher, Carly Ludlow — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

During the week of Jan. 4-10, it was announced that President Dallin H. Oaks, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will dedicate the Burley Idaho Temple on Sunday, Jan. 11. The Church News compiled an article highlighting what current Church leaders, including President Oaks, have taught about the importance of temple worship and the covenants made inside each temple.

Youth are invited to hear from Church leaders — including President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency — in a worldwide discussion to be broadcast Jan. 18. Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon, will speak to young adults worldwide during a devotional on Sunday, Feb. 1.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf was named as the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Church announced a new missionary approach at Temple Square to enhance the guest experience and increase missionary opportunities as the Church prepares for the Salt Lake Temple open house in 2027, and new mission leaders are being called for 188 missions worldwide. Also, speakers for RootsTech 2026 were announced, with the list including two Apostles.

In a Church News video, Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the purpose for the restored Church of Jesus Christ, and during a devotional at the Provo Missionary Training Center, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson asked missionaries to seek a change of heart in the new year.

In this week’s episode of the Church News podcast, Brigham Young University associate professor of ancient scripture Josh Sears breaks down how to understand doctrine and seek truth in the standard works.

Ensign College President Bruce C. Kusch and BYU–Pathway Worldwide President Brian K. Ashton both testified of the importance of families during the 2026 inaugural devotionals of their schools.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. President Oaks to dedicate Burley Idaho Temple

President Oaks will dedicate the Burley Idaho Temple — Idaho’s seventh house of the Lord — on Sunday, Jan. 11. Information about the dedication was published in a Jan. 8 news release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The Church News will publish more news and updates about the Burley temple following its dedication.

2. What Church leaders have taught about temples and temple covenants

As temples continue to dot the earth, Church leaders have continued to teach about the importance of temples and the covenants made inside them.

Quotes from current Church leaders and their teachings about the temple can help members understand the importance of temple worship.

Read what Church leaders have taught about temples and temple covenants here.

See 6 maps showing locations around the world of the Church’s 383 temples

15 promises from President Nelson about time in the temple

3. Upcoming events with Church leaders

Youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are invited to gather on or after Sunday, Jan. 18, for a worldwide discussion with President Christofferson, Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman. The focus will be the 2026 youth theme, “Walk with me.”

Elder Kearon and Sister Kearon will speak to young adults worldwide during a devotional on Sunday, Feb. 1. The event will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of Institutes of Religion.

4. President Uchtdorf named as acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Following the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf was set apart as the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

President Uchtdorf is now the Church’s third-most-senior apostle, after President Dallin H. Oaks, Prophet and President of the Church, and President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency. President Eyring, as the second-most-senior apostle, is president of the Quorum of the Twelve but does not function in that capacity because of his calling in the First Presidency.

5. Updates to missionary work

To enhance the guest experience and increase missionary opportunities as the Church prepares for the Salt Lake Temple open house in 2027, sister missionaries will continue serving on Temple Square but will now be assigned to a surrounding mission, sharing their time between a teaching area and Temple Square. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the adjustment in a morning devotional with the 128 sister missionaries of the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission on Friday, Jan. 9.

Additionally, new mission leaders are being called to 188 missions worldwide, including 55 newly created missions.

See a list of the new mission leaders here.

Church announces the addition of 55 new missions in 2026

‘On holy ground’: Missionaries reflect on faith-strengthening experiences at Church historic sites

6. RootsTech 2026 speakers to include Apostles

Elder Rasband and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, will speak during RootsTech 2026 Family Discovery Day on Saturday, March 7. Additionally, Elder Kearon will speak during the Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction.

RootsTech also announced the list of 2026 keynote speakers, which includes athletes, an astronaut and an actress.

7. Video: Elder Caussé says he is ‘someone who has been changed through the gospel of Jesus Christ’

In a Church News video titled “Changed Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Elder Caussé discusses his family and preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming.

“I know what it means to change your life, to go from a life of someone who does not know about the restored gospel to someone who has been changed through the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.

Watch the video with Elder Caussé here.

‘A sacred duty’: Elder Gérald Caussé speaks on stewardship over God’s creations

Elder Gérald Caussé testifies of the Savior in first interview as an Apostle

8. In lieu of New Year’s resolutions, President Camille N. Johnson asks missionaries to seek a ‘mighty change of heart’

At the Provo MTC, President Johnson spoke to missionaries about seeking a change of heart, like the one spoken of in Alma 5. President Johnson was joined at the Jan. 6 devotional by her husband, Brother Douglas R. Johnson.

9. Church News podcast Episode 275: BYU professor Josh Sears on understanding and using Bible translations

This week’s Church News podcast episode features Josh Sears, BYU associate professor of ancient scripture, as he discusses the flexibility in using Bible translations in home and church studies, helping members understand doctrine and seek truth in the standard works.

Listen to the podcast here.

Learning from different versions of the Bible

See more episodes of the Church News podcast

10. Ensign College and BYU–Pathway Worldwide presidents speak in opening devotionals

During an Ensign College devotional, President Kusch, joined by his wife, Sister Alynda Kusch, focused on President Oaks’ recent counsel on family and marriage. “I cannot with more emphasis bear my testimony of the importance of trusting and following living prophets,” the college president said during a devotional held in the Conference Center Theater on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

President Ashton and his wife, Sister Melinda Ashton, likewise testified of President Oaks’ teachings during a BYU–Pathway devotional on Jan. 9. “Families are central to God’s plan because we can only be exalted in families,” President Ashton said. “Families are also where we can experience the greatest joy.”

In case you missed it: President Oaks dedicates Burley Idaho Temple; at college devotional, Elder Bednar testifies of the Restoration

Jackie Asher, Carly Ludlow — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

During the week of Jan. 11 to 17, Church President Dallin H. Oaks dedicated the Burley Idaho Temple, his first since becoming President of the Church. In an interview before the dedication, President Oaks spoke about the responsibility of the prophetic mantle, lowering the mission age for young women and the announcements of future temples. Plus, in honor of National Religious Freedom Day, read some of President Oaks’ thoughts and insights on the significance of religious freedom.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared his testimony of Joseph Smith and the restoring of Christ’s Church at a devotional at Utah State University, and all women were invited to participate in a worldwide devotional with Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Relief Society general presidency.

In temple news, open house and dedication dates were announced for the Yorba Linda California Temple, in addition to a groundbreaking date for the Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple. Temple sites were announced for temples in Utah and Mozambique, and the scaffolding on the Salt Lake Temple will be removed over the next few months.

In an address to lawyers, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson called for peacemaking, religious freedom and emulating Jesus Christ. Presidents of three Church universities addressed students during the opening devotionals of their respective schools.

In this week’s episode of the Church News podcast, Brigham Young University associate professor and author of the Deseret News series “Better With Age” Norman Hill shares insights into aging with faith. Also, the Church News outlined more details about using the Church’s Unit History Tool.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. President Oaks dedicates Burley Idaho Temple

On Sunday, Jan. 11, President Oaks dedicated the Burley Idaho Temple, a place of “much significance to him.” This seventh house of the Lord in Idaho is the first dedicated by President Oaks since he became President of the Church in October 2025.

In a video interview before the temple dedication, President Oaks shared how his “earliest memories are here in Southern Idaho” and encouraged young people to “be happy.”

Watch the interview with President Oaks here.

Read the Burley temple dedicatory prayer here.

President Oaks emphasizes the family’s central role in God’s plan

See more Church News coverage of temples

2. President Oaks says he feels the responsibility of the prophetic mantle, defends religious freedom

In an interview before the Burley Idaho Temple dedication, President Oaks said he feels the responsibility of the prophetic mantle, which is “very holy.” He also spoke about lowering the mission age for young women and the announcements of future temples.

Additionally, read how President Oaks has defended religious freedom throughout his apostolic ministry in honor of National Religious Freedom Day on Jan. 16.

Read how President Oaks has defended religious freedom here.

Religious liberty should ‘benefit society as a whole,’ says President Oaks

3. The ‘supernal series of miraculous experiences’ Elder Bednar shared at Utah State University devotional

In a devotional at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, Elder Bednar taught how four related events helped the Restoration move forward from 1820-1830. He also shared how his testimony of Joseph Smith and the Restoration have grown over time.

Watch a video of about the devotional and Elder Bednar’s testimony here.

Why Elder Bednar paused his devotional for an intermission, and what he taught during it

4. Worldwide Relief Society devotional to be held in March

All women — and young women turning 18 in 2026 — are invited to participate in a worldwide devotional and testimony meeting on or near March 17 to celebrate the founding and purpose of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Elder Cook, President Johnson and her counselors, Sister J. Anette Dennis and Sister Kristin M. Yee, will share messages during a recorded broadcast.

Learn more about the worldwide devotional and testimony meeting here.

Global sisterhood and covenant community celebrated at Relief Society worldwide devotional

5. Temple updates in California, Guatemala, Utah, Mozambique; plus Temple Square renovation update

The Yorba Linda California Temple will be dedicated in June following an open house held April 30 to May 23. Additionally, a Saturday, March 14, groundbreaking date has been announced for the Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple. Temple sites were announced for the Spanish Fork Utah and Beira Mozambique Temples. Plus, scaffolding on the Salt Lake Temple will be removed in the coming months, and a new statue commemorating the sealing power now stands on Temple Square.

Read about the Huehuetenango temple groundbreaking here.

See the future sites of the Spanish Fork and Beira temples here.

6. President Johnson speaks at J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual Fireside

“Let us be the legal professionals who are distinct and different,” said President Johnson, a former lawyer, during the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual Fireside on Friday, Jan. 16, at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City. Her keynote address explored the intersection of law, peacemaking, religious freedom and women’s vital societal roles.

Read about President Johnson’s address here.

7. Presidents of Church universities kick off semesters with opening devotionals

Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese paid tribute to President Oaks and the late President Jeffrey R. Holland in BYU’s first campus devotional of the semester. Echoing the prophet’s and late apostle’s words, President Reese encouraged students to believe in themselves.

At BYU–Idaho’s opening devotional, university President Alvin F. Meredith III urged students to be good Samaritans by rooting out prejudice and performing small acts of kindness.

President R. Kelly Haws invited students to “allow the Lord to nudge you” during his first address as the new acting president of BYU–Hawaii.

8. Church News Podcast Episode 276: BYU associate professor Norman Hill on aging better with faith

This week’s Church News podcast episode features Norman Hill, BYU associate professor and author of the Deseret News series “Better With Age,” as he discusses insights into aging with faith and learning “to choose the things of greatest eternal import.”

Listen to the podcast here.

Episode 36: How to make the most of your golden years, according to this BYU associate professor

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

9. How the Unit History Tool enables Latter-day Saints to easily capture and preserve stories of faith

Since the launch of the Unit History Tool in 2024, more than 260,000 stories of faith and history have been published and recorded. In 2025, approximately 150,000 stories — an average of 12,000 per month — were published using the Unit History Tool, written by more than 77,000 unique contributors.

“Our vision is that one day we will be able to share our stories around the globe so our children and grandchildren will be fortified and strengthened,” said Elder Kyle S. McKay, a General Authority Seventy who serves as Church historian and recorder,

Young adults find community and faith at YSA conferences across Japan

Carly Ludlow — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:00:53 +0000

Soichi Taneda was one of more than 100 young single adults from across Japan who gathered for the second session of the Kanagawa YSA conference.

“The thing that left the biggest impression on me about attending the conference was the comfort of spending time with friends who believe and value the same things as me, and the peace I felt,” Taneda said of the conference, Nov. 22-24, 2025, at the Shonan Village Center south of Tokyo in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Participants aged 18 to 25 shared in three days of unity, personal growth and friendship, reported the Church’s Japan Newsroom.

This session was one of several YSA conferences nationwide, with others in the north on Hokkaido; in Kanagawa, also near Tokyo; in Kyoto, about 455 kilometers (or about 283 miles) west of Tokyo; and in Fukuoka in the south. Each conference aimed to strengthen young single adults by fostering a sense of belonging and connecting them to the Savior and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Reflecting on the conferences, Rei Otani, an organizing committee member, told the Church’s Japan Newsroom that organizing the Kanagawa session highlighted the importance of collaboration in God’s work.

“The organizing committee put a variety of thoughts into this conference,” Otani said. “It made me realize how essential dedicated service was, and it also gave me a strong sense that no one can do God’s work alone.”

Q&A session with Elder and Sister Teh

On the second day of the Kanagawa second session, the program included a Face to Face session with a question-and-answer session with Elder Michael John U. Teh, General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Asia North Area presidency, and his wife, Sister Grace Teh.

The question-and-answer session covered topics such as marriage, recognizing the Spirit and how to be motivated to do family history work.

Elder and Sister Teh reflected on their marriage, saying: “We love Heavenly Father more than we love each other. The Lord strengthens each of us and enables us to be powerful as a married couple.”

Planning the YSA conferences

At the first session of the Kanagawa conference, organizers said they wanted to create an environment where it was easy for people to interact.

In a news release on the Church’s Japan Newsroom, they acknowledged that active communication can be daunting for young adults, so they designed ways to facilitate comfortable interactions.

Groups of five to six young adults were formed for each activity over the three days, based on profiles and questionnaires collected in advance.

Participants answered detailed questions about their strengths and favorite topics, leading to groupings that matched activity content, allowing them to connect with those with similar interests.

Name tags used different colors — pink, yellow and light blue — to indicate participants’ interaction preferences or a desire for a break, making it easier to approach others. Each name tag case also included a business-card sized thank you card for expressing gratitude and practicing ministering.

‘Opening the way’

During the Kyoto session from Nov. 3-5, more than 200 young single adults participated in the expo booths, designed to spark interest in new topics and experiences, reported the Church’s Japan Newsroom.

“This time, the catchphrase for the Kyoto session was ‘Opening the way with charity and virtue,’” session coordinator Nanako Ibata said. “We wanted people to take the initiative to choose and visit booths that interest them, learn about the many different worlds out there, and use this as an opportunity to open their own paths.”

Coordinators selected booth themes based on pre-conference surveys, covering areas such as academics, work, marriage, missionary work, service and other non-genre topics.

Participant Takato Kurakawa regularly studied the “Come, Follow Me” lessons, but after attending the “Seize Happiness ... Walking with God” booth, he began reading the Book of Mormon daily.

“The message about receiving blessings from daily scripture study made a lasting impression on me,” Kurakawa said in a report from the Church’s Japan Newsroom. “Since I started reading it every day, I have felt more guidance and impressions from the Spirit in my life.”

Participants said they left with deeper insights of faith and friendship that will continue, even after the conferences have ended.

Taneda, who attended one of the Kanagawa sessions, said: “The theme of the conference was ‘light,’ and I received a lot of light not only through the lessons but also through interacting with the friends around me, which strengthened my desire to increase my own light.

“I have been able to continue to have this correct desire even after the conference ended, and I think it was a wonderful opportunity,” Taneda added.

Young adults find unity in discipleship at D.C. Cities of Light YSA Conference

YSA from 30 nations gather in Thailand to be ‘Rooted and Rising’ in Christ

YSA who are deaf or hard of hearing invited to the Church’s first ASL YSA conference

In case you missed it: President Oaks pays tribute to President Holland; President Holland is laid to rest in St. George, plus 7 other stories

Carly Ludlow — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

During the week of Dec. 28 to Jan. 4, President Dallin H. Oaks offered concluding remarks at the Dec. 31 funeral of President Jeffrey R. Holland — president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. President Holland’s gravesite service was held in St. George, Utah, on New Year’s Day. President Holland’s children also paid tribute to his life and legacy at both the funeral and gravesite services.

Following the death of President Holland, the Church News podcast shared excerpts from the many testimonies offered by President Holland in a special memorial episode.

Four graphs show numbers of the temples dedicated, under construction and announced from 1976 to 2026 by the Church.

In this week’s episode of the Church News podcast, Deseret News editors explored the key events of the Church in 2025, as the year comes to a close.

Three African countries, Greece, two states in the United States and other entities will host Latter-day Saint mission headquarters for the first time in their regions in 2026.

To help youth and youth leaders better understand the 2026 youth theme, seven quotes from general conference talk about walking with Christ.

Religion professors from Brigham Young University share their insights and reflections on topics of faith, the nature of Jesus Christ, the life of Christ and the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.

Likewise, with the 2026 study of the Old Testament in “Come, Follow Me — For Home and Church,” there are four paramount houses of the Lord to look for in the study.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. President Oaks remembers President Holland as ‘an apostle of love and learning’; President Holland laid to rest in St. George; President’s children pay tribute to his life and legacy

Following the Dec. 27 death of President Holland, President Oaks shared closing remarks at President Holland’s funeral. He said he remembers President Holland as ‘an apostle of love and learning’.

President Holland was laid to rest in St. George on New Year’s Day. President Oaks, his counselors, and five members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles joined family and friends in paying respects to the late Apostle.

During the funeral service, David Holland, Mary Alice McCann and Elder Matthew S. Holland recalled how their father’s powerful testimony shaped their own faith.

2. Church News Podcast Episode 273: President Jeffrey R. Holland, 1940-2025: Witnessing of the Savior

In a special memorial episode, the Church News podcast shared words and testimonies from President Holland given over his longtime apostolic service.

Listen to the podcast here.

President Jeffrey R. Holland dies at age 85

Video: President Jeffrey R. Holland — a powerful emissary of Jesus Christ

3. See 50 years of temple growth in 4 charts

With the Church now having just under 400 temples that are dedicated, under construction or in planning, the greatest increase of temple numbers resulted over the past 50 years.

Four graphs show the growth of temples from 1976 to 2026

Learn more about the temple growth here.

Maine’s first temple announced during stake Christmas fireside

Which months, dates have had the most temple dedications?

4. Church News podcast, episode 274: 2025 year in review with Deseret News editors Doug Wilks and Sarah Jane Weaver

As 2025 comes to a close, Deseret News executive editor Doug Wilks and former Church News editor and current Deseret News editor Sarah Jane Weaver join the Church News podcast to discuss the events of the Church throughout the year.

Listen to the podcast here.

2025: A year of prophetic transition, landmark adjustments

See all Church News Podcasts

5. Which countries and U.S. states will have a new mission in 2026?

In 2026, the Church is creating 55 new missions, increasing the total to 506 missions worldwide.

This expansion will lead to the establishment of mission headquarters in several countries and two U.S. states.

Read about the new missions in 2026 here.

6 highlights of Latter-day Saint missionary work in 2025

Church announces the addition of 55 new missions in 2026

6. 2026 youth theme: What does it mean to walk with Christ? Here are 7 quotes from general conference

The youth theme for 2026 is “Walk with Me,” based on Moses 6:34. To help youth and youth leaders better understand the theme, the Church News has gathered seven quotes from general conference that talk about walking with Christ.

7. Brigham Young University religion professors share insights and tips when studying the Old Testament

The Church begins its study of the Old Testament with “Come, Follow Me — For Home and Church.” Five religion professors from Brigham Young University offered their insights and lessons learned from their study of the Old Testament.

Dan Belnap shared an inspiring message from Isaiah 7 and 8 and invites readers to “ take heed, and be quiet; [and] fear not”.

David and Jo Ann Seely discussed the lives of 5 Old Testament figures who foreshadow the life of Jesus Christ.

Aaron Schade offered thoughts and insights to help build faith through a study the Old Testament in 2026.

Kerry Muhlestein shared his insights on how each page of the Old Testament offers a unique opportunity to learn something about the nature of Christ.

Read Dan Belnap’s story about Isaiah here.

Read David and Jo Ann Seely’s story about Christ in the Old Testament here.

Read Aaron Schade’s story of faith in the Old Testament here.

Read Kerry Muhlestein’s story about the nature of Christ in the Old Testament here.

8 resources for studying the Old Testament in 2026

An institute instructor’s advice for studying the Old Testament in 2026

8. 4 Old Testament temples to look for in 2026 ‘Come, Follow Me’ study

As members of the Church study the Old Testament in “Come, Follow Me — For Home and Church,” they can find connections between ancient and modern covenants, ordinances and temples.

There are four paramount houses of the Lord to look for in the Old Testament study.

Learn more about the temple in the Old Testament here.

Watch: What ancient and present-day temples mean to scholars of other faiths and Latter-day Saints

Almost 525,000 tour Utah Area’s ‘Tabernacle Experience’

See the Church News week in review each Sunday

BYU engineers design 150 microscopic temples

Carly Ludlow — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

PROVO, Utah — In celebration of Brigham Young University’s 150th anniversary, BYU electrical engineering professor Greg Nordin and student Callum Galloway created 150 microscopic, 3D-printed replicas of existing temples.

These temples were all completed on July 31, 2024, in anticipation for the anniversary. The 150 temples were laid on a 12-by-19-millimeter microchip in a 10-by-15 grid. Each temple had measurements of about 1 by 0.5 by 0.3 millimeters, about the size of a poppy seed.

“When we heard about the sesquicentennial ‘Beacons of Light’ celebration, we thought, ‘Can we use this superhigh-resolution 3D-printing capability that we’ve developed to create something special?’” said Nordin in a BYU news release.

With 382 temples announced, under construction or dedicated, these engineers chose 150 different floor plans, including temples such as St. George, Washington D.C., San Diego, Provo City Center, and Salt Lake.

“There are a lot of temples that have very, very similar floor plans,” Galloway said. “So I went through and did research finding the first 150 chronological temples that had unique floor plans, and that gives the most variety to the chip.”

According to the news release, Galloway was in Nordin’s lab when the project was first proposed. He then developed the project further and was at the heart of the final product.

Each temple is carefully designed on a carbon-backbone-based material for 3D printing, using ultraviolet projections to build different layers.

Through a process called photo polymerization, the molecules in the materials link in chains and result in recognizable tiny polymer temples.

“It’s rewarding how we can enjoy this technology that we’re using in both an artistic and a spiritual way,” Galloway said. “Engineering is inherently art, and the best art and the best engineering are born out of passion. That’s something I see very much in this lab.”

Cougs Care: Making a difference at BYU road games for 2025 season

At BYU conference, Sister Wright teaches 4 foundational truths of ‘Family Proclamation’

BYU athletes, coaches and teams share Christ-centered Easter messages on social media

In case you missed it: President Jeffrey R. Holland dies at age 85; see an updated list of Christmas social posts from members of First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Jackie Asher, Carly Ludlow — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000

During the week of Dec. 21 to 27, President Jeffrey R. Holland, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died from complications associated with kidney disease.

Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted Christmas messages on their social media accounts, and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared his memories of his first Christmas away from home as he spoke in a Christmas Day devotional at the missionary training center in Provo, Utah.

A new acting president of BYU–Hawaii has been appointed while President John S.K. Kauwe III takes temporary leave to focus on his health amid cancer treatment, and on this week’s Church News podcast, Richard Elliot — the Church’s principal organist for The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square — discusses sacred music and his own conversion.

Individuals can listen to the guests from various Christmas concerts of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square read Luke 2. Also, in the Church’s Africa West, Central and South areas, Latter-day Saints and their friends gathered in worshipful music and charitable donations to “Light the World.”

Learn how Lorin F. Wheelwright, writer of the hymn “Star Bright,” was inspired by the account of Samuel the Lamanite and how his song can help believers reflect on the Savior’s birth.

Members are finding that using different translations of the Bible is helping their understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Elder Emmett Oakley, a service missionary, reflects on his journey of enduring life’s hardships through faith in the Lord and support of others.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. President Jeffrey R. Holland dies at age 85

President Jeffrey R. Holland, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Saturday, Dec. 27, at 3:15 a.m. MST, at age 85, from complications associated with kidney disease.

Listen to a memorial Church News podcast about President Holland here.

Watch a video of President Holland’s testimony here.

President Dallin H. Oaks pays tribute to President Jeffrey R. Holland

See photos from the life of President Jeffrey R. Holland, 1940-2025

2. See an updated list of Christmas social posts from members of First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted Christmas messages on their social media accounts.

Church News has compiled and updated a list of the posts, which highlight the biblical account of the Savior’s birth, Nativity sets, having faith in Jesus Christ and seeing Him as one’s Friend.

See Church leaders’ posts here.

First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional 2025: Read talk summaries, see photos

Read the First Presidency’s 2025 Christmas message

3. Elder Cook shares 5 examples from the Savior at MTC Christmas devotional

Elder Cook spoke to missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center in a Christmas Day devotional about his own mission and invited the missionaries to ponder five different examples from the Savior’s life to better understand the Lord.

4. Acting president appointed at BYU–Hawaii as President Kauwe takes temporary leave to focus on his health

President Kauwe has been granted temporary leave of absence to focus on his health as he continues treatment for cancer, he announced on the university’s social media accounts on Monday, Dec. 22.

Brother R. Kelly Haws, assistant to the commissioner of the Church Educational System who also serves as secretary to the BYU–Hawaii Board of Trustees, will serve as acting president of BYU–Hawaii until President Kauwe’s health allows him to return to full service.

5. Episode 272: Tabernacle organist Richard Elliott on sacred music and his conversion

Richard Elliott — principal organist for The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square — joined this week’s Church News podcast to discuss the power of sacred music and conversion to Christ.

Listen to the podcast here.

Utah governor honors Tabernacle organist Richard Elliott with artist award

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

6. Hear Luke 2 as read by Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert guest artists

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s annual Christmas concert celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with music and stories. One tradition of the concert is the reading of the Christmas story in Luke 2. Individuals can listen to guests from various concerts read Luke 2.

Hear Luke 2 by the Tabernacle Choir guests here.

Listen to stories from past Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts

Watch 5 of the past ‘Music & the Spoken Word’ Christmas specials

7. Concerts and giving mark ‘Light the World’ efforts in Africa

Members of the Church and their friends gathered to celebrate the birth of the Savior and kick off the “Light the World” campaign through concerts and charitable giving throughout Africa.

8. ‘Star Bright’: A hymn of hope and looking to the Savior

Lorin F. Wheelwright was inspired while writing the new song “Star Bright” by the Book of Mormon account of Samuel the Lamanite, who prophesied Christ’s birth and foretold a new star as a sign.

The song invites people to consider not only the star that marked Christ’s birth but also the promise of His return.

9. Learning from different versions of the Bible

With the recent update to the General Handbook that allows for more flexibility in Bible usage, members are finding a deeper understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ in using different translations of the Bible.

10. Iowa service missionary finds joy in serving the Lord and community after losing both legs

Elder Emmett Oakley, a service missionary from Cedar Falls, Iowa, has found renewed hope and joy through his missionary efforts after both of his legs were amputated.

In case you missed it: First Presidency tours Salt Lake Temple; members of First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles post Christmas messages

Jackie Asher, Carly Ludlow — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000

During the week of Dec. 14 to 20, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints toured Salt Lake City’s historic house of the Lord, which is currently undergoing renovations, and members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted Christmas messages on their social media accounts.

The Church’s General Handbook was updated to outline more flexibility in using different editions of the Bible and more principled guidance on the use of artificial intelligence.

On Dec. 14, members of the Portland Maine Stake who gathered for a stake Christmas fireside received the unexpected announcement of the First Presidency to build a temple in Portland, Maine. Plus, the San Jose California Temple was renamed the Sunnyvale California Temple by the First Presidency, and the Fairview Texas Temple has received approval to begin some preliminary site work. Additionally, the First Presidency announced the dedication and open house dates for the Bacolod Philippines Temple.

Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes spoke at BYU–Idaho’s Dec. 18 commencement ceremony, and Elder Hugo E. Martínez, a General Authority Seventy, spoke at BYU–Hawaii’s graduation on Dec. 12. On Dec. 17, RootsTech organizers announced a new theme and introduced 10 global emcees for the 2026 international family history conference.

This week’s Church News podcast episode features a discussion with Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus Pace about her faith and identity as a child of God, and the Church provided eight resources for studying the Old Testament, including some for children, youth and adults.

Read summaries and find links to these articles below.

1. See photos of the First Presidency touring the Salt Lake Temple

On Friday, Dec. 12, Church President Dallin H. Oaks visited the Salt Lake Temple with his counselors — President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson — as well as Sister Kristen Oaks and Sister Kathy Christofferson.

See the photos here.

‘We’re being led by the Spirit’: How divine guidance and prophetic direction have guided Salt Lake Temple renovations

See more Church News coverage of the Temple Square renovation project

2. Members of First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles post Christmas messages

Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are posting Christmas messages on their social media accounts.

The posts highlighted the biblical account of the Savior’s birth, Nativity sets, having faith in Jesus Christ and seeing Him as one’s Friend.

See the social media posts here.

First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional 2025: Read talk summaries, see photos

Read the First Presidency’s 2025 Christmas message

3. Updates to General Handbook cover flexibility in Bible usage, artificial intelligence

An update to the Church’s General Handbook was released Dec. 16, allowing for more flexibility in using different editions and translations of the Holy Bible at home and at church. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders commented on how various translations can help individuals “come to understanding” God’s word.

An additional update contains four principles for using artificial intelligence appropriately.

4. Maine’s first temple announced during stake Christmas fireside

As members of the Portland Maine Stake gathered for a stake Christmas fireside Sunday evening, Dec. 14, they received an unexpected and joyful announcement from the First Presidency: a house of the Lord will be constructed in Portland, Maine — the state’s first temple.

Learn more about the Portland Maine Temple announcement here.

Read what the temple announcement means to Latter-day Saints in the area here.

New temples haven’t always been announced in general conference. Here’s a breakdown of how that’s changed

A look at the 200 temples announced by President Nelson and each one’s current status

5. San Jose California Temple renamed; Fairview Texas temple pre-groundbreaking work to begin; Bacolod Philippines Temple to be dedicated

On Dec. 15, the First Presidency announced the renaming of the San Jose California Temple to match its planned location.

The First Presidency also announced plans to begin preliminary work on the Fairview Texas Temple site.

Open house and dedication dates were announced for the Bacolod Philippines Temple, which will be dedicated as the country’s sixth house of the Lord in May 2026.

Read about the San Jose California Temple renaming here.

6. President Farnes, Elder Martínez speak at BYU–Idaho, BYU–Hawaii commencements

President Farnes encouraged BYU–Idaho graduates to make their discipleship their “absolute highest priority” and to “become second-mile disciples of Jesus Christ” at the commencement ceremony in Rexburg, Idaho, Dec. 18.

More than 200 graduates and their families were recognized during the BYU–Hawaii commencement ceremony held in Laie, Hawaii, on Friday, Dec. 12. Elder Martínez invited them to continue on the path of lifelong learners and disciples of Jesus Christ.

7. RootsTech 2026 organizers unveil new theme and lineup of global emcees

RootsTech organizers announced a new theme and introduced the 10 global emcees for the upcoming three-day international family history conference, scheduled for March 5-7, 2026.

The event’s theme will be “Together,” according to a Dec. 17 FamilySearch blog post.

8. Podcast episode 271: Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus Pace on sharing the light of the gospel by being a covenant keeper

Former Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus Pace joins the Church News podcast to discuss the thrill and danger of skeleton racing, her recovery through faith amid massive setbacks and how keeping on the covenant path has helped in every area of her life.

Listen to the podcast here.

Episode 244: Former BYU basketball player Travis Hansen on his life, faith and the importance of ‘being in the right place’

See all episodes of the Church News podcast

9. 8 resources for studying the Old Testament in 2026

As members prepare to read the Old Testament in 2026, the Church provided eight resources for studying the Old Testament, some for children and some for youth and adults.

From Relief Society to Primary, Church organizations light the world through service

Carly Ludlow — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Individuals and families across the globe are putting this year’s Light the World initiative from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints into action.

The annual initiative invites members and friends of the Church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by sharing His light through acts of service during the Christmas season. Church organizations worldwide have taken to social media to share ideas and examples of how individuals and families can serve and bring relief to others.

Relief Society general presidency

“When we come together to light the world, we bring the relief of the Savior to Heavenly Father’s children in our communities and all around the world,” said Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson in a social media post.

View this post on Instagram

On Nov. 20, the Relief Society general presidency and board members assembled care kits for individuals served by Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake City. Crossroads Urban Center operates food pantries, a clothing distribution center and advocacy programs for those in need. The women prepared hygiene kits, cold-weather kits and baby hygiene kits to support the community.

In the social media post, the Relief Society general presidency encouraged everyone to seek opportunities to serve during the holiday season.

“I promise it will bring you the true joy of the season,” President Johnson said.

When serving in one’s own sphere becomes part of the Relief Society global effort

Primary

On the Primary Worldwide Instagram account, the Bullock family shared how they strive to bring the Savior’s light into their home and focus on Christ during the Christmas season.

Each evening, the Bullocks gather to read the scriptures and discuss events from the life of Jesus Christ, beginning with His birth and continuing through the Resurrection. As they read, they talk about how they might have felt if they had been present and reflect on what Christ means to them personally.

View this post on Instagram

The family said this practice invites the Spirit into their home and strengthens their relationships with one another. As they focus more on Christ, they find themselves placing less emphasis on worldly concerns and becoming more mindful of serving others.

In addition to the Bullock family, young Primary boys and their leaders shared Christ’s light by helping neighbors rake leaves and care for their yards and homes.

View this post on Instagram

The Friend magazine

On the Friend magazine’s social media account, children shared various ways they have helped spread the Savior’s light this Christmas season.

Acts of service included giving hot chocolate to individuals experiencing homelessness, reading the story of Christ’s birth, donating to local children’s hospitals, sharing testimonies and fasting for those in need.

View this post on Instagram

The account also shared 12 simple ways children can light the world this Christmas:

Call a friend or family member and tell them why you love them.
Share a favorite snack or treat with a neighbor.
Share the Friend magazine with a friend.
Invite a friend to church.
Draw a picture and give it to someone who might be sad.
Sing a Christmas song for someone who is sick.
Help clean up trash at a park.
Visit someone who is lonely.
Send a Christmas letter to a missionary.
Watch a video about Jesus Christ’s birth with your family. Then share what you love about Jesus.
Say a prayer and pray for people you love.
Read the scripture Luke 2:1-20 with your family.

View this post on Instagram

Young adults

Young adults from French Polynesia and Tonga also shared how they plan to participate in “Light the World” this Christmas season.

From volunteering in communities to random acts of kindness, these young adults are finding meaningful ways to uplift and serve others.

Five young adults shared their personal commitments to bring relief and hope to those around them in an article on the Church’s Pacific Newsroom.

Hereiti Wang Sang of Tahiti quoted Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and added her comments: “‘By loving and serving our fellowmen, we become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.’ This Christmas season, I would like to brighten the world through small gestures that make a real difference: a comforting word, a shared smile, an act of kindness. The most precious light is the one we share.”

Richard Fangupo, of the island of Tongatapu in Tonga, said, “I hope to be a gift to someone in need. I want to minister to the needy.”

“For me, to light the world this Christmas season means letting Christ bring gentleness into my heart,” said Raihere Tchang of Tahiti. “I want to share a bit of hope, bring comfort to those who need it and show that God forgets no one.”

Keith Vaitai of Tongatapu said, “This Christmas, I want to serve as many people as possible to light the world.”

Matahi Teihotua of Tahiti shared that he hopes to spread hope through his actions and words. “I plan on writing little messages of encouragement, on paper or digitally, to someone in need, highlighting their qualities so they can see that they, too, can light the world in their own way,” he said.

As Christmas approaches, members continue to find simple ways to serve others, reflecting the Savior’s love and sharing His light through everyday acts of kindness.

Giving Machine kiosks launch events around the world to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ

See versions of this year’s Light the World video with children from several countries

Add light to Christmas traditions, Young Women general presidency invites

Temple grounds around the globe illuminate the message of Christmas

Carly Ludlow — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Temple grounds and historic sites around the world are highlighting the birth of Jesus Christ. Each Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites everyone to feel the peace, joy and hope of the Savior through light displays, Nativities and community celebrations.

Local Church leaders and thousands of volunteers organize musical performances, Nativity exhibits, illuminated temple grounds and family-focused activities that emphasize Christ as the Light of the World. From Washington, D.C., to New Zealand, each location offers its own traditions that draw visitors throughout December.

Washington, D.C.

The Washington D.C. Temple launched its 48th annual Festival of Lights on Dec. 2, illuminating the grounds with more than a half-million Christmas lights. Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles joined Mexico’s ambassador to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, for the opening ceremony. Elder Caussé emphasized the meaning of light in the Christmas season, saying it symbolizes the joy found in Jesus Christ.

Washington D.C. Temple: Elder Caussé and Mexican ambassador share messages, switch on lights

Kirtland, Ohio

In Historic Kirtland, the annual Nativity exhibit opened Nov. 30 with more than 100 Nativity scenes. The free display runs through Dec. 30 and includes live music each Sunday, a hot chocolate bar and a family-friendly Bethlehem room. Guests can visit daily from 1 to 7 p.m.

Mesa, Arizona

The Mesa Arizona Temple and Visitors’ Center are again hosting a Christmas light display and an international Nativity exhibit featuring hundreds of Nativities. Volunteers from the Phoenix metro area have maintained the tradition since 1970, beginning preparations each spring and working intensively through November. The lights and exhibits are open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m., Nov. 28 to Dec. 30.

Oakland, California

The Oakland California Temple invites visitors to enjoy the spirit of Christmas through its illuminated grounds and rooftop garden views. The display runs from dusk to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31.

Salt Lake City

For 60 years, Temple Square has welcomed thousands to its Christmas displays. This year, Temple Square is welcoming guests to Christ-centered displays and free activities throughout the Christmas season. Despite ongoing renovations to the Salt Lake Temple, the lights will be available in all open areas from 6 to 8 a.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2026.

What to know about Christmas at Temple Square this year

St. George, Utah

The St. George Utah Temple grounds feature thousands of lights with nightly devotionals and musical performances held at the visitors’ center from 7 to 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 22. Visitors are invited to walk the decorated grounds and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

Laie, Hawaii

At the Laie Hawaii Temple Visitors’ Center, a free Christmas concert is offered every night in December. Community members share musical performances intended to uplift guests and help them experience the spirit of the season.

Joseph Smith Birthplace Historic Site

The Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in South Royalton, Vermont, invites guests to enjoy one of the state’s most beloved holiday light displays. Grounds and buildings are lighted in red, green and gold each night through 9 p.m. The visitors’ center is open daily except on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Manila, Philippines

On Nov. 13, the Manila Philippines Temple grounds welcomed diplomats and community representatives for its annual Christmas lighting. Elder William K. Jackson, a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Church’s Philippines Area presidency, led the ceremonial lighting ceremony. The grounds shine with lights that reflect themes of hope, love and the Light of Christ.

Hamilton, New Zealand

The Hamilton New Zealand Temple grounds began its light display Dec. 6. The lights shine nightly at 8:30 p.m. through Christmas Day, and visitors can walk through the grounds to enjoy the festive atmosphere and choir performances.

View this post on Instagram

Mexico City, Mexico

More than 250,000 lights decorate the grounds of the Mexico City Mexico Temple. According to ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the display took about three months for 28 people to assemble.

Brazil

Thousands gathered at temple grounds in São Paulo, Curitiba and Fortaleza, Brazil, to celebrate the launch of the Little Village of Bethlehem exhibits. The displays, which run through Jan. 5, 2026, showcase Nativity scenes surrounded by lights.

View this post on Instagram

Across continents and cultures, these temple events invite members and friends of the Church to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Whether through a quiet walk on illuminated grounds, a musical performance or a Nativity exhibit, each celebration centers on the message of Christmas. Collectively, they support the Church’s global effort to “Light the World” throughout the season.

Video: Elder Caussé shares ‘The Lights of Christmas’

Giving Machine kiosks launch events around the world to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ

Bells at Temple Square celebrates ‘Season of Light’ during concert

Church News

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In case you missed it: 2026 First Presidency Easter message published, Elder Cook ministers in Africa West Area

1. 2026 First Presidency Easter message testifies of strengthened faith and testimony

2. Elder Quentin L. Cook gives instruction and spiritual guidance in Africa West Area

3. Elder Andersen testifies ‘God has a Prophet upon the earth’

4. Elder Renlund visits Romania: ‘I have great faith in the future of the Church here’

5. Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra perform first ‘Songs of Hope’ concert in Brazil

6. Podcast Episode 282: Elder and Sister Gilbert on answering the Lord’s call

7. How to attend the 2026 RootsTech Conference

Read more about RootsTech 2026 here.

8. Ground broken for temple in north-central Texas

9. Temple news: 4 temple site maps released, new name for Houston Texas South Temple, groundbreaking date set for Teresina Brazil Temple

10. Latest release of new hymns includes several to help with Old Testament ‘Come, Follow Me’ study

Faith leaders tour Denver temple grounds in effort to build understanding

In Texas and Oklahoma, members embrace Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service and parades

‘Saints in Unity’ devotional bridges faith and community in North Texas

Members of the Singapore Stake unite with local charity to provide essential aid to vulnerable families

In case you missed it: President Oaks issues special invitation to young adults, Elder and Sister Kearon speak in worldwide devotional

1. As institute celebrates 100 years, President Oaks issues special invitation to young adults across the world

2. ‘Sing with redeeming love,’ Elder and Sister Kearon tell young adults in worldwide devotional

3. World Food Programme leaders visit the Church’s humanitarian facilities, express gratitude for 12 years of collaboration

4. See the Church’s connections to the Olympics

5. What a Joseph Smith portrait at Morehouse College means to local Latter-day Saints

6. Elder Nash addresses faith leaders, advocates for the protection of religious freedom

7. Leaders speak at Church school devotionals

Read more about Elder Barcellos’ devotional here.

8. Church News podcast Episode 279: BYU–Pathway Worldwide’s Tanise Chung-Hoon on the impact of Church education

9. President of Zimbabwe attends temple open house for Harare Zimbabwe Temple

‘No one sits alone’: England wards promote friendship and love through activities

Activity nights in Moreton

Youth nights in Forest of Dean

Board game group in Gloucester

In case you missed it: First Presidency announces 1-hour sacrament meeting for Palm Sunday, President Christofferson speaks on 2026 youth theme

1. First Presidency announces 1-hour sacrament meeting to commemorate Palm Sunday

2. Prayer, repentance and covenants the way Jesus invites to ‘Walk with me,’ President Christofferson teaches in worldwide youth discussion

3. Elder Bednar dedicates Alabang Philippines Temple, invites members to ‘bring the temple into our home’

4. Who is speaking at BYU Women’s Conference 2026?

5. Harare Zimbabwe Temple open house underway

6. Temple groundbreakings in Florida and Brazil; temple sites announced in Arizona and Hawaii

7. Church farms, factories highlighted in 3-part series on BYUtv

8. Elder Holland, Elder Rowe speak at Church school devotionals

9. Church News podcast Episode 277: Jill McAuley discusses finding purpose and identity in faith beyond ability

10. Member missionary work results in 184 baptized in 2 stakes in Democratic Republic of the Congo across 2 weekends

She left the house in pajamas and became an answer to a prayer

How faith guides this young athlete in her Paralympic pursuit

The diagnosis

Foundation of faith

‘Diagnosis is not destiny’

In case you missed it: President Oaks to dedicate Burley Idaho Temple, see what Church leaders have taught about temples and temple covenants

1. President Oaks to dedicate Burley Idaho Temple

2. What Church leaders have taught about temples and temple covenants

3. Upcoming events with Church leaders

4. President Uchtdorf named as acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

5. Updates to missionary work

6. RootsTech 2026 speakers to include Apostles

7. Video: Elder Caussé says he is ‘someone who has been changed through the gospel of Jesus Christ’

8. In lieu of New Year’s resolutions, President Camille N. Johnson asks missionaries to seek a ‘mighty change of heart’

9. Church News podcast Episode 275: BYU professor Josh Sears on understanding and using Bible translations

10. Ensign College and BYU–Pathway Worldwide presidents speak in opening devotionals

In case you missed it: President Oaks dedicates Burley Idaho Temple; at college devotional, Elder Bednar testifies of the Restoration

1. President Oaks dedicates Burley Idaho Temple

2. President Oaks says he feels the responsibility of the prophetic mantle, defends religious freedom

3. The ‘supernal series of miraculous experiences’ Elder Bednar shared at Utah State University devotional

4. Worldwide Relief Society devotional to be held in March

5. Temple updates in California, Guatemala, Utah, Mozambique; plus Temple Square renovation update

6. President Johnson speaks at J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual Fireside

7. Presidents of Church universities kick off semesters with opening devotionals

8. Church News Podcast Episode 276: BYU associate professor Norman Hill on aging better with faith

9. How the Unit History Tool enables Latter-day Saints to easily capture and preserve stories of faith

Young adults find community and faith at YSA conferences across Japan

Q&A session with Elder and Sister Teh

Planning the YSA conferences

‘Opening the way’