No Small Temples | Elder David A. Bednar Church News 2023-04-27 | This is a “remarkable inflection point” in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Church now has 315 temples that are announced, dedicated or under construction.This time is an opportunity to “focus on what matters most in relationship to the temple,” said Elder Bednar. This Church News video titled “No Small Temple” features Elder Bednar talking about the “house of the Lord.”“I think we routinely talk about the temple,” he explained. “I don't think we talk nearly as much about the covenants and ordinances. And I don't think we should even talk about the covenants and ordinances separate from and apart from the Savior.”Elder Bednar said he sometimes hears people say, “Oh, that's a small temple.” “There is no such thing as a small temple — they are just temples. There's no such thing as small covenants or small ordinances.”---Related links:Church News podcast, episode 133: Elder David A. Bednar on Latter-day Saint temples and the ‘power of godliness’ that comes through covenants and the ordinances: youtube.com/watch?v=fODW2z7YBwo&list=PLAJ9cpIRgvpIhsd_gp_47TSBm7PYhkXpv&index=1Video: Elder Bednar on how temples change hearts: youtube.com/watch?v=B_D9TCpmkX8In Q&A, Elder Bednar turns focus to role of the Holy Ghost: thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/2/1/23580313/elder-bednar-ensign-college-devotional-holy-ghost
Church News Today, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 Church News 2026-09-24 | When you put yourself in the scriptures, “they will come alive to you.” So taught Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently at a Provo Missionary Training Center devotional. He said: “These scriptures apply to you, and as you put yourself into them, they will come alive to you in a spiritual way that you haven’t experienced thus far.”Elder Clark G. Gilbert, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, told Hispanic youth they have a “critical role” in the Church’s future as he invited them to prepare for and serve a mission and to pursue higher education. Speaking in Spanish during a Chicago devotional broadcast to meetinghouses across the United States Central Area, he taught: “You are an important part of the future of the Church. You and your families are loved by our Father in Heaven and by His Prophet.” And FamilySearch has announced that actress Jane Seymour and genetic genealogy expert CeCe Moore will be keynote speakers at RootsTech 2027. Seymour, also a philanthropist, is best known for her Golden Globe-winning role in “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” while Moore is an internationally recognized DNA investigative expert, with her work featured in thousands of articles and TV programs. Registration is already available for RootsTech 2027.
Service: Becoming more like Jesus Christ Church News 2026-09-24 | Service is connected to discipleship. LaDawn Stoddard with JustServe tells the Church News podcast how serving others makes people more like Jesus Christ.
Church News Today, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 Church News 2026-09-23 | “Choose Christ.” That was the simple injunction offered by Elder Alexander Dushku, a General Authority Seventy, during the Brigham Young University devotional Tuesday, Sept. 22. He said: “If you remember nothing else I say today — if I put you to sleep or everything else fades by lunchtime or you have a TikTok emergency — please remember these two words: ‘Choose Christ.’”Five years after an arson fire destroyed the Cape Girardeau Missouri Stake Center, Latter-day Saints in the area finally have a new building — and a permanent place to call home. The new stake center was dedicated Sept. 19. Over the past five years, members have met in the Osage Centre, Southeast Missouri State University and the Metro Business College. With Latter-day Saints striving to follow the Lord’s two great commandments — to love God and love one’s neighbor — the Church connects people around the globe to service opportunities with the JustServe platform. Stephen Bulpitt, JustServe global manager, and LaDawn Stoddard, JustServe senior strategic relationships manager, recently joined the Church News podcast to talk about how service unites people and builds disciples of Jesus Christ.And the San Luis Potosí Mexico Temple is set to begin a two-week public open house prior to its Nov. 1 dedication by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Interior and exterior photos of the temple — which will be Mexico’s 15th house of the Lord — were released in conjunction with the Sept. 21 media day.
Service: A beautiful cycle Church News 2026-09-23 | Serving others blesses both the giver and the receiver. In this episode of the Church News podcast, LaDawn Stoddard with JustServe explains how service becomes a beautiful cycle.
Church News Today, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 Church News 2026-09-23 | Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke at a Sunday, Sept. 20, devotional at the Salt Lake Institute of Religion east of the University of Utah campus.Sister Kristin Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, invited Utah Valley Institute students to be the Lord’s hands in caring for those in need in a Sunday devotional.Watch and read about a trailer that has been released for a six-part video series on the role of temples in the lives of young adults. The series is titled “Dedicate” and begins on Oct. 4.
Service: The great uniter Church News 2026-09-22 | Service changes people and serving together is a great uniter. Steve Bulpitt, JustServe Global Manager, joins the Church News podcast to talk about the benefits that come when we serve.
Service unites and builds disciples of Jesus Christ, JustServe leaders say Church News 2026-09-22 | Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in following the Savior’s two great commandments: to love God and to love their neighbors. Loving one’s neighbors includes serving them, and opportunities are all around to serve each other, whether through organized efforts or individual acts. The Church connects people around the globe to service opportunities with the JustServe platform. Stephen Bulpitt, JustServe global manager, and LaDawn Stoddard, JustServe senior strategic relationships manager, join Church News reporter Mary Richards on this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about how service unites people and builds disciples of Jesus Christ.The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by Ellie Lewis.
Church News this week, Sept. 13-18 Church News 2026-09-22 | President Dallin H. Oaks, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke at the Washington National Cathedral on the eve of Constitution Day. He shared principles he learned from 70 years of studying the U.S. constitution and prayed that individuals will all strive to be peacemakers in a diverse, divided world.In temple news, the Knoxville Tennessee Temple and Smithfield Utah Temple will be dedicated next March and April, respectively. And the groundbreakings for the Cincinnati Ohio Temple and La Paz Bolivia Temple will be this November.Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ministered to Haitian Latter-day Saints at the Dominican Republic border. He called it a heavenly experience and a sacred privilege.Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, saw great faith in her Europe Central Area ministry. The agenda in Germany, Austria, Cyprus and Spain focused on “the one,” as well as discipleship and temple blessings.And this month Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus of the Young Women general presidency ministered in five countries over ten days in the Africa South Area. She taught about the expanded “For the Strength of Youth” guide and Sunday curriculum. And she invited youth to build their lives on Jesus Christ.Children can learn about families in the September Friend to Friend with Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Primary general presidency. The Friend to Friend episode shows children learning from "The Family Proclamation" and sharing family traditions, such as making crepes together with Elder and Sister Caussé.
Church News Today, Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 Church News 2026-09-21 | The public can now tour the Wichita Kansas Temple and ground was broken for the Barcelona Spain Temple on Saturday.Also, this year marks the 40th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Church News Today, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 Church News 2026-09-19 | This month Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus of the Young Women general presidency ministered in five countries over ten days in the Africa South Area.In college devotionals this week, BYU–Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III reflected on BYU–Idaho’s 25 years of creating disciple leaders. At Ensign College, Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, General Authority Seventy, told students to choose faith over fear and trust the Lord.This summer was the 60th annual Festinord conference. Around 700 Latter-day Saints gathered in Finland from around Europe for the YSA conference.
Church News Today, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 Church News 2026-09-17 | President Dallin H. Oaks, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke at the Washington National Cathedral on the eve of Constitution Day.Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was the BYU devotional speaker this week.Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ministered to Haitian Latter-day Saints at the Dominican Republic border.In temple news, the Knoxville Tennessee Temple and Smithfield Utah Temple will be dedicated next March and April. And the groundbreakings for the Cincinnati Ohio Temple and La Paz Bolivia Temple will be this November.
‘Be Peacemakers’ | President Oaks speaks at the Washington National Cathedral Church News 2026-09-17 | President Dallin H. Oaks drew from scripture and legal study as he invited listeners at the Washington National Cathedral to pursue paths of peace and unity on Wednesday, Sept. 16.The night before the United States marked its annual Constitution Day, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke from the nation’s capital and taught that the Savior helps those who strive to keep His commandments. His message was heard by nearly 3,000 people in the cathedral and more than 100,000 others on YouTube.In a Church News video titled “Be Peacemakers,” President Oaks expresses his testimony that the U.S. Constitution is divinely inspired and that it pushes individuals to work together with the goal of unity without compromising core values.“It compels a divided people to build coalitions that allow them to act together for a common good,” he said.
There is no greater joy than eternal families Church News 2026-09-17 | The first couple to be sealed in the San Diego California Temple after it was dedicated in April 1993 had the opportunity to reflect on their temple blessings at the temple’s rededication in August 2026. On the Church News podcast, Elizabeth and Giovanni Guanuna talk about how their temple sealing has blessed their family.
Church News Today, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026 Church News 2026-09-16 | A panel of Church leaders and young adults discussed faith, agency and seeking divine strength to overcome trials in the 2026 Utah Area YSA Conference devotional. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed several patterns in the scriptures that YSAs can apply “individually and personally.”The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was remembered across the United States with acts of service. Latter-day Saints joined their neighbors across the United States in the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Wide varieties of service projects helped care for those in need.A new video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints goes behind the scenes of general conference. Audio and light technicians describe how they prepare and work in the Conference Center so the messages reach millions without distraction.
What it means to love God Church News 2026-09-16 | Sitting on the grounds of the San Diego California Temple on the weekend of its rededication in August 2026, Elizabeth and Giovanni Guanuna were interviewed for the Church News podcast. They reflected on what it meant to them to be the first couple sealed in the temple after it was originally dedicated in April 1993.
The first couple to be sealed in the San Diego temple Church News 2026-09-15 | Elizabeth and Giovanni Guanuna were the first couple sealed in the San Diego California Temple after it was dedicated in April 1993. On the Church News podcast, they talk about how their wedding came about and their feelings about the gospel of Jesus Christ, three decades later at the temple’s rededication. Listen wherever you get podcasts.
Church News Today, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 Church News 2026-09-15 | Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, saw great faith in her Europe Central Area ministry assignment. The agenda in Germany, Austria, Cyprus and Spain focused on “the one,” as well as discipleship and temple blessings.Three bishops of neighboring wards in the Othello Washington Stake are all first cousins. Bishop Brian Gentry, Bishop Scott Harris and Bishop David Beus draw on their ancestors’ legacy of testimony and hard work as they serve.This week’s “Come, Follow Me” study guide includes Isaiah chapters 1 through 12 with the Lord’s promise that "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Go to TheChurchNews.com or the Church News app to see what Church leaders have said about these chapters in Isaiah.
First couple sealed in San Diego temple reflects 3 decades later Church News 2026-09-15 | President Dallin H. Oaks, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has taught that “essential to our doctrine on the family is the temple. The ordinances received there enable us to return as eternal families to the presence of our Heavenly Father.”After the San Diego California Temple was originally dedicated in April 1993, Elizabeth and Giovanni Guanuna were the first couple to be married and sealed in the new temple. Three decades later, on the temple’s rededication weekend in August 2026, they met with Church News reporter Aimee Cobabe on the temple grounds.On this episode of the Church News podcast, the Guanunas reflect on what their sealing means to them and what blessings they have seen as they have continued to build their faith in Jesus Christ and serve in the temple.
Church News Today, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 Church News 2026-09-14 | Children can learn about families in the September Friend to Friend with Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Primary general presidency. The Friend to Friend episode shows children learning from "The Family Proclamation" and sharing family traditions, such as making crepes together with Elder and Sister Caussé.The groundbreaking was held this weekend for the Colorado Springs Colorado Temple. Elder Karl D. Hirst, a General Authority Seventy, presided. He spoke about the beauty of Colorado Springs and explained that “a temple here will bring an even more transcendent beauty to this area.”Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in northwest Wisconsin are serving their communities after a tornado destroyed homes, trees and power lines. It is estimated over 1,000 volunteers had participated in recovery efforts and given more than 10,000 hours of service.
Church News this week, Sept. 7-11 Church News 2026-09-11 | President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke to missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center this week and thanked them for their willingness to serve.Two more ticket batches are available within the next month for the Salt Lake Temple open house. Additional free tickets can be reserved Sept. 15 and Oct. 1.The Church donated $1.2 million to UNICEF to support maternal and newborn health in Pakistan.The Church donated women’s cancer screening equipment to a hospital in Managua, Nicaragua. Also, the Managua Nicaragua Temple opened its doors to the public this week with an open house lasting through Sept. 26.During his recent ministry in Mexico, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invited thousands to center their lives on Jesus Christ.
Church News Today, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 Church News 2026-09-11 | This is Church News Today on Friday, Sept. 11, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.Members of The Church Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are among those remembering and reflecting on that date 25 years ago. On theChurchNews.com and the Church News app, read stories from Latter-day Saints who were at the twin towers and the Pentagon and see how their experiences shaped their faith.Reflecting on the anniversary brings to mind the role of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. The choir and orchestra used music to heal and share hope with two memorial services the week of the Sept. 11 attacks. They also performed on the 10th and 20th anniversaries.Members of the Church will spend today and this weekend commemorating the 25th anniversary through acts of service. It is the 9/11 Day of Service, which is observed throughout the U.S. and Canada.
A Faithful Foundation | Open house begins at Montpelier Temple Church News 2026-09-11 | Settled more than 160 years ago along the Oregon trail, the city of Montpelier, Idaho, celebrates a temple as a link to both its past and future.At the temple's media day, Elder Karl D. Hirst, General Authority Seventy, said, "One of the things that's just struck me is just how closely connected the local living members are with their family that have gone before them, their ancestors, and the way in which they feel the connection, the rejoicing."
Church News Today, Thursday, Sept. 10 Church News 2026-09-11 | President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke to missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center this week and thanked them for their willingness to serve. The acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles underscored the importance of invitations, goals, faith, agency and being “not weary in well-doing."Two more ticket batches are available within the next month for the Salt Lake Temple open house. Additional free tickets can be reserved Sept. 15 and Oct. 1. After the first batch was released on Sept. 1, the first one million tickets were claimed within 24 hours.The Church donated women’s cancer screening equipment to a hospital in Managua, Nicaragua. The donation reflects a commitment by the Church to follow Jesus Christ’s example of serving, ministering and caring for others.
The dating paradox Church News 2026-09-10 | Recent research found that young adults want serious relationships but are experiencing a dating recession, with only about 1 in 3 actively dating. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Jason Carroll, the Family Initiative director at the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University and a marriage preparation teacher for 20 years, talks about the patterns found in this research and what the positive outliers can teach about creating a better dating and marriage culture.
Church News Today, Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026 Church News 2026-09-09 | The Montpelier Idaho Temple has begun its open-house phase. Doors are open to tour the temple through Saturday, Sept. 26, excluding Sundays. This will be Idaho’s eighth temple and it will be dedicated on Oct. 18.That same day is also the dedication for Nicaragua’s first temple. The Managua Nicaragua Temple opened its doors to the public this week with an open house also lasting through Sept. 26.A special issue of The Friend magazine is all about the temple. The September 2026 issue teaches children why temples are important, how they can prepare now — no matter their age — what happens in temples and more.
Teach the ideal, nurture in the real Church News 2026-09-09 | The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family. But marriages and birthrates are declining in places around the world — and so is dating. Jason Carroll, the Family Initiative director at the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University and a marriage preparation teacher, joins the Church News podcast to talk about teaching the ideal and helping young single adults through the challenges of dating today.
Church News Today, Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026 Church News 2026-09-08 | During his recent ministry in Mexico, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invited thousands to center their lives on Jesus Christ. He met with members, missionaries, religious leaders, news media and government officials on his assignment to the country.Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified of Jesus Christ in his first apostolic visit to West Africa. He also emphasized the importance of leadership development and education such as through BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Global Education Centers and the Succeed in School initiative.The Church donated $1.2 million to UNICEF to support maternal and newborn health in Pakistan. Earlier this year, the Church gave $25 million to UNICEF in five other countries. This is in addition to the $65 million donated last month to several organizations to help women and children.
No one is alone in Gods plan Church News 2026-09-08 | Research from BYU’s Wheatley Institute shows young single adults want to be married but are facing many challenges with dating. On the Church News podcast, Jason Carroll, the Family Initiative director at the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University and a marriage preparation teacher, speaks about trusting in God’s plan of happiness.
Finding hope in the modern dating landscape with BYU’s Jason Carroll Church News 2026-09-08 | President Dallin H. Oaks, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has taught that the doctrine of the Church centers on the family. But marriages and birthrates are declining in places around the world — and so is dating. The National Dating Landscape Survey, published earlier this year, looked at the opportunities and challenges of dating across the United States. Researchers found that young adults want serious relationships but are experiencing a dating recession, with only about 1 in 3 young adults actively dating.Jason S. Carroll, the Family Initiative director at the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University and a marriage preparation teacher for 20 years, joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to talk about the patterns found in this research and what the positive outliers can teach about creating a better dating and marriage culture.The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by Rex Warner and Ellie Lewis.
Church News this week, Aug. 31-Sep. 4 Church News 2026-09-05 | Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the theme for the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration — on the same day the initial wave of reservations were made available for open house tickets.Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple, the first in that Southeast Asia nation.In recent temple milestones, the open house is officially underway for the Ephraim Utah Temple, and ground has been broken for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple.The First Presidency has invited all to participate in the upcoming October 2026 general conference, saying “General conference provides an opportunity to receive personal revelation as Church leaders give counsel and direction from the Lord.”Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with the president of Peru, discussing in part the spirit of peacemaking.The Church has continued to send truckloads of food donations to food banks across the country as part of America’s 250th anniversary.And the Young Women and Young Men general presidents joined the Church News podcast to share five practical ways youth can prepare for the shorter Sunday class meetings.
Church News Today, Friday, Sep. 4, 2026 Church News 2026-09-04 | The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter inviting all to participate in the October 2026 general conference. It will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4.Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told missionaries at the Provo MTC about three “keystones of faith.”Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with the president of Peru as part of a ministry tour in the South American country.
Learning from Christ on every page in the scriptures Church News 2026-09-04 | President Timothy L. Farnes, the Young Men general president, recounts a story of his six-year-old grandson explaining that his favorite scripture hero was Jesus Christ. President Farnes discusses how much we can learn of Christ and what it means to follow Him by reading the scriptures. Listen to the full conversation on the Church News podcast feed.
Church News Today, Thursday, Sep. 3, 2026 Church News 2026-09-04 | In a new Church News video, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says worshipping in the temple provides peace, joy and eternal view. This was before dedicating the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple on Sunday.The Church has continued to send truckloads of food donations to food banks across the country as part of America’s 250th anniversary. In San Antonio, Texas, hundreds of volunteers showed up at the San Antonio Food Bank in July to unload the food from the Church’s truck and prepare donations for local families in need.
A Christ-centered guide for discipleship Church News 2026-09-04 | President Emily Belle Freeman, the Young Woman general president, teaches about the refocusing of the For the Strength of Youth guide from a book of standards, to a book of principles to live a life of discipleship. Listen to the full conversation on the Church News podcast feed.
Pioneer Heritage | Open house begins for Ephraim Utah Temple Church News 2026-09-03 | Located just seven miles from the historic Manti Utah Temple, the Ephraim community celebrates the beginning of the open house for the new temple serving their community. In view from the campus of Snow College, the Ephraim temple helps students and community members keep Christ the focus of their life.
Our Eternal View | Elder Kearon dedicates Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple Church News 2026-09-03 | While in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to dedicate the country’s first temple, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invited all to “take a moment to be still” when inside a house of the Lord.While life can be hard, the temple puts everything into greater perspective in Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, he said.This Church News video, titled “Our Eternal View,” features Elder Kearon; his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon; and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cambodia.In a country where millions of people were killed in genocide from 1975 to 1979, Church members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity they now have to be sealed to their family members and to perform saving ordinances for their ancestors.
Church News Today, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026 Church News 2026-09-02 | Leaders of the Church announced the theme for the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration the same day reservations were made available for open house tickets. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, called the celebration a historic event. The theme “Rejoice in Christ” will also be the youth theme next year. Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson said she hopes this is unifying for a global Church, “because temples do dot the earth.”Beginning this upcoming Sunday, youth classes in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will look different. Youth will have shorter meetings, a new discussion-based curriculum and a revised “For the Strength of Youth” guide. In a Church News Podcast, the Young Women and Young Men General Presidents share five practical ways youth can prepare.
Rejoice in Christ | Theme announced for Salt Lake Temple Celebration Church News 2026-09-02 | Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the theme for the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration on the same day reservations were made available for open house tickets.Speaking from the new temple entrance building north of the Salt Lake Temple on Temple Square, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, called the celebration a historic event that will accompany the reopening of the Salt Lake Temple in 2027 following its extensive, seven-year renovation.“We invite the world — everyone, hundreds of thousands of people, millions of people,” he said. “We expect 5 million people to come and see and enjoy this wonderful experience — what the temple, the house of the Lord, represents.”
Work underway on virtual Salt Lake Temple tour Church News 2026-09-02 | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will offer virtual tours as part of the Salt Lake Temple Celebration. Tours will include the visitors’ center as well as the temple itself. Tours can be found at TempleSquare.org and the Temple Square app in the coming months. The public open house for the renovated temple begins in April 2027.
Living the gospel, living as disciples of Christ Church News 2026-09-02 | President Timothy L. Farnes, Young Men general president, speaks about preparing for each Sunday lesson ahead of time, so the discussion becomes livelier and more engaging. He teaches from the scriptures and describes what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Listen to the full conversation on the Church News podcast feed.
A project three years in the making Church News 2026-09-02 | President Emily Belle Freeman, the Young Women general president, bears her testimony on the Church News Podcast of the work that she has been a part of for the past three years. Watch the full episode on the Church News podcast feed.
Our Eternal View | Elder Kearon dedicates Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple Church News 2026-09-02 | While in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to dedicate the country’s first temple, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invited all to “take a moment to be still” when inside a house of the Lord.While life can be hard, the temple puts everything into greater perspective in Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, he said.This Church News video, titled “Our Eternal View,” features Elder Kearon; his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon; and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cambodia.In a country where millions of people were killed in genocide from 1975 to 1979, Church members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity they now have to be sealed to their family members and to perform saving ordinances for their ancestors.
Church News Today, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026 Church News 2026-09-01 | Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple. He said everything about the temple points toward heaven, from the traditional architecture that draws the eye toward the beautiful spires and then heavenward, to the covenants made inside with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This is the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cambodia. The open house is officially underway for the Ephraim Utah Temple. This will be the 26th temple dedicated in Utah and the second in Sanpete County — scheduled to be dedicated the same day as the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple.And finally, ground was broken for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple, in preparation for its construction. Idaho is home to 11 temples in various stages of operation, construction and planning.
Church News this week, Aug. 24-29 Church News 2026-08-31 | President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency, rededicated the San Diego California Temple on Sunday, saying the temple is a ‘visible, tangible testimony’ of the Savior. The iconic Southern California edifice was originally dedicated in 1993 by President Gordon B. Hinckley as the Church’s 45th temple.Two Apostles recently ministered in Spokane, Washington, after a trio of devastating wildfires there. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and quorum member Elder Neil L. Andersen met with Latter-day Saints from multiple stakes and with others via a broadcast. The Apostles offered messages of hope, covenant assurance and God’s abiding presence. They also surveyed burned neighborhoods and spent time with families who had lost their homes.Take a look at membership growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the United States over the past 25 years. The number of Latter-day Saints increased in 49 of the 50 U.S. states over the past quarter century. And the largest percentage increases? They were in North Dakota, with 131%; Tennessee, 96%; Arkansas, 85%; Texas, 82%; and North Carolina, 70%.On the other side of the globe, Elder Gerritt W. Gong said: “Cambodia is a country that treasures temples.” The member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to governmental leaders, media representatives and friends about the new Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple, the Church’s first in that Southeast Asia country. Leading into this weekend’s dedication of that new house of the Lord, watch the Church News video titled “Treasuring Temples.”
Sunday youth curriculum has changed. Now what? Church News 2026-08-31 | Starting next week, youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will shift from rotating each Sunday between their Young Women or Aaronic Priesthood classes and Sunday School classes to participating in both every week. Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman join Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen for this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about the way youth can develop into stronger disciples of Jesus Christ through these adjustments. “It's not just learning, it's about living and becoming lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ,” President Farnes says in the podcast. Hear how he hopes the Sunday change will also effect positive changes in the lives of the rising generation. The two speak about the changes to the “For the Strength of Youth” guide and how that guide has changed in a way that matches the needs of youth today. “We would refer to it as a guide for strength, and it's a guide for finding strength in Jesus Christ. Because that's what the youth today need to face everything that they're up against,” President Freeman says in the podcast. “What we're looking for now is much higher and holier than a guide of standards."The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by Rex Warner and Ellie Lewis.
Church News Today, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 Church News 2026-08-28 | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement on regional drought and the Great Salt Lake. The statement urges members across the western United States to “take personal steps and support public efforts” to conserve water.Elder Gerritt W. Gong said: “Cambodia is a country that treasures temples.” The member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to governmental leaders, media representatives and friends about the new Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple, the Church’s first in that Southeast Asia country. Leading into this weekend’s dedication of that new house of the Lord, watch the Church News video titled “Treasuring Temples.”And read about the three Latter-day Saints who represented Team USA at the World Flying Disc Federation’s recent World Junior Ultimate championships in Spain. The three from Utah each collected medals with U.S. teams in their respective age competitions.
Treasuring Temples | Media Day with Elder Gong in Phnom Penh, Cambodia Church News 2026-08-27 | In front of a crowd of some 600 Cambodian leaders, media representatives, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends gathered on the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple grounds earlier this month, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared what it means to have a new temple in the country.“Cambodia is a country that treasures temples,” Elder Gong said on Aug. 12.This Church News video, titled “Treasuring Temples,” includes Elder Gong, Church pioneers in Cambodia and others who are joyfully welcoming the new temple in the country that has been through dark times in the past.
Church News Today, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 Church News 2026-08-27 | In Church News Today this Thursday, Aug. 27: Take a look at membership growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the United States over the past 25 years. The number of Latter-day Saints increased in 49 of the 50 U.S. states over the past quarter century. And the largest percentage increases? They were in North Dakota, with 131%; Tennessee, 96%; Arkansas, 85%; Texas, 82%; and North Carolina, 70%.Members who lost homes in the devastating wildfires in Spokane, Washington, found faith and blessings in the ashes and aftermath. “We weren’t alone,” said Spokane area Latter-day Saints, who spoke of tender mercies, answered prayers, acts of service and lessons in resilience.And in a recent devotional at the Provo Missionary Training Center, Bishop Sean Douglas, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, spoke of a recent experience of rescuing a tired hummingbird in his home. He likened it for his missionary listeners that how turning to the Savior in their exhaustion, “you can land on Him, and He will always keep you safe.”
Building Bridges | Elder Soares meets with faith leaders in New York City Church News 2026-08-27 | Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with Christian and Jewish faith leaders at four locations across New York City on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. Elder Soares visited the Rev. A.R. Bernard, founder and CEO of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, and the Rev. Nicolas Kazarian, director of interfaith relations for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, among other religious leaders. The meetings focused on strengthening interfaith relationships and exploring opportunities for collaboration and service.
Building Bridges | Elder Soares meets with faith leaders in New York City Church News 2026-08-27 | Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with Christian and Jewish faith leaders at four locations across New York City on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. Elder Soares visited the Rev. A.R. Bernard, founder and CEO of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, and the Rev. Nicolas Kazarian, director of interfaith relations for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, among other religious leaders. The meetings focused on strengthening interfaith relationships and exploring opportunities for collaboration and service.
