LDS Retention Drop, Church Opposes Abortion Rights in Idaho, Nevada - Mormon News 9.25.26 | Ep. 2200

Today on Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan examine new Pew data on Mormon retention, the Church’s opposition to Idaho Proposition 1, questions surrounding David McConkie’s employment at BYU, a response from Suzie Greco, Elizabeth Smart’s Survivor Files, and Colorado State’s apology following anti-Mormon chants at a BYU football game.

ARE MORMONS STAYING?

New Pew data gives us another look at LDS retention in the United States. We compare the new findings with Church-focused retention research released earlier this year.

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/

CHURCH OPPOSES IDAHO PROP 1

The LDS Church has asked Idaho members to oppose Proposition 1, a reproductive freedom ballot initiative. We look at what has transpired since.

https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/09/read-letter-from-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saint-leaders-on-idaho-abortion-prop-1-initiative/

DAVID McCONKIE AT BYU

Questions are being raised about BYU’s employment of David G. McConkie, who appears on a public offender registry. We look at the available records and what is being reported about his work at BYU.

https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries?search=

https://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=31038418&AgencyID=54438

https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1wj58fx/byu_employs_convicted_sex_offender_david_g/

SUZIE GRECO RESPONDS

Survivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco responds following our previous coverage of the warning she says she received from LDS leaders.

ELIZABETH SMART: SURVIVOR FILES

Elizabeth Smart is sharing a new series, Survivor Files, centered on survivor stories and experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_official/reels/

COLORADO STATE APOLOGIZES TO BYU

Colorado State apologized after fans directed derogatory chants at BYU during their football game.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49986309/colorado-st-apologizes-byu-derogatory-chants-fans

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At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.

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