This Week in Mormons

This week's hosts: Christopher Cunningham (Public Square Magazine) and Ivan Wolfe (Times & Seasons) In this episode, we delve into a variety of topics, including the transformative power of birth experiences, the ongoing debate surrounding caffeine and the Word of Wisdom, the controversial recognition of Tucker Carlson in Deseret News, the passing of Heather Armstrong and her impact as a prominent mommy blogger, the jury deliberations in the Lori Vallow Daybell murder trial, the historic moment of interfaith leaders in Kenya welcoming The Church, the 50-year celebration of an unlikely union between a Jewish congregation and Latter-day Saints in Utah, the social capital rates of Latter-day Saints and mainline Protestants, the earthquake relief efforts in Türkiye and Syria by Latter-day Saints, and the GFWC Williston Woman's Club receiving a grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Join us as we explore these captivating news stories, providing insights and analysis along the way. News Links: New food bank opens doors in Wilmington, receives large donation to help kickstart operations Ivan Wolfe's Articles CHANGING THE WORLD ONE BIRTH AT A TIME Latest from Mormon Land: Is caffeine really against the Word of Wisdom? Tucker Carlson lauded in Utah newspaper despite replacement theory ties Heather Armstrong, ‘Queen of the Mommy Bloggers,’ Is Dead at 47 Jury begins deliberations in murder trial of Lori Vallow Daybell Historic Moment as Interfaith Leaders in Kenya Welcome the Church ‘This could only happen in Utah’ — Jewish congregation celebrates 50 years of an unlikely union Why Latter-day Saints and mainline Protestants have the highest social capital rates Latter-day Saints Continue to Provide Earthquake Relief in Türkiye and Syria GFWC Williston Woman’s Club receives grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Medical training, computers enhance education, and service in flooded communities: Service from Latter-day Saints around the world

13 Maj 202352min

Hey folks, welcome back to This Week in Mormons, where we dive into all the news this past week related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Matt Miles and Melissa Jensen are back to host! First up, CNN poses the question, what do Mormons believe? This is a complicated topic and one that has been debated for years. Unfortunately, not all members of the church live up to these ideals. As we saw recently, a leader in Trenton was charged with allegedly enticing a teenage girl from his congregation. This is a disturbing story and one that goes against everything the church stands for. It's important that we hold leaders accountable for their actions, no matter who they are. Speaking of accountability, a former member of the church, Patrick Hardy, has been speaking out about the church's lack of accountability. He believes that the church needs to do more to address issues of abuse and misconduct, and he's calling on members to demand change. This is an important conversation to have, and it's something that all organizations need to take seriously. On a more positive note, we have some news from the Relief Society, the women's organization within the church. They recently held a conference at BYU, where they discussed their commitment to providing relief to those in need. This is a great example of the good work that can be done when people come together to help others. Moving on to a different topic, we have a story about the church's wealth. Behind the vast wealth of the church are two centuries of financial hits and misses. It's interesting to see how the church has managed its finances over the years, and it's worth taking a closer look at. In sports news, we have some NFL draft picks from BYU and Utah. It's always exciting to see young Latter-day Saint athletes achieve their dreams, and we wish them all the best in their careers. On a more serious note, we have a tweet from Senator Mike Lee about a BYU professor who spoke about her transgender child in class. This has sparked controversy, with some accusing the professor of pushing a political agenda. It's important to remember that everyone has a right to express their views, but we should always strive to listen to and understand those with different perspectives. Unfortunately, not everyone is open to different viewpoints. The same professor has become the target of bullying after discussing her child in class. This is a sad reminder that we still have a long way to go when it comes to accepting and embracing diversity. In political news, we have a researcher who is calling attention to a "seismic political shift" happening among young Latter-day Saints. It's interesting to see how younger generations are approaching politics, and it's something to keep an eye on in the coming years. On a more spiritual note, we have a surprising statistic: more Americans pray in their cars than in a place of worship. This is a reminder that spirituality can take many different forms and that people find solace in different places and ways. Speaking of spirituality, we have news about changes coming to the "Come, Follow Me" program in 2024. It's always good to see organizations evolving and adapting to meet the needs of their members. In Ghana, we have a heartwarming story about Latter-day Saints opening their stake center to more than 1,000 Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadan. This is a great example of people coming together to celebrate their differences and find Links: What do Mormons believe? LDS leader in Trenton charged with allegedly enticing teen girl from congregation Patrick Hardy: LDS Church has dodged hard questions of accountability Relief Society Leaders Open BYU Women’s Conference: We ‘Stand Ready to Provide Relief’ Behind the Latter-day Saint church’s vast wealth are two centuries of financial hits and misses NFL draft: BYU’s Freeland, Hall and Nacua are selected on third day,

6 Maj 20231h 12min

In this week's episode, hosts Geoff Openshaw and Jared Gillins discuss the new updates to the Gospel Library app that offer ward-based experiences, allowing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to study together and be on the same page. They also talk about the upcoming Silicon Slopes Summit '23 and how Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will be a keynote speaker at the event. The hosts then discuss the Church's Military Advisory Committee and how it supports service members and their families worldwide. They also talk about Elder Rasband's recent visit to Armenia, where he brought a message of hope in Jesus Christ. The hosts then switch to a lighter topic and discuss whether there is less crime around the Manhattan Temple. They also talk about a nurse's claim that most US Mormons are failing to follow the Word of Wisdom. Next, they discuss an episode of the podcast where Elder David A. Bednar talks about Latter-day Saint temples and the power of covenants and ordinances. They also talk about a researcher's claim that there is a seismic political shift happening among young Latter-day Saints. Finally, the hosts end the episode by discussing a BYU-Hawaii Culture Night event where over 1,200 students from 31 different groups shared a taste of their home cultures. Are you a devoted listener of This Week in Mormons podcast and eager to show your support? By becoming a patron on Patreon.com/ThisWeekinMormons, you can not only gain early access to the latest episodes but also play an instrumental role in the development of our show. Your contributions will go directly towards improving the content and expanding our reach to a wider audience. Join our community of passionate supporters and help us continue to deliver engaging and informative discussions on all things related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. News Links: Gospel Library app’s new ward-based experiences get members ‘on the same page’ Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to Keynote Silicon Slopes Summit 2023 Silicon Slopes announces Elder David A. Bednar as a speaker at Summit '23. How the Church’s Military Advisory Committee is supporting service members and families worldwide Elder Rasband brings a message of hope in Jesus Christ to Armenia Is There Less Crime Around the Manhattan Temple? Most US Mormons are failing the Word of Wisdom, nurse says Episode 133: Elder David A. Bednar on Latter-day Saint temples and the ‘power of godliness’ that comes through covenants and the ordinances What one researcher calls the ‘seismic political shift’ happening among young Latter-day Saints More than 1,200 BYU–Hawaii students representing 31 groups share ‘taste of home’ during Culture Night

29 Apr 20231h 39min

In this episode, the TWiM Sister (Tiffany Hales & Arriane Smith) step in to discuss this week's Mormon news. Fans of the reality show "Sister Wives" have noticed similarities between a character on the show and a real-life Mormon man involved in a lawsuit over allegations of fraud. A new study has found that younger Latter-day Saints prioritize issues such as climate change and social justice over political affiliation. We'll also explore the success of Crumbl Cookies, a Utah-based cookie franchise. In other news, a Mormon man named David Groesbeck survived a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, and a man accused of running a Ponzi scheme that targeted members of the Mormon community in Utah has been released on bond. We'll also discuss a legal battle between St. Luke's Hospital and a sheriff who refused to serve Ammon Bundy with legal documents. Lastly, we'll touch on a few more stories, including the passing of Helen Wells, the announcement of a new worldwide testimony meeting for youth, and a collaboration between the Piano Guys and the Tabernacle Choir on a new musical piece. Are you a devoted listener of This Week in Mormons podcast and eager to show your support? By becoming a patron on Patreon.com/ThisWeekinMormons, you can not only gain early access to the latest episodes but also play an instrumental role in the development of our show. Your contributions will go directly towards improving the content and expanding our reach to a wider audience. Join our community of passionate supporters and help us continue to deliver engaging and informative discussions on all things related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Links: Sister Wives Spoilers – Christine Brown Is Engaged To David Woolley What one researcher calls the ‘seismic political shift’ happening among young Latter-day Saints Crumbl Cookie is leading the dessert industry — what’s behind its popularity? How a Latter-day Saint survived a plane crash and 29 days in the Alaska wilderness Mormon Ponzi scheme defendant released on bond How a former child star with ties to eastern Idaho got started in acting, overcame a 10-year battle with addiction Idaho sheriff refuses to serve Ammon Bundy. Hospital asks justices to weigh in San Diego California Temple to close in July 2023 for extensive renovations Sister Helen Wells, wife of Elder Robert E. Wells, remembered for her ‘joy in serving the Lord’ Bing has a testimony of the Book of Mormon! And other adventures with AI chatbots. Church announces new worldwide testimony meeting for youth Redmond man accused twice of child molestation arrested a 3rd time, faces 4 more charges President Camille Johnson Video Watch: This new collab from The Piano Guys and The Tabernacle Choir will give you goosebumps Music Coordinator Video

22 Apr 202359min

John & Jenny Dye break down the news this week! Links: President Nelson's Peace Prize Arizona Abuse Case Young Missionary Dies in Honduras Miss Teen Philippines Hawaii Gathers Donations Church Donation to the American Red Cross New Platforms for Church's Humanitarian Efforts Women at LDS General Conference Just Serve Skylight Church Casting and Music Opportunities

15 Apr 202336min

News Elder Holland’s Health (he won’t speak at SUU graduation) $6.2 million was donated to charity in the giving machines this past December. The World Report showed a woman living in rural Moldova who was gifted a pig. The world’s largest annual outdoor Easter Pageant is happening in Mesa Arizona right now. A local news reporter said, “We need spaces where we feel welcome just as a fellow human being. Again, I know next to nothing about the LDS church or Muslims or evangelicals or the many other Christian denominations. But I do know that our society is being ripped apart in the name of our faith values and our view of the world. This isn’t about any church after all. It’s about a moment. It’s about the experience of just being with one another. We need more of that – a lot more.” The Church Audit report in General Conference sounded pretty much the same as it always does… that the church followed appropriate accounting procedures. But, we know that there was a large settlement recently focused on some of the church’s accounting procedures. Does the fact that this was not mentioned in Conference say anything about how much people should trust these statements? Melissa The church announced 15 new temples in General Conference. You correctly predicted San Jose, and I correctly predicted none in Utah or Idaho. Are there any locations on the list that seem particularly significant? The statistical report is a rare opportunity to see how the church is doing compared to previous years. The Deseret News put out a comparison table. It looks like there is growth of about 1% in most categories, but children of record baptisms are down slightly. Convert baptisms are up 26%. What does this mean? Sister Ana Maria Bonny Hernandez has recently been called as the new representative of the Church to the NGO Committee on the Status of Women in Geneva, Switzerland. Ana Bonny, who is a native from Spain, is the first European member of the Church to hold this assignment. The Committee on the Status of Women group promotes gender equality and the empowerment and defense of the rights of women and girls across the globe. NGO CSW Geneva comprises representatives from some 40 UN-accredited nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) who have consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The Church is one of those organizations, through Latter-day Saints Charities. On the topic of gender equality, how strange that only two sisters were asked to speak even though the YW General Presidency was released. It is taking a long time to find jurors in the Lori Vallow Daybell case. I’m shocked at the number of people who have heard nothing about the case. Side note: Should this case be considered “Mormon News”? Mosty national stories call her a member of a Doomsday Cult. Do we really want to tell them that our church is somehow associated with THAT? Isn’t this more a fringe movement or an off-shoot of the church like FLDS? Big Deal, Little Deal, No Deal Some family members will be allowed to attend the Lori Vallow Daybell trial April 6 is a really important day in church history. (Maybe do this in big deal, little deal, no deal) A King from Ghana attended General Conference. More about him is in this article (2nd to last paragraph), wikipedia doesn’t have much more about him. Is this significant? (Maybe do this in big deal, little deal, no deal) The church gives more to unhoused Utahn’s than you think Glenn Beck Good Friday nationwide fast Famous Mormon-Adjacent Individuals (Which former Mouseketeer was raised LDS?) Justin Timberlake Ryan Gosling Brittney Spears Mormons Doing Goodly A woman died after saving her friend’s life while climbing a frozen waterfall (Raven Falls) in Duchesne. Author Brandon Sanderson responds kindly to smear This Week in Mormon History 90 Years ago. J. Reuben Clark Jr.

8 Apr 20231h 2min

3 Apr 202327min

3 Apr 202328min