This Week in Mormons

Did you know Patreon donors get additional content? Listen to the hosts discuss new degrees available at BYU-I by Become a TWiM Patron. Hosts: TWiM Sisters! Former deputy district attorney appears in court in child sexual assault case Woman accused of poisoning her husband now accused of witness tampering Grief writer Kouri Richins claims letter instructing brother to falsely testify about dead husband's drugs was excerpt from new book Tim Ballard, former CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, issues response to church statement Allegations against Tim Ballard, inspiration behind ‘Sound of Freedom,' explain rebuke by LDS Church Operation Underground Railroad Child-Rescue Missions Were Based on Psychic Intelligence ‘Sound of Freedom' Producer Felt the Naked Breasts of Apparently Underage Trafficking Victim Tim Ballard's Departure From Operation Underground Railroad Followed Sexual Misconduct Investigation Mormon Church Denounces Tim Ballard's “Morally Unacceptable” Activities Young service missionaries to be integrated into teaching missions, Church announces Full-time missionary from Washington dies of illness in Philippines ‘They used cayenne pepper and honey to dress the wounds': Warrant sheds new light on Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt child abuse case Ruby Franke: Judge considers making custody case private, which could limit oldest daughter's access Hostess Ding Dong Twinkie Mash-Up The Coco Berthmann Story

Did you know Patreon donors get additional content? Listen to the hosts discuss new degrees available at BYU-I by Become a TWiM Patron. Quick Clips: MELISSA The presidents of the BYUs gave speeches about the changes to the honor code and dress and grooming standards this week. Each spoke about it differently. BYU President Reese spoke of an “elevated standard”.  BYU-I President Meredith talked about it in terms of integrity and specifically stated that the dress and grooming standards are not matters of personal morality, BYU-Hawaii President Kauwe said that even some things not specifically prohibited by the standards might not be ok and encouraged men to “to carefully consult some women in your life about whether you should have a mustache or not.” MATT A lot of people are excited about the new three year online degrees being offered by BYU-Idaho. They get accreditation for this because they are very specific degree programs. They have been using a unique structure that pushes all of the GE requirements to the end of the program. Basically, they asked to have an accredited Bachelor's degree that does not require GE courses. MELISSA New Church streaming app MATT This month marks the 30th anniversary of the September 6 excommunications of LDS scholars. Benjamin Park has a piece about this in The Conversation and Signature Books has something coming out from a non-LDS religious historian about this moment. Looking back, what has been the impact of this moment? MELISSA The Church commissions a new biography of Joseph Smith MATT The church is going to dedicate three temples in one day this Sunday. MELISSA Mormons are among the most likely Americans to have a gun in their household. Famous Mormons: MATT Which famous YouTuber is a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Mark Rober Ruby Franke The Yeager Family Big/Little/No Deal: MATT LDS Bishop has a different take on church finances. He writes about all of the good things the church does with its money. MELISSA It is now possible to make group reservations for endowment sessions online. MATT The church clarifies that Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard betrayed his friendship with President M. Russell Ballard when Tim claimed that the LDS church supported his cause. MELISSA Few — if any — public figures since Brigham Young have done more to shape America's impression of Mormonism than Mitt Romney. MATT Hot off the presses this week. Richard Bushman wrote a biography of the Gold Plates and Grant Hardy has an annotated version of the Book of Mormon that will make it much easier for people to read and understand. MELISSA Elder Holland is released from the hospital and is recuperating at home. Mormons Doing Goodly: Seniors delight kids at the water park with ice cream treats. (Matt) General Conference Predictions MELISSA Temples: number and locations Fillmore or Richfield Utah Rigby Idaho Tremonton Utah? Mexico City Style multi-temples in Brazil? Female Speakers: Last conference was a big disappointment in this area, 2 females in 5 sessions. Topics Discussed: Melissa - Focus on Youth, FSY successes Any unexpected announcements? Melissa - Significant policy changes? YES, From YW General Board Saturday Evening session changes?

Listen to the TWiM Sisters' discussion on Mormon plastic surgery and the September 6  by Become a TWiM Patron. This Week's Hosts: TWiM Sisters Links: 2023 Mrs. American goes viral saying motherhood makes her feel empowered ‘8 Passengers' YouTube star, and business partner arrested on suspicion of child abuse Are your ancestors more attractive than you? According to this TikTok hypothesis, they might be A 3-year college degree? BYU-Pathway Worldwide wins approval to launch revolution in higher education Concerns about Ruby Franke's children reported to police, DCFS more than a year ago Donny Osmond's Rocky Relationship With His Son Jeremy Explained See inside the newly renovated St. George Utah Temple as media, special-guest tours begin Church announces changes for scheduling use of recreational properties Meet the 14 new members of the Young Women general advisory council Latter-day Saint testifies of Jesus Christ at interfaith event in Mongolia hosted by Pope Francis An Unexpected Hotbed of Y.A. Authors: Utah Unraveling Utah's paradox: Study on LDS Church members examines high cosmetic surgery rates in the highly religious state 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S.

Did you know Patreon donors get additional content? Listen to the hosts discuss new degrees available at BYU-I by Become a TWiM Patron. Link: ‘General Handbook' gets updates — and condensed ‘Selections' offering in some languages Fortune.com features Cotopaxi co-founder's ‘shocking' decision to accept mission president assignment President Nelson donates his medical journals to the University of Utah Thai YSAs get early tour of new Bangkok temple — even ahead of media, special guests First Presidency announces Manhattan New York Temple renovation plans, including rendering Elder Bednar dedicates Joseph and Emma Smith's Kirtland home

Listen to the bonus segment about the new hymnal by Become a TWiM Patron. Hosts: Tiffany & Jen Black Links: Leaders update honor code and dress and grooming standards for Church schools Sunday School general presidency shares changes to 2024 ‘Come, Follow Me' during BYU Education Week How did Latter-day Saint Kenneth Rooks finish at the world track championships? Mental health professionals offer life help during young single adult conference Missionary handbook updates include clarifications, answers to common questions from missionaries and their leaders Calling all Latter-day Saint singers — how to apply and be a part of the new hymnbook Former Congresswoman Mia Love shares cancer diagnosis and miracles of science and faith Bodycam footage: Shanna Gardner, ex-wife of Microsoft exec Jared Bridegan arrested in front of kids - as photos of her emerge laughing on vacation five weeks after his murder

Listen to the TWiM Sisters' discussion on the female experience with garments by Become a TWiM Patron. This Week's Hosts: TWiM Sisters Link: Mailbag: MATT It's been a while since we recorded, and we did have some comments in the mailbag - there is one in particular we'd like to address quickly -  Some listeners disagreed with calling a death a little deal, I apologized offline for any pain we caused. MELISSA Should we give ourselves a name? What should we call ourselves? ChatGPT suggests, “The Beloved Brothers and Sisters” or “TWIM: Marvelous Siblings” Quick Clips: MATT (TEMPLES) St. George temple open house / Feather River California temple open house (more) / Saratoga Springs temple dedicated MELISSA A typical day in the life of an apostle MATT South Korea Supreme Court Justice is LDS MELISSA President Oaks turns 91 MATT Elder Soares speaks to missionaries in Brazil and speaks at Brazil conference MELISSA Church donates $44 million to end hunger Food donations in 6 countries MATT New study estimates that 1.4 million people attend LDS church services each week. That is about 20% of US church members. Famous Mormons: (MATT) Which 1980s/1990s child TV star is a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Jason Bateman Ricky Schroeder Kirk Cameron Big/Little/No Deal: MELISSA What President Freeman wishes for the Young Women of the Church MATT Supreme Court's neutral stance on religion creates more chaos than clarity MELISSA Researchers studying intersection between LGBT+, Mental Health, & Religion MATT The holiest places in the world MELISSA Man faces felony charges after stealing chicken nuggets from LDS church MATT Did Joseph Smith plagiarize the Sermon on the Mount? MELISSA What happens to your church digital information when you die? TWIM TAKES (MELISSA) Should I send my child to church with a cellphone? (Related article) Can we talk about Lori Vallow Daybell statements? TWIM sisters did this, but we would have a different take. Mormons Doing Goodly: (MATT) Frank Vandersloot and Melaleuca fund the largest firework show west of the Mississippi. This Week in Mormon History: (MATT) 35 years ago today - 1988 Mid-August 100 millionth endowment performed for the dead. 50 years ago today - Aug 15, 1973 From Leonard Arrington Elder Anderson came into my office for a few minutes this morning. He said that President [Heber J.] Grant told him that Joseph F. Smith told President Grant about an informal, friendly conversation he had in Independence with Joseph Smith III [RLDS President]. Joseph Smith III leaned over to President Smith and said, "You know, I wish I knew for sure which one of us is right," and President Joseph F. replied, "I thank the Lord that I do know which one is right." 85 years ago today - Aug 14, 1938 The first Deseret Industries store opens with its dual purposes of providing low-cost used items as well as employment for disabled and elderly persons. Orson H. Hewlett patterns this after Goodwill Industries.

Listen to the TWiM Sisters' discussion on the female experience with garments by Become a TWiM Patron. This Week's Hosts: TWiM Sisters Links: Wrangling over ‘Dark Skies,' LDS temple, gets contentious at Wasatch County hearing This Utah teen is really, really fast — and he's dominating on ‘American Ninja Warrior' Dallas Jenkins says ‘The Chosen' season 4 will premiere in theaters. Here's what we know Tongan Latter-day Saint missionary dies at a hospital in the Philippines Why Stay / Leave: To Follow the Higher Law Three times the joy as triplet missionaries arrive home together Teen dies while reading mission call in Provo, Utah Why former ‘Studio C' cast says new movie is the ‘Monty Python of the Oregon Trail' Family of 19-year-old who died moments after reading his mission call says he was ‘always peaceful' In the beginning, there was Barbie ‘Together in Christ': The ‘unprecedented' OneRepublic concert for young single adults Church issues update on the health of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland LDS Temple in Cody approved over objections Family of Provo man shot by FBI says they ‘mourn the loss of a good and decent man' Moment Utah man Craig Deleeuw Robertson's home is surrounded by FBI agents who hurled a smoke bomb before shooting him dead after he posted 'credible' Joe Biden death threats ‘That's not the man I knew': Neighbors describe Provo suspect killed by FBI Appeals court reinstates James Huntsman's lawsuit for return of tithing he paid as a Latter-day Saint How hard is it to find a garment-friendly dress?

Become a TWiM Patron in order to get early-release episodes and bonus content.  International Edition Hosts: TWiM Daniels and Georgia Links: New Young Women general presidency begins service Church magazine subscriptions now available at no cost Friend Magazine Special Edition Irish Mormons face dwindling numbers, but researcher finds their community inspirational President of Peru Joins Faith Leaders in Prayer The British Pageant

Become a TWiM Patron in order to get early-release episodes and bonus content.    This Week's Hosts: Tiffany Hales & Sara Jorgensen Links: Mormon Church Sues Cody Over Planning And Zoning Board's Denial Of Temple Plan Crumbl dismisses lawsuit against Crave; Dirty Dough suit still open Senior Latter-day Saint missionary dies in car crash in Vanuatu Don Aslett reflects on a long and storied career as Pocatello's ‘professional cleaner' Lori Daybell asks judge to prohibit Tammy Daybell's aunt from speaking at sentencing Idaho jury hits Bundy, defendants with tens of millions in damages in St. Luke's lawsuit When Ryan Hamilton was hit by a bus, he wanted it to be a tragedy. But really, it's a comedy Latter-day Saint returned missionary is ready to play pro basketball in Germany, become a father Watch: An RM's plan for disaster leads to national championship Sheri Dew: A tribute to Sister Patricia T. Holland, a woman for the ages Angel Studios has found a box office hit in ‘Sound of Freedom' Latter-day Saints gather to remember the inspiring life of Sister Patricia Holland

https://publicsquaremag.org/media-education/social-media/latter-day-saints-better-online-disciples/ https://publicsquaremag.org/faith/latter-day-saint-radical-orthodoxy-a-manifesto/

Become a TWiM Patron in order to get early-release episodes and bonus content.  The Relief Society taught him to sew. Now he's breaking into the NYC fashion world A Utah teen had sex at school. Here's why his Latter-day Saint parents sued the district — and lost. Vacation Bible School for Mormons could, and probably should, become a thing ‘We all have a story,' said Gail Miller, honoring ancestors and pioneers at This Is the Place Heritage Park devotional Pioneers in our families: Finding strength in one's ancestors Meet Sarah Sun, Miss Utah 2023 and a Latter-day Saint convert committed to serving others A guide to making funeral potatoes for Pioneer Day Coke Zero vs. Diet Coke: What's the difference? And which is better? Will the actors strike impact ‘The Chosen' season 4 release date? The origins of Utah's pink sugar cookie Steve Young is moving to coaching ESPN layoffs hit NFL coverage with Steve Young out Two Latter-day Saint temples to start construction in the U.S. this October

Become a TWiM Patron in order to get early-release episodes and bonus content.  Quick Clips: Making a meetinghouse into multi-person housing development (Melissa) Cloudflare CEO says ‘exclusion' culture hurts Utah's tech state, but admits Mormon missionaries grow up to be great salespeople: ‘You're selling the hardest thing in the world' (Matt) First FSY in Tanzania / FSY facility in Asia (Melissa) Church restructuring in Australia to avoid tax problems (Matt) Church seeking for members with music skills (Melissa) Utah Area Presidency Letter directs stakes in Utah to encourage members to gain a greater appreciation for the Founding Fathers and the US Constitution. They promote materials from a non-profit that was founded by Republicans.  (Matt) Nauvoo pageants? I thought this was over. (Melissa) New lyrics to hymn ‘As Sisters in Zion' (Matt) Famous Mormons: Which star of The Conners and Roseanne was raised LDS? John Goodman Roseanne Barr Sara Gilbert Big/Little/No Deal: Utah man stabbed to death in Oregon defending friend against harassment. (Matt) Latter-day Saint girl with cerebral palsy choreographed wheelchair dance to win national competition. Willa Mason is using her gifts and talents to bring more ‘sunshine into the world' (Melissa) The GOP has a glaring Mormon problem. This may be why the church recently issued a statement about political neutrality (Matt) Utah's Governor Cox on ‘Face the Nation' (Melissa) Utah Area YSA Conference (Matt) New book by Robert Millet discusses overlooked aspects of priesthood blessings. (Melissa) LDS Church announces three new missions in Africa. (Matt) CONVERSATION?? How do you celebrate Pioneer Day (Melissa) Trek (Melissa) Mormons Doing Goodly: Missionaries help out during a windstorm in Nauvoo. (Matt) Members of the church helped clean up in Keokuk Iowa. (Matt) This Week in Mormon History: 180 years ago this week, Joseph Smith told Emma about polygamy. She was not a fan of the idea. 190 years ago today - 1833. The July issue of the Evening and Morning Star contains a controversial article by W. W. Phelps quoting Missouri state law and constitution regarding freed blacks entering the state and freedom of religion. 45 years ago today - Jul 10, 1978: Ron [Walker of the church history department] said that Elder Hinckley could be a good champion for us [church historians] if he finally came to know us. He is the only one of the brethren, he said, who has a listed phone number. Because of that he receives many crank calls but feels he needs to do it. He feels at least one of the brethren should have a listed number so that people can find someone to "tell off" or to express their feelings to.

Become a TWiM Patron in order to get early-release episodes and bonus content.    Tiffany Hales interviews Hanna Seariac. Links: Hanna's Bio Perspective: Joseph Smith was on the frontier of the fight for religious freedom Who is the real Brenda Wright Lafferty? What we miss when we don't ask A conversation with Mauli Bonner, the filmmaker behind ‘His Name Is Green Flake' This Latter-day Saint historian left his faith. Here's why he returned Minerva Teichert: A pioneer in painting

Become a TWiM Patron in order to get early-release episodes and bonus content.  TWiM Daniels are back with an international flavor of Mormon news. Links: Joseph Smith Papers project completion after over 2 decades of work: https://www.thechurchnews.com/history/2023/6/27/23759796/joseph-smith-papers-final-volume-published-hyrum-smith-martyrdom-elder-david-a-bednar?utm_campaign=churchnews-en&utm_content=entry&utm_medium=social_share Tabernacle Choir Mexico tour in June 2023 https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/6/18/23765123/tabernacle-choir-orchestra-tour-2023-mexico-national-auditorium-songs-hope-adassa Updated UK Safeguarding Standards & influence of member advocacy: https://religionnews.com/category/faith/christianity/latter-day-saints/ Chilean TV station leases their facilities to the church: https://www.publimetro.cl/entretenimiento/2023/06/19/de-la-entretencion-a-la-religion-la-red-arrendo-instalaciones-a-iglesia-mormona/ 2nd Edition of Preach My Gospel announced and released: https://www.deseret.com/2023/6/22/23770229/church-releases-preach-my-gospel-at-missionary-training-center-lds-president-nelson

Become a TWiM Patron in order to get early-release episodes and bonus content.  Final volume of Joseph Smith Papers to release on day of the Prophet's martyrdom (Related: Forensic images: New research provides fresh evidence this really is a photo of Mormon founder Joseph Smith)   MATT  Updated version of Preach My Gospel now out, Pres. Nelson on this MELISSA TabCats Covid outbreak after tour in Mexico - more on the Mexico tour MATT Mormon crickets are going to be abundant this year. In some places, they are using snowplows to get rid of them. MELISSA LDS Church celebrates Juneteenth with gift to NAACP branch MATT Meet Sarah Sun, Miss Utah 2023 and a Latter-day Saint convert committed to serving others. The returned missionary is the first Asian American to wear the Miss Utah crown MATT News for Three Temples in the USA Famous Mormons: Which actor who was in a lot of Info-mercial style commercials is Mormon-Adjacent? George Foreman Wilford Brimley (Diabetes) Ron Popeil (RonCo Products) Big/Little/No Deal MATT No more cornerstone ceremonies at temple dedications. Is this a change in doctrine? MELISSA Members of the church in the US are becoming a little less Republican. MATT  Former FLDS members fear their children's disappearance is part of Warren Jeffs' prophecy MELISSA AI to answer faith questions? MATT What 18 years of research tells us about the mental health of Latter-day Saints MELISSA  Bible Ban in Davis County Schools, related: Book of Mormon up for ban discussion Mormons Doing Goodly: Raymond Stevens  is working to provide educational opportunities for students in his home country of Sierra Leone This Week in Mormon History: 90 years ago today - Jun 22, 1933 The First Presidency and apostles decide that "the Church as an organization could not take part in the campaign for the repeal of the 18th Amendment since this [is] a partisan political question. It [is] hoped however that all L.D.S. would vote against repeal [of national Prohibition]." Thirty-five years later, the LDS hierarchy reverses this decision and participates actively in a campaign against liquor-by-the-drink in Utah as a "moral issue." 40 years ago today - Jun 20, 1983 FORBES magazine notes that in recent years at least ten separate swindles have been uncovered in Utah involving more than 9,000 people (1 percent of Utah's adults) and losses are estimated at more than $200 million. In asking itself "why?" the magazine described Utah as "fertile soil for swindles" because of excessive trust among LDS members: "Most of those bilked are Mormons, and the bilkers, too, profess to be upstanding members of the church and use church connections"

Become a TWiM Patron in order to get early-release episodes and bonus content.  The TWiM Sisters approach the mic to discuss this week's news! Latest from Mormon Land: Wards are up in Utah, way down in California. See by how much. Kansas doctor, a dad of 13, dies after rescuing daughter during Colorado rafting trip Dad jokes are scientifically shown to benefit children. Here's Utah's favorite one Latter-day Saint designer combines faith and fashion with Dillard's collection LATTER-DAY SAINT ENIGMA: THEIR UNEXPECTED TROOP ABUSE RATES Local author to share his story of finding belonging as an openly gay Latter-day Saint Elder Holland returns to apostolic assignments after ‘some serious health challenges' We must find uncommon, common ground See how one sister in Montana is using her talents to serve others by sewing 1,400 dresses for children in need Latter-day Saint returned missionary Kenneth Rooks wins NCAA championship in steeplechase Meet twin brothers who are newly called bishops in the Atlanta area Miss Lehi Teen 'excited to serve' role after week of confusion on pageant title Ken Jennings Has Some Questions About Death How Mormonism Defined So Much of Battlestar Galactica's Plot

La historia del primer patriarca de la Iglesia que visitó Rapa Nui (Isla de Pascua) Mormon Church buys Wembley Amazon warehouse for £74 million via charitable company Did you know the first temple endowment film had a clip from Disney's ‘Fantasia'?

For more This Week in Mormons content, JOIN THE PATREON Links: Q&A: How Ashley Hatch prioritizes faith while chasing World Cup dreams Mormon Church buys Wembley Amazon warehouse for £74 million via charitable company Two new books untangle the Mountain Meadows Massacre She's played with members of AC/DC and the Killers. How faith helped this teen drum her way to Harvard Bus Accident in Brazil Claims Life of Young Missionary Former BYU president Kevin Worthen headed to Yale for a year ‘God is in the details of my life': Missionary in Africa finds his cousin's baseball shirt The heartwarming thing a Utah couple did when the youngest of 11 kids graduated high school Latter-day Saints update and expand policy on political neutrality and participation A coast-to-coast guide of US Church History and Restoration sites What happened to John Forsyth, the Missouri doctor found dead in a lake? What we know.

MAILBAG? MATT A listener wrote in regarding our discussion on church finances: “I think there is a balance somewhere in between full-disclosure and what we've got now - where, as Melissa said, we can read articles on the church news to see where we are spending money.  I would like something like a line item budget.  You don't have to tell me exact numbers, but what about letting us know that we spend 20% on temples, 15% on disaster relief, 35% goes into savings, etc.  I'd be interested in your thoughts on a middle-of-the-road type financial disclosure from the church” QUICK CLIPS (A FEW OF THE WEEK'S STORIES) MELISSA Church sends weekly emails of inspiration MATT I think we should discuss two things from President Oaks Devotional. The first is these two figures he presents: President Oaks asks young people to consider what they miss when marriage is intentionally delayed. President Oaks mentions a couple of causes: shortage of affordable housing, and increased student debt. What else is behind these trends? The second is his response to a question from a Young Woman in the US who is concerned with how other members of the church act on social media and at stake youth activities regarding LGTBQ issues. He says two things that I think we should discuss. 1) He tells young people that their church leaders and parents can help them understand eternal principles and then emphasizes the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. The states that “With these truths as your guide, you can make inspired choices that will bless you throughout eternity” then 2) He emphasizes the two great commandments and says, “Anyone who does not treat individuals who face gender identity challenges with love and dignity is not aligned with the teachings of the first and second great commandments.” What is the best way to stand up for the truth on these moral questions? MELISSA  American Idol winner is LDS MATT Plans For 101-Foot Mormon Temple In Cody Spark Opposition, Petition Drive MELISSA Has the church increased transparency about what happens inside temples?  Related: Status of all 133 temples announced by Pres. Nelson MATT Central American Youth encouraged to serve missions MELISSA Mental Health awareness https://www.thechurchnews.com/ MATT What does anti-Mormon bias look like in academia? A Q&A with Patrick Mason “I've heard students of faith at Utah State University and the University of Utah say they are sitting in classrooms where at least their perception of the faculty is that they are hostile to either the particulars of their faith or faith in general. Oftentimes, it revolves around more social and political and cultural issues, such as LGBTQ equality and things like that, but sometimes it's just simply, at least in the student's perception, a kind of hostility toward religion broadly speaking” Is this true? FAMOUS MORMONS MATT Alan Moon: Ticket to Ride Frank Norris: Pit Grandpa Beck: Cover your Assets (BIG DEAL, LITTLE DEAL, NO DEAL?) MELISSA 1 in 4 lds have thought about leaving the church by Jana Riess. I think it is humorous that she wrote this piece because that number is the same as the national average. She could just have easily written a story that says that 22% of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are converts, or that at most 5% of our church members have left the church, compared to 37% leaving the Catholic Church or 24% leaving their Protestant church. MATT Church handbook instructs on how to handle preferred names or pronouns. There are some interesting tidbits in there. MELISSA Women's Conference talk on how to avoid spiritual overwhelm MATT Holly Jane, 39, wasn't willing to quit her OnlyFans venture, despite the bishop demanding she delete her account. Apparently she still attends church, but she has faced disciplinary action for continuing to have an OnlyFans account.

Welcome to a new episode of This Week in Mormons! In this week's episode, Tiffany Hales & Arianne Smith (The TWiM Sisters) cover a variety of stories and updates related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Links: What this Latter-day Saint rodeo barrel racer learned from the ‘strong' women in her family President Nelson issues a statement on his health, saying ‘little challenges with balance should be the least of our worries' 6 things we now know (maybe) about the LDS church's wealth A Utah Mom Wrote a Children's Book on Grief After Her Husband Died. Now, She's Accused of Murdering Him Rededication Date Set for Historic St. George Utah Temple ‘Jeopardy!' legend Ken Jennings tried his luck on ‘Wheel of Fortune.' Here's what happened The ‘Mormon Moment' 10 years later: Why Joanna Brooks and Mitch Mayne left the public eye Who is Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, BYU–Idaho's new president? Perspective: What's behind American media's unhealthy fixation on ‘Mormons, Inc.'? 60 Minutes, David Nielson, and Ensign Peak Advisors Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hoarding wealth? Ranked: The World's Top 50 Endowment Funds Modular temples? See how the Church is keeping up with new temple announcements

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

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,

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

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

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

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.

TWiM Sisters are on the case! Links: Lost journal of Martin handcart pioneer found and donated to Church History Library Former child actor with ties to eastern Idaho has no regrets living out of the spotlight Dentist Poisoned Wife to Death to Start ‘New Life' With Paramour, Cops Allege The case for talking to strangers A ‘remarkable, outstanding tenure' coming to an end for BYU's Kevin Worthen New university president named at BYU BYU police warn of man entering women's dorms, stealing clothing Meet the ‘Swedish Osmond' who will host the Church's European Easter concert Salt Lake Temple renovations now estimated to be complete in 2026 We've witnessed campus cancellation campaigns. Elder Holland deserves to be heard at Southern Utah University Latter-day Saint teen's ‘American Idol' audition sends her to Hollywood Jared Bridegan murder: Ex-wife's new husband arrested, indicted, while her family releases statement 'Super overwhelming;' crying Utah State cheerleader goes viral They met filling sandbags 40 years ago. Now this Utah couple is volunteering again Utah: An influencer's modest fashion haven Polygamous leader made sexually explicit calls from jail to child wives, prosecutors say Elvis' Book of Mormon. Brigham's elevators. Those are good Mormon stories, but are they true?

Melissa Jensen & Matt Miles return for the Mormon news this week! Links: Preparing to speak in church? This Latter-day Saint author has 3 ‘key' principles to help you Azerbaijani Sheikh ul-Islam meets with First Presidency Why the Church donated wooden houses and water systems in Mexico ‘Expect Russia to wage war again': Romney on the danger of leaving Ukraine unsupported Bright lights in the desert: How Latter-day Saints have shaped Las Vegas culture, community, and politics These 16 new mission presidents and companions will serve in Argentina, România, Ghana and more countries around the world Here's how to watch the most recent Friend to Friend broadcast New Joseph Smith Papers podcast focuses on revelations in Church history era of Kirtland, Ohio Newly released Spencer W. Kimball diaries shine a light behind the scenes of modern Mormonism Mormonism's slow shift away from demonizing working mothers Are UFOs real? Yes, but there might not be any aliens involved BYU study finds missions make positive impact on women's educational and career outcomes ‘Shadows define the light': Photographer Me Ra Koh tells RootsTech audience to embrace their whole story Perspective: Why even secular people should worry about Gen Z's lack of faith Scott Taylor: Why ‘dying testimonies' is just one reason to avoid missionary slang Dr. David T. Morgan: Why Latter-day Saints who seek needed mental health help shouldn't be ashamed Reflecting on impact of the Relief Society on International Women's Day Watch: Sister Kristin M. Yee shares special message for single women on International Women's Day 70 years ago today - Mar 9, 1953 190 years ago today - Mar 9, 1833 80 years ago today - Mar 7, 1943

Jennifer Roach & Emily Wilson break down the news for this week! Links: Keynote Speakers at RootsTech 2023 Will Intelligent Latter-day Saints and Smart Conservatives Inherit the Earth? Differential Selection for Intelligence in the USA Based on Religiosity and Conservatism ENSIGN PEAK: CLARIFYING THE SEC ANNOUNCEMENT Judge severs Chad and Lori Daybell case; 2 trials will be held 20 years after Elizabeth Smart's rescue, new book explores faith, 'other side' she didn't see Push to require clergy to report abuse stalls in Mormon Utah 2023 Churchwide Broadcast Events Come, Follow Me with FAIR: Faithful Answers to New Testament Questions

https://youtu.be/pAMH1q9jN94 Links: Dirty Dough becomes UVU's official cookie, update on #UtahCookieWars ‘She knows me least' — 5 years after ‘Educated,' Tara Westover's family yearns for reconciliation. Is it possible? Cooking my way through ‘The Essential Mormon Cookbook' ‘RHOSLC' star Jen Shah's prison life: Schedule, work and more ‘The Jets 2.0' go viral: Second generation family band featured on Tamron Hall Show WATCH: We get mean (and really bizarre) comments Pop-Culture Power Rich Recipes Utah social media influencer arrested, accused of domestic violence

The TWiM Sisters are taking on some Mormon news in February of 2023 Links: Elizabeth Smart recalls her abduction 2 decades ago: 'It couldn't actually be real' NBA All-Stars package thousands of boxes for people in need during day of service in Salt Lake City President Spencer W. Kimball journals are now available online. Here's how to access them First Presidency's directive for Easter Sunday: Sacrament meetings only, with a Christ-centered focus More Jesus, less touching: 14 changes to the Mormon temple endowment ceremony Church settles case with SEC over financial reporting A 22-year-old man set a Boise LDS church on fire in August. He was just sentenced From ‘footnote' to ‘foreground': Church publishes 1883 prison journal of Belle Harris Opinion: Making sense of the settlement between the church and the SEC over a technical violation The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donates church building to Idaho Falls Community Food Basket Read for yourself what the SEC found in the LDS Church's stock filings The Church, the Investment Advisor, and the SEC Judge to issue ruling on whether to separate Chad and Lori Daybell cases

We invited one podcast over to visit our podcast. A big thanks to the guys at Bless the Refreshments podcast for stepping in. Check them out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bless-the-refreshments/id1565091703 Links: Real House Wives of Salt Lake Heather Gray  in litigation with Church over book UK poll suggests people have less favorable opinion of the Church Can the church help save the Great Salt Lake? Church efforts in Turkey and Syria Andy Reid in the Super Bowl

This Week's Hosts: Jennifer Roach Sarah Allen Links: YoungBoy Never Broke Again Is Considering a Mormon Baptism Jana Riess: For today's Latter-day Saints, it's food storage light Elder Gerrit W. Gong, wife to keynote RootsTech Family Discovery Day ‘You Cannot Separate Jesus Christ From the Church,' Teaches Elder Hamilton BYU faculty members urged to align their teaching, research better with LDS tenets An alleged $500 million Ponzi scheme preyed on Mormons. It ended with FBI gunfire. The CES Letter Rebuttal Hear Him Retreats

Links coming soon.

Geoff Openshaw and Jared are back! Links: A prophetic promise fulfilled: San Juan Puerto Rico Temple is dedicated Say It Again, Sam (a Plea to Bishops) Church growth in Latin America How to use ‘The Chosen' as you teach the New Testament Sister Mary Hales, wife of the late Elder Robert D. Hales, dies at age 90 R-Rated Sound of Musics, or R-Rated Films for Latter-day Saints

News Links: President Nelson on New Year's Resolutions: https://twitter.com/ChurchinCanada/status/1609547716371283968?t=YcAexLraH3fkrzIxsYW7bQ&s=03 https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm4AeqgNrjF/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D Melissa Changes since President Nelson became prophet 5 years https://www.thechurchnews.com/2020/12/30/23217862/president-nelson-announcements-changes-church-prophet Matt Mexico City Temples https://twitter.com/the_churchnews/status/1609239837676027907?t=Xl_i69FvSxy-Wy6xQGf2xQ&s=03 Matt Congo River Temple https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2023/1/3/23533638/congo-river-boat-trip-crossing-temple-trip-brazzaville-kinshasa?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=cn-social&utm_campaign=twitter-en&utm_content=ldsconf Melissa New Testament Come Follow Me https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022/12/31/23471766/how-to-understand-parables-new-testament-jesus-christ-byu-scholar-gaye-strathearn?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=cn-social&utm_campaign=twitter-en&utm_content=churchnews-en https://leadingsaints.org/the-art-of-teaching-an-interview-with-hank-smith/ Matt New Youth Theme for the Year https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/1/8/23540986/what-is-a-cairn-rock-formation-2023-youth-theme-logo?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=cn-social&utm_campaign=instagramstories-en&utm_content=churchnews-en https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/1/4/23537386/2023-youth-theme-philippians-4-13-young-men-young-women-general-presidencies?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=cn-social&utm_campaign=twitter-en&utm_content=ldsconf Matt LDS Members' Pocatello Kidnapping is now fictionalized and streaming on Peacock https://www.wboc.com/tv-review---a-friend-of-the-family/article_61f34b98-8bc9-11ed-92c2-2bf3987277bb.html Melissa Elder Holland Devotional for Young Adults https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-sister-holland-new-year-message-hope-christ https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/1/6/23542415/worldwide-devotional-with-elder-and-sister-holland-for-young-adults-2023?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=cn-social&utm_campaign=instagramstories-en&utm_content=churchnews-en Matt Standardized MTC online experiences https://www.ldsliving.com/changes-coming-for-online-missionary-training-at-select-mtcs/s/11247 FAMOUS MORMONS Matt Amy Adams Idina Menzel Jeremy Renner Melissa Pioneer Woman Joanna Gaines Rachel Ray (Big Deal, Little Deal, or No Deal?) Matt Slower than expected Church growth https://twitter.com/sltrib/status/1609600059909324802?t=-7uplvxNCP13u6wB0DoxlQ&s=03 Melissa Daybell https://kutv.com/news/chad-and-lori-daybell/lori-daybell-accused-of-killing-children-in-idaho-says-she-has-an-alibi-jj-vallow-tylee-ryan-merder-charges-tammy-chad https://www.ksl.com/article/50554091/lori-daybell-reveals-more-on-childrens-deaths-wants-to-meet-with-chad-daybell Matt Houston Transfer Center for Immigrants https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/6/7/23217708/latter-day-saint-charitiesopen-houston-family-transfer-center-migrants-seeking-asylum Melissa Go Ask Alice https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/08/01/how-a-mormon-housewife-turned-a-fake-diary-into-an-enormous-best-seller?utm_campaign=falcon_e4bcaa8fba22b6feb7b8c2ec1e5388d1&utm_medium=social&utm_brand=tny&utm_social-type=owned&mbid=social_twitter&utm_source=twitter Matt Sex Abuse Suit Settled https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article271103342.html Melissa The Married Mom Advantage https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/12/motherhood-marriage-pandemic-covid-children/672563/ Matt Religious Affiliation in Congress https://pres-outlook.org/2023/01/congress-new-class-has-much-higher-percentage-of-christians-than-american-public/ Melissa No More Family History Libraries https://www.ldsliving.com/why-are-the-churchs-family-history-centers-getting-a-name-change/s/11246

Jennifer Roach and Liz Busby review the news. Mormon Church condemned for photoshopping painting of Virgin Mary to cover her bust and shoulders  | Daily Mail Online ‘Come, Follow Me': How to study the New Testament - Deseret News Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me - FAIR (fairlatterdaysaints.org) Utah father kills wife, 5 kids, mother-in-law, police say, stunning ‘very close' community (sltrib.com) LDS Church growth is stuck at less than 1%. Here are suggestions for boosting that number. (sltrib.com) MyBaby4Me program helping fight infant and maternal mortality rate in the Mid-South (msn.com)

Melissa and Matt give us their top stories of 2022. January: (Melissa) TONGA VOLCANO https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60051524 https://www.sltrib.com/news/2022/01/22/church-jesus-christ/ https://www.thechurchnews.com/2022/1/21/23218744/first-presidency-tonga-volcano-letter-update Tonga is a very devout nation, with most Tongans belonging to a Christian church. Statistics from a 2016 census show about 19% belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormons - the fastest-growing religious group on the island.Jan 21, 2022 Tonga has the highest percentage of Latter-day Saints of any country in the world (nearly 63%) February: (Matt) UKRAINE SAINTS DEAL WITH WARTIME ISSUES https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/lds-missionaries-moved-out-of-ukraine-as-tensions-mount-with-russia-in-eastern-europe https://www.thisweekinmormons.com/2022/02/kyiv-ukraine-temple-closes-following-russian-invasion/ March: (Melissa) TEMPLE MASK REQUIREMENTS REMOVED https://ksltv.com/486974/church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-removes-mask-requirement-in-temples/ https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/3/15/22979821/latter-day-saint-temples-may-begin-to-remove-face-mask-requirement-other-covid-19-precautions https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2022/03/15/lds-temples-worldwide/ April: (Matt) LDS MEDIA FEATURES… THAT AREN'T REALLY https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2022/4/29/23048558/the-rumor-involving-latter-day-saints-that-producers-of-the-chosen-want-to-squash-mormons-social https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/andrew-garfields-under-the-banner-of-heaven-embroiled-in-controversy-days-ahead-of-the-premiere.html/ May: (Melissa) D.C. TEMPLE REOPENING / OPEN HOUSE https://www.npr.org/2022/05/25/1100850964/mormon-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-temple-open-house https://www.deseret.com/2022/6/5/23144875/mormon-lds-church-washington-d-c-temple-open-house-hits-milestone https://www.thechurchnews.com/2022/8/13/23304018/washington-dc-temple-influence-closure-renovation-open-house-president-nelson-rededicate June: (Matt) IDK??? https://gephardtdaily.com/local/church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-announces-effort-to-reduce-water-use-at-meeting-houses-temples/ https://kslnewsradio.com/1970796/church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-reacts-to-roe-v-wade/ July: (Matt) FSY - FIRST YEAR https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/fsy-spots-open-to-more-graduating-seniors-this-year https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/youth/childrenandyouth/fsy/about/youth?lang=eng FSY BEGINS August: (Melissa) TITHING SETTLEMENT CHANGES https://ksltv.com/502338/church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-makes-changes-to-tithing-settlement/ https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-presidency-tithing-declaration Honorable Mention (but has been covered a lot already) https://www.abc4.com/news/religion/church-responds-to-ap-investigation-into-sexual-abuse/ September: (Matt) MISSIONARIES - SERVICE RETURNING TO ‘NEW' NORMAL https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/area-breakdown-of-churchs-411-missions-worldwide https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/service-missionary/a-custom-experience?lang=eng October: (Melissa) NEW For the Strength of Youth https://www.ldsliving.com/elder-uchtdorf-announces-a-new-guide-for-youth/s/11035 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth/01-message?lang=eng https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/1/23381979/10-new-things-to-know-about-the-new-for-the-strength-of-youth#:~:text=New%20chapter%20focuses,and%20Find%20joy%20in%20Christ. November: (Matt) RESPECT for MARRIAGE ACT https://www.deseret.com/2022/11/17/23464767/senate-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-marriage-equality https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/respect-for-marriage-act-statement https://www.ldsliving.

TWiM Sisters are back with an additional sister (Ciarran Burch)! The TWiM Triplets talk all things news during this busy Christmas week. Links: When the TWiM Sisters first interviewed their sister Ciarran Burch Bundy Lawsuit President Nelson Christmas Message Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert More Christmas Concert Even more Christmas Concert 3 Latter-day Saint Football Figures Mike Leach Article Miss Rodeo America 2023 11 Crumbl Cookie stores found violating child labor laws How being the only current woman to coach boys' hoops in Oregon has been a ‘blessing' for this Latter-day Saint Bishop and stay-at-home dad wins baking show on Joanna Gaines's TV network Robbie and Alissa Parker on 10 years since Sandy Hook

Jennifer Roach and Melissa Fugazza make a great duo for summarizing the news in Mormons this week. Links: 1. Marriage bill https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/respect-for-marriage-act-signing?fbclid=IwAR2SngXZtgGd9KEx5DbgT-eF9frnhPLcEt-YvGiuUBFIehKrqcz6GXL1J-4 2. The first boy scout abuse case has completed its wind through the courts https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/ex-boy-scout-leader-gets-12-to-20-years-on-sex-abuse-charges/?fbclid=IwAR1f8jhXd_Fvg-duyWxpja3SyvKrLA3TcMmbeCjt86kX4zdN-LzAMKuPgmM 3. Update on Bisbee case Mediation possible in LDS sexual abuse civil case | Bisbee | myheraldreview.com 4. Nativity Displays https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/thousands-attend-follow-the-star-living-nativity-in-california?fbclid=IwAR29zaL8MbTdxuCr4iITavXx9dAPo18MhmjjXIrRIEfw0azsxW0nRgI2GLw

Devin Thorpe returns to the TWiM stage to share his thoughts on this week's Mormon news (some guy named Kurt was there too). Article Links: Why these members say their church is wrong on the Respect for Marriage Act Gordon Monson: Is the LDS Church obsessed with worthiness? Who decides it ... you, your bishop or your God? Latter-day Saint activism — See what it's done for the church In Sacred Loneliness: The Documents One Latter-day Saint football player's unexpected journey to this year's Army-Navy game See photos of the International Nativity Exhibit hosted at the Church's London Hyde Park Chapel Latter-day Saints & Earth Stewardship | An Interview with Chip Oscarson & Phil Fernberg Question of the Week: What is the one thing you would adjust first related to church building decor?

Chip Oscarson and Phil Fernberg discuss the role Latter-day Saints can play in talking about the environment, stewardship, and climate change, while not making it so political. Should Latter-day Saints be more intentional with this topic? How can we lead out? Does this discussion have a place in our church meetings? Links: https://ldsearthstewardship.org/ https://sustainability.byu.edu/

Guest hosts Melissa Jensen and Matt Miles walk us through last week's news items. Links: Coming soon.  

The TWiM Sisters, Tiffany Hales and Arianna Smith talk about the news! News Links: BYU-I instructors fired for failing ‘ecclesiastical clearance.' They can't find out why. Is pushing for change within the LDS Church a ‘tactic of Satan'? A top leader thinks so. A taste of Thanksgiving at the Provo MTC: How 1,050 elders and sisters spent the holiday On Christmas Day, Latter-day Saints to Attend Sacrament Meeting Only Stanford band stages controversial halftime skit during football game against BYU ‘Losing sight' to help ‘others see Christ': How a legally blind Paralympian sprinter is serving a unique mission in California Actors Paul Rudd and Eric Stonestreet hype up Giving Machines in Kansas City Porn-Star Dad of LGBT Club Massacre Suspect Spews Homophobia in First Interview Colorado Suspect Anderson Aldrich's Links to Mormon Church Explained Latter-day Saint leaders condemn Colorado Springs LGBTQ club shooting Reseeding Hill Cumorah Where are the 2022 Giving Machines? Latter-day Saints in media need better representation

Kurt Francom interviews Jaxon Washburn about his recent article. Article Link: Mormonism, the ‘Most American' Religious Other

This week's episode introduces the TWiM audience to Steven Pynakker from Mormon Book Reviews and Rick Bennett from Gospel Tangents. Stories & Links David Archuleta details 'faith crisis' after coming out in the Mormon Church Reports: Colorado Mass Shooting Suspect Is Grandson of Assembly's Randy Voepel Colorado Suspect Anderson Aldrich's Links to Mormon Church Explained Mormon Book Reviews YouTube Channel A Protestant Defense of the Book of Mormon by Steven Pynakker Gospel Tangents Rick Bennett's Tour of the Restoration Presentation