POPULARITY
I asked about Peggy Fletcher Stack's opinion. Central to Peggy's thirty-plus-year career is her unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics and objectivity. https://youtu.be/yFqxStPt0NA Remember, this is a secret episode. Sign up at gospeltangents.com/newsletter to get the link to the secret episode emailed to you. Don't miss our other conversations with Peggy: https://gospeltangents.com/people/peggy-fletcher-stack/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Peggy Fletcher Stack's Opinion She is asked daily about her personal faith but maintains it is "not for public disclosure," stating she is a "person of faith" who respects others but keeps her own private. She firmly believes a credible journalist cannot be an opinion writer. She actively avoids expressing personal opinions on politics or religion in her reporting or on social media. While her choice of stories and sources reveals focus, she strives for neutrality in her own voice. This commitment means she receives criticism from all sides, even noting she gets "more hate mail than our sports reporters." She highlights the challenge that some readers and even sources don't grasp why journalists don't simply adopt a specific viewpoint or give the LDS Church the "last word." She explains her approach to sourcing often prioritizes current "stakeholders" within a faith community for present-day issues, while respecting former members' perspectives on their personal journeys but finding them less ideal sources for current church affairs. Dramatic Transformation in Journalism The conversation also underscores the dramatic transformation in journalism brought by the internet. Contrasting with her early freelance days in Kenya where in-person interviews and library research were essential, online resources now make research significantly easier. However, this ease has contributed to journalism becoming a 24/7 job, with constant demands and potentially less emphasis on crucial in-person reporting. Peggy cautions that younger reporters can sometimes mistake online "buzz" for broad public concern, stressing the importance of understanding what "average believers in the pew" are discussing. Peggy also touched on the dramatic transformation in journalism due to the internet, contrasting her early freelance days in Kenya with the 24/7 nature of reporting today. While online resources make research easier, the constant demand and decreased emphasis on in-person reporting present new challenges. Despite these challenges and the constant criticism, Peggy finds her job exciting, enjoying the process of analyzing and connecting the dots. She has no immediate plans to retire, suggesting the 2034 Olympics as a potential bookend for her career since her first story coincided with Salt Lake's losing the 1998 Olympic bid to Japan. Why Her Faith is Off-Limits Stepping back into the conversation with Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune, the discussion moved beyond her career origins to highlight the core principle for Peggy is journalistic ethics and objectivity. She firmly believes a credible journalist cannot be an opinion writer. She gets asked daily about her own faith but maintains it's not for public disclosure, as her role is to report fairly on all faiths. She consciously avoids expressing her personal opinions on politics or religion in her reporting or on social media. While her choice of stories and sources reveals focus, she strives for neutrality in her own voice. She illustrated the challenge of this by describing how people, including some within the LDS Churc don't always understand why journalists don't simply adopt a specific viewpoint or give one source the "last word." This commitment to reporting on conflict, even when it's sensitive, means she receives criticism from all sides, sometimes even more hate mail than sports reporters. Do you agree with why Peggy Fletcher Stack's opinion is not for public consumption.
We discuss 2 important moments in Peggy Fletcher Stack's career: "We don't apologize," and "What about the women? Peggy Fletcher Stack is the senior religion reporter at the Salt Lake Tribune. The focus of the conversation turns to the persistent challenges within religious coverage and the dramatic evolution of the journalistic landscape itself. For Peggy, certain topics consistently emerge as central "pressure points" or "conflicts." Drawing on Apostle Boyd K. Packer's 1993 speech, she observes that issues surrounding feminists, gays, and intellectuals have dominated her reporting because, as she puts it, journalists cover "planes that crash," not "planes that land on time." https://youtu.be/KmaKAKKtyH4 Don't miss our other conversations with Peggy: https://gospeltangents.com/people/peggy-fletcher-stack/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved LGBTQ+ Issues She highlights the continued intensity of LGBTQ+ issues, noting they remain "very very hot." Her archive reveals nearly 700 articles containing the word "gay," underscoring its consistent prominence. While public protests on issues like ordination might have decreased since events like Kate Kelly's excommunication, Peggy firmly states that gender issues have "absolutely not died down," citing ongoing concerns among younger women and pushes on topics like allowing young women to pass the sacrament or women sitting on the stand. "We Don't Apologize" Moment Peggy Fletcher Stack recalls a meeting with Apostles Todd Christofferson and Dallen H. Oaks around the time the church was announcing a "compromise" on LGBTQ+ issues. She asked them, in the context of trying to promote civil discourse, if the church would ever apologize for the rhetoric of some members on this topic as a way to improve civility. Elder Oaks responded directly, "No. We never apologize." Peggy notes that this response to a specific question was later interpreted by some as being a statement of general church policy, which she clarified was not the case. She also mentions that Elder Oaks repeated a similar sentiment on a video podcast (Trib Talk no longer exists), stating that apology "isn't in the Bible," which caused a "huge flap" and led to people blaming her, the messenger. She said this illustrates how something said can come to be seen as policy. The "What About the Women?" Question Peggy describes a press conference in January or February 2018 with President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Oaks where reporters were limited to one question each. Peggy had prepared a question asking what would be done to increase diversity in leadership, specifically mentioning "women, people of color, and non-Americans." President Nelson's initial response was to focus on his personal connection to Peggy and her family, an "awkward moment" for her. After speaking about non-Americans, and feeling they were finishing their answer without addressing women, Peggy, despite the one-question limit, called out from her seat, "What about women?" President Nelson then spoke about loving women, highlighting his daughters and mothers. Peggy characterized this moment, which occurred on live KSL TV, as a "weird existential moment" balancing the personal and professional. Ironically, she felt it ended up being a "win-win" for her, as critics from different perspectives interpreted the interaction in ways that subtly improved her standing with them. Don't miss our other conversations with Peggy: https://gospeltangents.com/people/peggy-fletcher-stack/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved
Peggy Fletcher Stack highlights her biggest interviews, significant moments, and enduring themes of her three decades covering religion. Peggy's career at the Salt Lake Tribune has intersected with pivotal historical events and figures. She covered sensitive issues like Catholic abuse and the aftermath of 9/11, immediately being assigned to interview Utah Muslims. She shared a moving story of a young Muslim boy named Osama who faced bullying after 9/11 but later reclaimed his name and faith. https://youtu.be/shlJFq8BV2s Biggest Interviews Covering the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City brought another highlight: interviewing Archbishop Desmond Tutu about forgiveness, an encounter she described as a truly memorable moment despite the initial challenge of getting her story into print. She also had the unique opportunity to spend four days covering the Dalai Lama's visit, with press access to every event. Reporting on leadership transitions within the LDS Church also marked her career. She wrote President Ezra Taft Benson's obituary but never interviewed him as he wasn't publicly visible in his last years. She covered President Howard Hunter's trip to Nauvoo, noting his warmth and the public's desire for physical connection after Benson's absence. The advent of President Gordon B. Hinckley brought a shift; at his first press conference, he stood the entire time and took questions, a departure from past practice. Peggy recalled her own encounter, where President Hinckley showed familiarity with her and her family before she proceeded to ask numerous questions. Notably, she covered President Hinckley's historic 1998 trip to sub-Saharan Africa, the first time an LDS prophet had visited the region. Traveling separately from his group, she managed to secure an interview with him in Zimbabwe, where he famously commented on fighting adulation. This Africa trip stands out as a definitive highlight of her career. Reflecting on her coverage, Peggy connected her most frequent topics to Apostle Boyd K. Packer's 1993 speech identifying feminists, gays, and intellectuals as enemies of the church. She realized these areas – which she terms "pressure points" or "conflicts" – have been the focus of her reporting because journalists cover "planes that crash," not "planes that land on time." This includes covering the September Six excommunications (intellectuals)10, the ongoing evolution of women's issues and gender dynamics (feminism), and the persistently "hot" topic of LGBTQ issues. What about the Women? Peggy also recounted another one of her biggest interviews involving a memorable interaction with President Russell M. Nelson in 2018, where she asked about increasing diversity in church leadership. His initial, somewhat awkward, response focused on knowing her family. He finally answered about international leaders, but he didn't address female leadership, leading her to press him to address the specific question about women: She asked loudly, "What about the women?" She viewed this moment, captured on live TV, as a strange intersection of the personal and professional that ironically benefited her standing with critics from different perspectives. What are your thoughts about Peggy's coverage of the LDS Church specifically? Do you think she is biased one way or the other? Do you listen to Mormon land and/or subscribe to the Salt Lake Tribune? What are some of the biggest interviews we didn't mention? Don't miss our other conversations with Peggy: https://gospeltangents.com/people/peggy-fletcher-stack/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved
It was fun to sit down with Peggy Fletcher Stack about her time at Sunstone and Mark Hofmann. Peggy Fletcher Stack is a senior religion reporter at the Salt Lake Tribune with over three decades of experience. Peggy, also a co-host of the Tribune's weekly "Mormon Land" podcast, discussed her extensive career, offering insights into her work, her background, and some of the pivotal moments she's covered. The conversation quickly delved into the origins of her career, her time at the Sunstone organization, and even her connection to a notorious historical event. https://youtu.be/jI3Y_aw9mek Don't miss our other conversations with Peggy: https://gospeltangents.com/people/peggy-fletcher-stack/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Peggy's long tenure in religion reporting at the Tribune spans 34 years. Before joining the paper, she was involved with Sunstone magazine and was the originator of the Sunstone Symposium. Recounting its beginnings, Peggy explained that as young people working on the magazine, they needed material to publish. She conceived the idea of holding a symposium where people could present, providing content for the magazin. Despite skepticism from some who felt they were "just kids," the first symposium in the late 1970s or early 1980s was successful, leading it to become an annual event that has continued for over 40 years. Peggy noted that Sunstone often struggled financially but ultimately persevered. Peggy's early career included a period spent freelancing in Kenya. In 1985-1986, shortly after getting married, she and her husband used their wedding money to move to Kenya to do freelance writing and photography. They chose Kenya because it was English-speaking and stable at the time. While they hoped to sell stories, Peggy admitted they didn't sell many. She described it as more of an adventure that provided a reason to travel and learn. She recently returned to Kenya for a conference with the International Association of Religion Journalists (IARJ), a group she helped found in 2012 and now serves as executive director. Sunstone and Mark Hofmann One of the most compelling parts of the early discussion was Peggy's connection to Sunstone and Mark Hofmann bombings. Hofmann, known for forging historical documents related to Mormonism, had his "findings" discussed extensively at Sunstone. Peggy knew Mark Hofmann personally and conducted the only print interview he ever gave. Looking back at that interview, she realized he was lying throughout, something she didn't recognize at the time. Peggy described Hofmann as socially awkward, noting he wouldn't look her in the eye during the interview, which she initially attributed to social skill issues but now sees as a sign he was fabricating information. Remarkably, the Hofmann bombings happened on the same weekend as Peggy's wedding, October 12, 1985. One of the victims, Steve Christensen, was a close friend, a major Sunstone donor, and a columnist. After the bombings, Peggy received calls from national media and initially suspected a business connection. However, when Mark Hofmann himself was injured in a bombing the next day, it became clear the events were tied to the documents. Peggy and her husband were warned they might be in danger, even checking their wedding presents for bombs and staying away from their apartment. This personal connection means Peggy always knows how long it's been since the bombings by her wedding anniversary. Reflecting on that time, she acknowledged her lack of training as a journalist then and the difficulty of knowing Hofmann was lying. Even LDS Church leaders were fooled. Path to Salt Lake Tribune Peggy's path to the Salt Lake Tribune was somewhat unexpected. After her time in Kenya, she and her husband moved to New York City, where she worked various jobs, including editing at a medical ethics think tank, working for the United Methodist Church communications department,
This video features Sandra Tanner, a descendant of Brigham Young, sharing insights into her family history and involvement in Mormon history. From Brigham Young's legal wife, Mary Ann Angell, to descendants of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Sandra delves into the complexities of her heritage and polygamy's impact on her upbringing. The discussion explores Sandra's journey into Mormon historical research with her late husband, Jerald, encounters with figures like Ogden Kraut and Ervil LeBaron, and her work with notable journalists and podcasters, including Wallace Turner, Peggy Fletcher Stack, and John Dehlin. This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersections of faith, history, and media. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord
Today is the start of this year's Restore! We look forward to seeing those of you who are attending! This week we're departing from our normal format and sharing a recent conversation of the MormonLand podcast, between the Salt Lake Tribune's Peggy Fletcher Stack and David Noyce and our executive director, Zach Davis. The conversation focused on the origin and vision of Faith Matters, the questions we are wrestling with, and what to expect at this year's Restore. We think you're really going to enjoy this conversation and with that we'll hand things over to Peggy, David and Zach.
Women LDS Relief Society leaders are no longer allowed on the stand in the Bay Area, as covered in Peggy Fletcher Stack's SL Tribune's article. On this show, we talk about activism in general, our reaction to this change (not great) and discuss how we think our personal responsibility for revelation needs to be balanced with our need for change to come top down from the Church. ‘A slap in the face': LDS Relief Society leaders ordered off the stand, by Peggy Fletcher Stack https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/11/24/slap-face-lds-relief-society/ Link to our Face in Hat discord server! https://discord.gg/MnSMvKHvwh YouTube channel! Thanks Eric! https://www.youtube.com/@FaceinHat https://www.youtube.com/@FaceinHat/playlists Dialogue Podcast Network https://www.dialoguejournal.com/podcasts/ Why I write, by George Orwell https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/why-i-write/ Lukewarm and getting spewed https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/rev/3?lang=eng&id=p15-p16#p15 Eric thinks Peggy Fletcher Stack original art story might not have been written about, if someone had a link let us know and we'll update the notes here :) The Star Chamber https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Chamber Un-American activities committee from the 50s https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Un-American_Activities_Committee Franklin/Peanuts articles: Black Isn't a Personality Type, by John H. McWhorter https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-12-op-mcwhorter-story.html The sweet story behind Peanuts' groundbreaking first black character, by Thu-Huong Ha https://qz.com/571393/the-sweet-story-behind-peanuts-groundbreaking-first-black-character 'Peanuts' First Black Character Franklin Turns 50, by Cecilia Lei and James Delahoussaye https://www.npr.org/2018/07/29/633544308/peanuts-character-franklin-turns-50 Women at Church: Magnifying LDS Women's Local Impact, by Neylan McBaine https://www.amazon.com/Women-Church-Magnifying-Womens-Impact/dp/1589586883 Will You Engage in the Wrestle?, by Sheri Dew https://ing.byui.edu/devotionals/sheri-dew Jacob wrestling with the angel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_wrestling_with_the_angel Enos's wrestle before God https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/enos/1#p2 Cool stuff from Eric we didn't get to: Theric Jepson, Danny Nelson and Steven L. Peck: The Path and the Gate https://www.dialoguejournal.com/podcasts/theric-jepson-danny-nelson-and-steven-l-peck-the-path-and-the-gate/ Humor in Mormon Literature with Theric Jepson and Stephen Carter https://www.dialoguejournal.com/podcasts/humor-in-mormon-literature-with-theric-jepson-and-stephen-carter/ Faci in Hat Podcast episodes referred to in this episode: 2.10 The Columbian Exchange, Wilford Woodruff, and #BlackLivesMatter https://faceinhat.podbean.com/e/ep-210-the-columbian-exchange-wilford-woodruff-and-blacklivesmatter/ 3.12 Minerva Teichert and the Manti Temple https://faceinhat.podbean.com/e/312-minerva-teichert-and-the-manti-temple/ 3.13 Close to home: the Church Building Program https://faceinhat.podbean.com/e/313-close-to-home-the-church-building-program/ 3.14 Paul, the Oakland Temple, and Pride https://faceinhat.podbean.com/e/314-paul-the-oakland-temple-and-pride/
When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband. And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased Yahweh. - 2 Samuel 11:26-27 This Episode's Links and Timestamps: 00:24 – 2 Samuel 11 04:53 – Thoughts on the Reading 38:03 - At long last, a photo of Mormon founder Joseph Smith emerges – Peggy Fletcher Stack, The Salt Lake Tribune 51:22 - Mormon Church Admits Founder Joseph Smith Had Up To 40 Wives – Sam Sanders, NPR 1:01:48 - I guess Calvin University professors need to hear this, but yes, Christ is supreme. – Joel Abbott, NTB 1:05:28 - The ONE thing you need to know about House Speaker Mike Johnson – BlazeTV Staff 1:18:34 - American Constitutions: Natural Law and Constitution-Making in the Founding Era – John Dinan, Public Discourse --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/garrett-ashley-mullet/message
Spoilers for the Barbie movie!! The Barbie movie takes people into the presence of God and delivers them to the real world. Join us as we discuss the LDS endowment, existentialism, and heavenly mother as we revel in one of the best movies released in years. Link to our Face in Hat discord server! https://discord.gg/MnSMvKHvwh Dialogue Podcast Network https://www.dialoguejournal.com/podcasts/ The Barbie movie transcript we used: https://transcripts.foreverdreaming.org/viewtopic.php?t=121979 Greta Gerwig Refused to Cut a ‘Barbie' Scene That's the ‘Heart of the Movie,' by Zack Sharf https://variety.com/2023/film/news/barbie-cut-scene-greta-gerwig-refused-remove-old-woman-bench-scene-1235676474/ (FYI my theater was actually in high school… -Aaron) Wiki existentialism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism What Barbie Understands About Mother-Daughter Relationships, by Suzanne Garfinkle-Crowell https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/08/barbie-movie-mother-daughter-relationship/674931/ In the beginning, there was Barbie, by Alissa Wilkinson https://www.vox.com/culture/23800753/barbie-review-bible-eden Barbiemania! Margot Robbie Opens Up About the Movie Everyone's Waiting For, by Abby Aguirre https://www.vogue.com/article/margot-robbie-barbie-summer-cover-2023-interview Walk in the Pink Moccasins, by Carol Lynn Pearson https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/137-21-25.pdf The Meeting, by Elouise Bell https://web.archive.org/web/20171008222301/http://signaturebookslibrary.org/only-when-i-laugh-04 The Year They Gave Women the Priesthood, by Michael Fillerup https://amzn.to/3DXrqQw The Defection of Baby Mixo, by Mark Penny https://lit.mormonartist.net/2016/02/the-defection-of-baby-mixo Dialogue Book Report's episode with Eric's about his book, Just Julie's Fine, isn't quite out yet, but here's the link to the podcast: https://www.dialoguejournal.com/podcast-subjects/book-report Is ‘Barbie' an allegory of Mother Eve in LDS theology? | Episode 298 of Mormon Land, by Peggy Fletcher Stack, with Rachel Rueckert as guest. Referenced from: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/08/09/mormon-land-is-barbie-an-allegory/ Parks and Recollection https://teamcoco.com/podcasts/parks-and-recollection Heavenly Mother is Packing a Suitcase, by Aisling Rowan, part of Birds to Bones https://www.instagram.com/p/CvOLfPWMh55/
In 1998, a Utah publisher released “A World of Faith,” a children's book by The Salt Lake Tribune's award-winning religion writer, Peggy Fletcher Stack, with illustrations by celebrated Latter-day Saint artist Kathleen Peterson. Praise for the volume was wide and deep, including from former President Jimmy Carter. A commemorative version followed in 2001 to celebrate Salt Lake City's hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The book's approach is simple: Take many of the world's major faith traditions, write a one-page explanation of their history and beliefs, make the text easy enough for youngsters but interesting enough for seasoned readers, and pair each entry with a gorgeous illustration depicting aspects of that religion. Yes, it's a modest model, but behind it rests a profound pursuit: Eliminate religious bigotry through increased understanding and turn today's readers into tomorrow's peacemakers. Now, 25 years later, BCC Press has issued revised second edition of “A World of Faith,” with an additional six non-Western religions added into the mix. The authors join us on this week's show to discuss the expanded book — what they learned; the challenges they faced (including how to handle the “Mormon” term); the commonalities, differences and beauties in religious diversity; and Latter-day Saints' awareness of other faiths. With the book's release, we're also making this special offer: Join Mormon Land on Patreon by Monday, May 15, and you'll be entered to win one of five signed copies of the volume. Current patrons will also be entered.
In this special Valentine's Day edition of MormonLand, Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, McArthur Krishna, and Bethany Brady Spalding join Peggy Fletcher Stack and David Noyce, hosts of the MormonLand Podcast, for a thoughtful discussion on the nature of Latter-day Saint marriages and an exploration of the content found in the recently released ebook "In the Image of Our Heavenly Parents: A Couple's Guide to Creating a More Divine Marriage."
Russell M. Nelson's historic first five years as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Utah Legislature begins its 45-day session. And the Salt Lake Bees baseball team announces it is leaving Utah's capital for South Jordan's Daybreak. At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune reporters Peggy Fletcher Stack, Emily Anderson Stern and Blake Apgar, along…
The International Center for Law and Religion Studies is a global academic leader in the field of religious freedom. Founded in 2000, the center is part of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, the flagship campus of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Religious freedom has long been a key concern of the Utah-based faith. So the BYU-affiliated center's mission is to “help secure the blessings of religious liberty for all,” through scholarship, networking, educational activities and legal reforms. Scholars at the center who specialize in comparative and international law concerning religion have provided advice to dozens of civil and governmental bodies in more than 50 countries, eager to implement safeguards on religious freedom. Brett Scharffs, the Rex E. Lee Chair and professor of law at J. Reuben Clark Law School, is the center's current director. In this special “Mormon Land”, Scharffs speaks from Cordoba, Spain with Peggy Fletcher Stack, where he is presenting several papers at a European meeting of legal scholars on the topic “Human Dignity, Law and Religious Diversity: Designing the Future of Intercultural Society.”
In this recent podcast episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife joined Dave Noyce and Peggy Fletcher Stack of The Salt Lake Tribune's Mormon Land podcast (@mormonland) to discuss the recent viral "MomTok" video. In this discussion, Jennifer talks about how the lack of strong moral development in individuals can lead to vulnerabilities within a marriage.
Senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack discusses her latest story about modern-day religion in Egypt, with a focus on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jazz beat reporter Andy Larsen shares a recap of the NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City and provides a brief look at what's to come for the Jazz's summer league team this week in Las Vegas.
A lot of Utahns, and Utah-based institutions, have reacted to the leaked Supreme Court daft opinion that would overturn Roe. v. Wade. However, leaders of Utah's most predominant religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have remained silent since the news dropped. Tribune religion reporter and co-host of the podcast ‘Mormonland' Peggy Fletcher Stack joins “The Daily Buzz” to explain the church's stance on abortion and the possible reasons why they haven't spoken out in favor or against the predicted decision. Also on the podcast, Tribune education reporter Connor Sanders discusses the most recent criminal sentence of a Utahn involved with the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
It's Holy Week for Western Christians, which culminates Sunday with Easter. The Holy Land is awash with pilgrims and tourists — including members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — who are soaking in the sites of Jesus' last days. It also signals the reopening of Brigham Young University's Jerusalem Center for Near East Studies after a two-year pandemic pause. In this special edition of “Mormon Land,” The Salt Lake Tribune's senior religion reporter, Peggy Fletcher Stack, who is on assignment in the Middle East, talks with Eric D. Huntsman, a religious studies expert and the center's new academic director, about the coming days, how the facility can deepen spirituality and much more. We want to hear from you! Take our survey here: bit.ly/mormonland
Salt Lake Tribune religion editor Peggy Fletcher Stack recently wrote an article about the LDS Church losing “its identity.” by making significant changes and coming closer to Christianity. Is this true? Bill and Eric take a closer look at this topic.
Salt Lake Tribune religion editor Peggy Fletcher Stack recently wrote an article about the LDS Church losing “its identity.” by making significant changes and coming closer to Christianity. Is this true? Bill and Eric take a closer look at this topic.
Salt Lake Tribune religion editor Peggy Fletcher Stack recently wrote an article about the LDS Church losing “its identity.” by making significant changes and coming closer to Christianity. Is this true? Bill and Eric take a closer look at this topic.
Salt Lake Tribune religion editor Peggy Fletcher Stack recently wrote an article about the LDS Church losing “its identity.” by making significant changes and coming closer to Christianity. Is this true? Bill and Eric take a closer look at this topic.
Salt Lake Tribune religion editor Peggy Fletcher Stack recently wrote an article about the LDS Church losing “its identity.” by making significant changes and coming closer to Christianity. Is this true? Bill and Eric take a closer look at this topic.
Answering follow-up questions from the Salt Lake Tribune about the Open Stories Foundation and THRIVE given to us by Peggy Fletcher Stack and Tony Semerad. ————— We are 100% donor funded! Please click HERE to donate and keep this content coming! Click here to donate monthly: $10 $25 $50 ————— Show Notes: 2013 LDS Faith Crisis presentation leak: https://faenrandir.github.io/a_careful_examination/documents/faith_crisis_study/Faith_Crisis_R28e.pdf Matthew Harris Mormon Stories episode on Gospel Topics essays: https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/1365-the-lds-gospel-topics-essays-a-history-by-dr-matt-harris/ The Line Podcast John Dehlin, Hans Mattsson: https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/2oh9ee Roger Hendrix interview: https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/the-future-of-mormonism-roger-hendrix/ First episode on MORMON STORIES TRANSPARENCY Q&A FOR PEGGY FLETCHER STACK AND TONY SEMERAD – SALT LAKE TRIBUNE: https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/mormon-stories-transparency-qa-for-peggy-fletcher-stack-and-tony-semerad-salt-lake-tribune/
As part of our longstanding and undying commitment to organizational transparency, please join me for a spontaneous Q&A about Mormon Stories Podcast, the Open Stories Foundation, the THRIVE Foundation, and any other topic you want us to discuss! Please post your questions in the comments below!!! This video was made primarily as a response to what we believe was an unprofessional and unbalanced inquiry into the THRIVE Foundation by Peggy Fletcher Stack and Tony Semerad of the Salt Lake Tribune. This is my second attempt at a response. My first response was a little angrier than I wanted it to be (I'm calling that the "caffeinated version"), and so I am rerecording to invoke my wiser self ("decaffeinated version"). The substance will remain the same, although the slides are slightly improved. ————— We are 100% donor funded! Please click HERE to donate and keep this content coming! Click here to donate monthly: $10 $25 $50 —————
This month marks religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack's 30th anniversary of covering The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for The Salt Lake Tribune. During that time, she has traveled the globe, journeying with prophets and interviewing apostles. She has written about divisive doctrines and inclusive gatherings, emerging trends and groundbreaking shifts, religious eras and “Mormon moments.” Mostly, though, she has written about people — people cherishing faith, people questioning faith, people rejecting faith. On this week's show, she shares highlights from her remarkable career and answers questions from our Patreon supporters. Listeners will get the scoop on her travels with Gordon Hinckley — including how she got into a meeting with the Latter-day Saint prophet and Ghana's president — her behind-the-scenes conversations with Marjorie Hinckley and apostle Dallin H. Oaks. They'll also get her take on what prompted church President Russell Nelson's remark about knowing her family, how she learned about apostle David Bednar's hair gel and many other stories.
In this episode of Mormonland Jennifer joins a panel with Michael Austin, Jacob Hess, and hosts Peggy Fletcher Stack and David Noyce to discuss the history, theology, and ethics of sexual relations in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes joins a multistate lawsuit challenging an executive order on climate change by President Joe Biden. A year into a global pandemic, a sports reporter turned COVID columnist reflects on lessons learned. And religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack recalls her brush with forger and bomber Mark Hofmann. At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune […]
This week is something a little special, since we convinced Calvin Grondahl, the dean of Utah editorial cartoonists, to sit still for a chat. Cal began his career at BYU, was hired by the Deseret News and later fled to the Standard-Examiner in the quest for some freedom to draw what he wanted. He's the author of many cartoon collections -- both Mormon humor and Utah humor -- including “Freeway to Perfection,” “Utah and All That Jazz," “Utah Sex and Travel Guide,” “Marketing Precedes the Miracle,” “Music and the Broken Word,” “Faith Promoting Rumors” and “Sunday's Foyer.” Cal's now retired, but he shares lots of stories about what it was like to be the cartoonist who broke ground for all those who followed.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/themediascrum)
My friend Ryan Michael Painter joins us to talk about his new book called “The Unexpected Son” which talks about his gay LDS father Michael, who was the first AIDS death in Utah when Michael was 7, and his LDS mother Patti. The book is at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Son-Ryan-Michael-Painter/dp/1735051209 Michael, in his 40s, talks about his love for both his father and mother (who were divorced shortly after Michael’s birth but remained friends) and how is has found peace with the complexity of his family situation. It is a beautiful story of love as captured by this review on Amazon: “This book is truly a testament of love. I was particularly moved by Patti’s narrative. There are so many times during this story when anger, fear, or resentment would have been the natural reaction. Instead, this is a story of love, compassion, and charity during the most challenging of circumstances. Lessons we could all learn from. Ryan Painter has artfully told his family’s story. He has managed to balance the heavy significant subject matter with more lighthearted antidotes to keep the pace from feeling weighted.” I became aware of Ryan and his book from this excellent story from Peggy Fletcher Stack https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2020/11/29/different-type-ghost/ Thank you my friend Ryan for being on the podcast and teaching us how to better love and support everyone. I encourage everyone to read your book and listen to this podcast.
Salt Lake Tribune religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack writes that “[s]ome Mormons — and plenty of others — were appalled to witness their church build a $1.5 billion mall in downtown Salt Lake City and hear their prophet proclaim, “Let's go shopping.” Isn't religion, they argued, supposed to be about feeding the hungry and clothing the poor? How is selling Tiffany jewelry, Nordstrom cocktail dresses and luxury condos any part of a Christian faith?” That's the introduction to her report on historian Michael Quinn's book “The Mormon Hierarchy: Wealth and Corporate Power.” Quinn, by the way, says that the LDS church sees its mission as serving both the spiritual and physical needs of its people.
Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther's action 500 years ago, Mormon blogger Liz Layton Johnson recently wrote 95 ways to improve her church. Johnson joined Tribune senior religion writer Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce to talk about her wide-ranging, practical ideas.
For 22 years, Don Harwell served as branch president of the Genesis Group, a support group for black Mormons. Don and his wife Jerri Harwell visit with Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce about the group, race in the church and President Monson's special relationship with Genesis.
What is the relationship between faith and doubt? Author Adam S. Miller describes his take on reconciling personal belief with LDS Church doctrine in a new edition of his book, "Letters to a Young Mormon." He talks with Salt Lake Tribune senior religion writer Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce.
How will LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson be remembered? Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce discuss Monson's 50-year imprint on the faith with Henderson State University history professor Matthew Bowman, author of "The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith."
While reporting in Hong Kong, Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack discovered a Mormon congregation that only serves domestic workers. Stack spoke about the group with a woman known as Ling Ling, a former Relief Society president of the Everyday Branch.
BYU religion professor Eric Huntsman describes Mormon history, cultural tradition and his personal observance of Christmas with Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce.
How much does a Mormon bishop need to know about a person's sexual behavior during a worthiness interview? Former LDS bishop Richard Ostler and therapist Julie de Azevedo Hanks discuss the issue with Salt Lake Tribune reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce.
President Donald Trump plans to visit with Mormon Church leaders when he comes to Utah on Monday. Morgan Lyon Cotti, deputy director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, and BYU political science professor Kelly Patterson join Salt Lake Tribune senior religion writer Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce to talk about LDS encounters with U.S. presidents and why many Utah Mormons still like Trump.
Jim McConkie, co-founder of the Refugee Justice League which provides pro bono legal help to Utah refugees, explains how his Mormon faith influenced this effort to Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack and editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce.
Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack talks about Mormon life, practices and cultural influences in Indonesia, Vietnam and other southeast Asia sites she recently visited.
Authors Fiona and Terryl Givens argue much of contemporary LDS thought has been contaminated by Protestant rhetoric and is inconsistent with the theology articulated by Mormon founder Joseph Smith's original vision. They discuss their new book "The Christ Who Heals" with Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce.
Salt Lake Tribune religion writer Peggy Fletcher Stack interviews Lewis Hassell, an LDS mission president based in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce talk with Laurie Lee Hall about her transition from a former stake president and LDS temple architect to a transgender woman.
Mormon Church-owned Brigham Young University recently changed its policy to allow Coke to be sold on campus. Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack and managing editor David Noyce talk about the reversal and the Mormon health code called the Word of Wisdom with Philip Barlow, Arrington Chair of Mormon Studies and a Religious Studies professor at Utah State University.
Salt Lake Tribune senior religion reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack talks about her fascinating career, from encounters with Mormon prophets to the Dalai Lama. Recorded before a live audience at the City Library in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.
Blogger Steve Evans of By Common Consent and Darius Gray, former president of Genesis Group, join Salt Lake Tribune managing editor David Noyce and senior religion writer Peggy Fletcher Stack to discuss October 2017 General Conference.
Tom Christofferson describes his life as a gay man, his complicated relationship with the LDS Church and the unwavering love of his parents and brothers in his new book, "That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family." Each week, Mormon Land explores the contours and complexities of LDS News. Award-winning Salt Lake Tribune religion writer Peggy Fletcher Stack, managing editor David Noyce and editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce host.
The Church speaks out about reported suicides among LGBT Mormons; Peggy Fletcher Stack crunches some hard numbers; and the Friend is a feminist front.
On today’s episode of the "Mormon News Review," we discuss: Pope Francis’ recent interview in "America: The National Catholic Review" and possible implications for the LDS church. Two articles written by Peggy Fletcher Stack on the 20th anniversary of the September Six. Elder D. Todd Christofferson‘s devotional delivered on September 24th at BYU Idaho entitled "The Prophet Joseph Smith." Joining us are three panelists: Right: Ralph Hancock is the President of the John Adams Center for the Study of Faith, Philosophy and Public Affairs. He is also a professor of Political Science at Brigham Young University, and a former intramural basketball teammate. Center: Mark Phillips is an active member of the LDS church in Los Angeles, and a former bishop. He is a husband, a father, an attorney, a musician, and he promises not to agree with everyone. Left: Lindsay Hansen Park is a Mormon Feminist and a work-from-home mother of two in Stansbury Park. She works as Social Media director for Sunstone, hosts and founded the feministmormonhousewives podcast, and is engaged in women’s issues and global activism.
In part 2 of this 4 part series, Elbert Peck (Editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses many of the central people of Sunstone, including Leonard Arrington, Bonner Ritchie, Eugene England, Lavina Fielding Anderson, Ed Kimball, Orson Scott Card, Peggy Fletcher Stack, Scott Kinney, and many others.
In part 2 of this 4 part series, Elbert Peck (Editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses many of the central people of Sunstone, including Leonard Arrington, Bonner Ritchie, Eugene England, Lavina Fielding Anderson, Ed Kimball, Orson Scott Card, Peggy Fletcher Stack, Scott Kinney, and many others.
In part 2 of this 4 part series, Elbert Peck (Editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses many of the central people of Sunstone, including Leonard Arrington, Bonner Ritchie, Eugene England, Lavina Fielding Anderson, Ed Kimball, Orson Scott Card, Peggy Fletcher Stack, Scott Kinney, and many others.