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January 30, 2015
Church Announces Open House Dates for Indianapolis Indiana Temple (Church News) (January 30, 2015) The First Presidency has recently announced the open house and dedication dates for the Indianapolis Indiana Temple.
The temple open house will be available to the public for tours beginning Friday, July 17, 2015, and will run until Saturday, August 8, 2015. The open house will be closed Sundays. A cultural celebration will be held Saturday, August 22.
Balancing LGBT, religious rights won’t be easy, Mormon leaders concede (Salt Lake Tribune - Utah) (January 30, 2015) In the tug of war between religious freedom and LGBT rights, neither side will get everything it wants, two Mormon apostles said Thursday.
"Neither right is an absolute," explained Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the LDS Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a former Utah Supreme Court justice. "Each has exceptions."
But neither Oaks nor fellow Mormon apostle D. Todd Christofferson would offer any guidance on how the Utah Legislature should balance the two sometimes-conflicting notions or where to draw the lines defining the exceptions to each interest.
Instead, Oaks said, their mission was to put forward principles and then "encourage the two extremes to talk to each other."
Mormon LGBT Announcement Met With Cheers, Skepticism (NPR) (January 30, 2015) Robert Siegel talks to Mormon leader Elder Dallin Oaks about the press conference this week where the church announced it would support LGBT anti-discrimination legislation in return for laws that protect religious freedom.
LDS Church asking Mormons for input on temple garments (Salt Lake Tribune - Utah) (January 30, 2015) In October, the LDS Church added a video and photos to an essay about its temple clothing — including two-piece underwear known as "garments" — as a way to deflect misinformation on social media and in the popular press.
Now The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is asking members for feedback about the fit, fabric, size and style of garments. And many Mormon feminists are cheering — and eagerly sharing their opinions.
LDS missionary preparation begins earlier than ever (LDS Church News) (January 30, 2015) There was a time, not long ago, when prospective missionaries could bank some post-high school “life experiences” before reporting to the mission field.
Most young men had at least six months or so after graduation before they celebrated their 19th birthday. During that time, many future missionaries began focusing on their gospel studies while attending college or maybe working a full-time job.
Romney to tell supporters his 2016 plans Friday (CNN) (January 30, 2015) Former Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney has made a decision on whether to go forward with a third presidential bid and will tell to supporters which way he is going in a Friday morning call, a source familiar with Romney's plans tells CNN.
Another Romney source said "the call is an 'update' call with finance, political, policy and grassroots leadership around the country." While Romney will not officially announce his plans for 2016, he will clarify whether he is moving towards a run or pulling back from the prospect.
Fox News Poll: Romney remains top of GOP field, Clinton leads Democrats (Fox News) (January 30, 2015) Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remain the front-runners for their respective party’s presidential nominations. In addition, Romney performs best against Clinton among the Republicans tested in hypothetical head-to-head matchups, coming out dead even.
That’s according to the latest Fox News poll, released Thursday.
January 29, 2015
Mormons on LGBT rights called naive, unhelpful (Baptist Press) (January 29, 2015) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will support civil rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people if religious freedom protections also are ensured, its leaders announced Tuesday (Jan. 27).
Southern Baptist leaders, however, said the Mormons' approach to the conflict between sexual rights and religious liberty is naive and unhelpful, as well as unacceptable to proponents of LGBT rights.
Mormons Building Bridges and Sutherland Institute react to LDS church announcement (Cache Valley Daily - Utah) (January 29, 2015) During a rare news conference Tuesday, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called for legislation across the country that provides religious freedom as well as protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Apostle Dallin H. Oakes said state legislatures across the country are being asked to strengthen laws against LGBT discrimination relating to such issues as housing and employment.
Membership growth spurs LDS expansion (Glendale Star - Arizona) (January 29, 2015) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is poised for expansion in Glendale and throughout the West Valley as construction has started on a retail service center and a warehouse and office complex.
The two buildings, located near West Bell Road and North 67th Avenue and close to the Kmart and Chuck E. Cheese’s, will span nearly 70,000 square feet and cost almost $10 million, according to building permits the city issued in December.
'Studio C' cast talks to LDS teens about humor — seriously (Deseret News - Utah) (January 29, 2015) When Whitney Call, Mallory Everton, Jason Gray and Matt Meese are trying to be funny, they’re very funny. More and more people are discovering this fact as the popularity of their BYUtv sketch comedy show, “Studio C,” continues to grow, especially among young viewers looking for the kind of laughter they can share with friends and parents alike.
Super Bowl quarterback Tom Brady relies on LDS trainer for guidance in all aspects of life (Deseret News - Utah) (January 29, 2015) A feature in The New York Times on Monday shared a unique insight into the life of Tom Brady, a quarterback for the New England Patriots, who will play in Sunday’s Super Bowl. Specifically, the article highlighted his friendship with his “body coach” Alex Guerrero, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The article states that Guerrero's job description actually “significantly understates his exhaustive reach into Brady’s life.”
Sundance filmmaker premiers new film on radical Mormon offshoot (Malay Mail - Malaysia) (January 29, 2015) The US director of an award-winning film about sex abuse by Catholic priests has unveiled a new documentary, focusing on child sexual assault in a radical offshoot of the Mormon Church.
Amy Berg, whose “Deliver Us from Evil” (2006) was nominated for an Oscar, premiered her latest film “Prophet’s Prey” at the Sundance Film Festival this week.
January 28, 2015
We all can be more civil on LGBT issues, Mormon leader says (Salt Lake Tribune - Utah) (January 28, 2015) In the past few years, Mormonism has toned down its language about homosexuality from a debate about sin and causality to embracing notions of empathy and understanding.
Now the LDS Church is emphasizing a more civil dialogue with activists and better outreach to gay members — and it did so with a high-profile news conference, featuring three Mormon apostles and a top female leader.
Mormon Leaders Propose New Stance on LGBT Rights (Wall Street Journal) (January 28, 2015) Leaders of the Mormon Church are advocating a new approach in the struggle over gay rights and religious freedom claims, saying the church will support legal protections for both religious believers and gay people.
In a rare news conference Tuesday at the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, church leaders said it would back fair access to housing and employment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. But the church also urged lawmakers to support “legislation that protects vital religious freedoms” for individuals and faith groups.
Reaction to LDS Church announcement on LGBT, religious protections (Salt Lake Tribune - Utah) (January 28, 2015) "The statement made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today is an additional and important step to help us find common ground on these important issues. It will be helpful in our effort to resolve these difficult and emotional matters. I firmly believe that, in order to protect the personally held values of people on all sides, any advancement of nondiscrimination legislation should be coupled with legislation to safeguard protections to religious freedom. I am confident that, as elected officials, we can work together with religious, business and civic leaders as well as the LGBT community to craft policies that treat all people with dignity and respect."
Mormon Church Wants Freedom to Discriminate (New York Times) (January 28, 2015) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints held a rare news conference in Salt Lake City today that is drawing headlines about a supposedly new, accommodating stand on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights.
The Mormon church is now willing, news accounts says, to support anti-discrimination legislation in the realms of housing and employment. In return, all the Mormons want are laws that “protect religious freedom.”
New Wave of Mormon Missionaries Is Young, Energetic and Female (ABC News) (January 28, 2015) The mission has traditionally been a rite of passage for young Mormon men, often recognizable by their trademark white button-down shirts and dark suits, as they roam neighborhoods across the world looking for converts.
Now their female counterparts are flocking to missions in record numbers after a subtle, yet critical, change in church policy lowered the age minimum from 21 to 19 for the women, known as sisters.
BYU-Idaho's Board of Trustees Announces New President (LDS Newsroom) (January 28, 2015) Clark G. Gilbert, currently the CEO of Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media and an executive vice president of Deseret Management Corporation, will become the next president of BYU-Idaho.
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and chair of the Executive Committee of the Board made the announcement today at BYU-Idaho’s weekly devotional. Clark Gilbert replaces President Kim B. Clark, who has served the global influence of BYU-Idaho since 2005.
Deseret News CEO Clark Gilbert named BYU-Idaho president (Salt Lake Tribune - Utah) (January 28, 2015) Deseret News CEO Clark Gilbert, who oversaw a transformation of the newspaper as he championed faith-based coverage and a shift toward digital-centric news, has been named president of Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Gilbert is set to replace current President Kim Clark, who has led the Rexburg school since 2005. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the appointment in a Tuesday statement on the church website. Apostle Russell M. Nelson also discussed the change Tuesday at BYU-Idaho's weekly devotional, the statement read.
Neither made clear what Clark will do upon leaving BYU-Idaho.
Romney, ahead of 2016 run, now calls Utah home, talks openly about Mormon influence (Washington Post) (January 28, 2015) After losing two straight presidential races, Mitt Romney packed up his home in Massachusetts and journeyed west to Utah, building a mansion here in the foothills of the Wasatch Range that has served as his sanctuary from defeat.
Here in the Salt Lake Valley, first settled by his Mormon ancestors, residents look past Romney’s electoral shortcomings and revere him for rescuing the 2002 Winter Olympics. Romney won his highest 2012 vote margin in Utah — 73 percent to President Obama’s 25 percent. This is also where Romney has been pondering a potential third campaign, calling out to friends and past supporters and praying with his wife, Ann.
January 27, 2015
Practicing Pure Religion Brings Happiness, Seventy Tells Students (Church News) (January 27, 2015) In order to be happy, feel the Holy Ghost, and grow closer to the Savior, individuals must practice pure religion, Elder Don R. Clarke of the Seventy said during a BYU campus devotional on January 13. Thousands of students listened to the General Authority as he spoke in the Marriott Center on the BYU campus.
The Spirit's role in conversion (LDS Church News) (January 27, 2015) Conversion could be thought of as a process along a continuum that includes experiencing the Spirit of Christ, feeling the confirming power of the Holy Ghost, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, being endowed with spiritual gifts and feeling the assurance expressed in the Savior’s words “Well done thou good and faithful servant,” Elder Per G. Malm said.
Role of the Book of Mormon in conversion (LDS Church News) (January 27, 2015) Ascertaining the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon is a revelatory and spiritual experience, Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Seventy told couples attending the 2015 Seminar for New MTC Presidents and Visitors’ Center Directors Jan. 14 as he spoke to them about the role of the Book of Mormon in conversion.
Repentance helps missionaries to prosper (LDS Church News) (January 27, 2015) For missionaries to teach repentance, they must know of the principle themselves, Elder Don R. Clarke of the Seventy said to couples attending the 2015 Seminar for New MTC Presidents and Visitors’ Center Directors on Jan. 14.
New visitors' center director (LDS Church News) (January 27, 2015) David B. Ostler and Rachelle Ostler, six children, Falls Church Ward, McLean Virginia Stake: Hill Cumorah Visitors’ Center, succeeding Elder Stephen H. Stewart and Sister Anne L. Stewart. Elder Ostler previously presided over the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission and is a former counselor in a mission presidency, stake president, counselor in a stake presidency, stake Young Men president, bishop and missionary in the Japan Fukuoka Mission. Retired executive vice president, OptumInsight. Born in Salt Lake City to Oliver Don and Barbara Ruth Ostler.
BYU exhibit celebrates Christ's 'Words and Deeds' (LDS Church News) (January 27, 2015) Today’s students of the gospel enjoy an almost endless cache of learning resources.
To wit: you can study the Book of Mormon on a smartphone as you cross-reference general conference talks on a tablet while listening to a live radio broadcast of the Tabernacle Choir.
Mitt Romney's Mormon Faith Driving Him to Consider 3rd Try at Presidency; Will Decide in '2 Weeks' (Christian Post) (January 27, 2015) Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will reportedly decide on a 2016 presidential bid in coming weeks and a close ally says the idea of a third run is being driven by his Mormon faith.
Despite having lost the 2008 Republican nomination to Arizona Senator John McCain and the 2012 presidential election to Barack Obama, Romney remains hopeful about his future in politics. Veteran journalist Larry King confirmed over the weekend that the former Mormon pastor is seriously considering another bid at the presidency.
NFL's digital chief: 'Football is the only sure bet' (Fortune) (January 27, 2015) One of the folks behind the curtain is Brian Rolapp, who is in charge of NFL Media and, by extension, properties like NFL Network, NFL.com, the RedZone channel, Thursday Night Football, and the league’s many digital offerings. A devout Mormon and a graduate of Brigham Young University and Harvard Business School, Rolapp, 42, grew up outside Washington, D.C. He joined the NFL in 2003, after three years at NBCUniversal.
January 26, 2015
Leaders Say Primary Theme Builds Children’s Testimony of Christ (Church News) (January 26, 2015) This year the Primary general presidency wants Latter-day Saint children worldwide to come to know that Jesus Christ lives.
The theme of the 2015 Outline for Sharing Time—“I Know My Savior Lives”—is based on the scripture “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth” (Job 19:25).
Romney’s Consideration of Candidacy Is Closely Tied to His Faith, Allies Say (New York Times) (January 26, 2015) A prominent Republican delivered a direct request to Mitt Romney not long ago: He should make a third run for the presidency, not for vanity or redemption, but to answer a higher calling from his faith.
Believing that Mr. Romney, a former Mormon pastor, would be most receptive on these grounds, the Republican made the case that Mr. Romney had a duty to serve, and said Mr. Romney seemed to take his appeal under consideration.
Former Utah speaker remembered as compassionate and tough (Signpost - Utah) (January 26, 2015) Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offered comfort from the faith that Lockhart’s family would see her again. He quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It’s not the length of a life that matters, it’s the depth.” He said Lockhart’s life had plenty of depth.
About Utah: Utah Valley University fills a niche like no other (Deseret News - Utah) (January 26, 2015) Last summer, after finishing his fifth year as president of Utah Valley University, Matthew Holland joined several of his students for a hike to the summit of Mount Timpanogos. It was a clear day and the view of Utah Valley from the top was, as expected, terrific.
The best part was when everyone’s gaze shifted across the valley to the UVU campus.
Even from up there, it looked big and impressive.
Reid L. Neilson Named Assistant Church Historian and Recorder (LDS Newsroom) (January 26, 2015) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today appointed Reid L. Neilson as a new assistant Church historian and recorder. He will serve together with current assistant Church historian and recorder Richard E. Turley Jr. He is the latest in a long line of assistant historians, including Orson F. Whitney, Brigham H. Roberts, Junius F. Wells and Andrew Jenson.
Op-ed: Why is ‘Book of Mormon’ play tolerated and even praised? (Salt Lake Tribune - Utah) (January 26, 2015) Everybody knows that "The Book of Mormon" musical pokes fun at Mormonism. That's the whole premise, as goody-two-shoes Elder Price and mediocre sidekick Elder Cunningham are sent to Uganda to complete a two-year mission for the Mormon church.
Initially, the humor is witty and rather innocent, with dancing Starbucks cups depicted in "Mormon hell" and gags about over-zealous door-to-door missionaries. Yet, by act two, the humor abandons all inhibitions and progresses to the epitome of offensiveness: The Book of Mormon is literally shoved up a missionary's rectum.
January 23, 2015
LDS Church celebrates 50 years in Bolivia (LDS Church News) (January 23, 2015) The Church recently celebrated its golden anniversary in Bolivia.
On Nov. 22, 1964, 19 people gathered in the interior city of Cochabamba for the nation’s first official Church meeting. Missionaries arrived two days later.
Bible Videos DVD Special Price Extended (Church News) (January 23, 2015) In December, the Church released a DVD of 50 videos about the Savior’s life, titled The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos: The Gospels on DVD, with a special price of only $5 until the end of the year.
Because of overwhelming demand, the DVD was out of stock most of the month of December. But it is back in stock now, and the introductory price of $5 has been extended until the end of January, after which the price will go up to $10.
Themes hint at reengineered Mitt Romney (Boston Globe - Massachusetts) (January 23, 2015) The politician on the stage talked about the “human tragedy” of middle-class people struggling to make ends meet. He lamented income inequality, saying “People want to see rising wages — and they deserve them. They’re working hard.”
Then, winding up a 15-minute speech to loud applause, he vowed, “We’re going to . . . finally end the scourge of poverty in this great land!”
Romney's Mormonism brings money (Lewiston Tribune - Idaho) (January 23, 2015) Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is assessing his prospects for another run at the presidency. His name identification alone from being the GOP presidential candidate in 2012 would, in normal times, give him a leg up and make him the leading contender.
12-year-old who fell through ice into pool in Magna Tuesday has died (Fox 13 - Utah) (January 23, 2015) A 12-year-old boy who was taken to a hospital in critical condition after he fell through ice and into an outdoor community pool in Magna Tuesday evening has died, officials announced Thursday evening.
According to information from the Unified Police Department, the child died Thursday. Family members as well as the family’s LDS Church Bishop told FOX 13 News that a fundraising account to help the family with burial costs has been established under the boy’s name, Jacques Bushman, at Mountain America Credit Union. Donations can be made at any branch or by calling Mountain America at 800-748-4302.
Disciplinary council delayed for ‘Mormon Stories’ podcaster John Dehlin (Salt Lake Tribune - Utah) (January 23, 2015) John Dehlin, founder of the popular "Mormon Stories" podcast, said Thursday that his disciplinary council for apostasy, originally scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed.
Dehlin spoke on Trib Talk, The Salt Lake Tribune's online video chat.
A spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said that Dehlin's ecclesiastical leader, Bryan King, a stake president in North Logan, is "attending to family duties" in the wake of his father's death Wednesday.
Baring Man Arrested For Damaging LDS Temple Property In Nauvoo, Illinois (Nemonews.net - Missouri) (January 23, 2015) According to court documents and a press release from the Nauvoo Police Department, Frank Junior Utter, 60, of Baring, formerly of Edina, was arrested for allegedly driving a vehicle through a wrought iron fence surrounding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple in Nauvoo, IL, early Tuesday morning, January 20, 2015.
Utter allegedly drove the vehicle through two locked gates and damaged a nativity scene driving over the figures.
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