Church News

The Prophet Joseph Smith said the Doctrine and Covenants is “the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man.” In 2025, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study the Doctrine and Covenants, to learn of Him, apply the stories found in its pages to their own lives and explore thematically the invitation the Lord gives to all to come unto Him.  In this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by Rosalynde Welch, a research fellow and associate director at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University. They explore the themes interwoven in this sacred book of scripture, from the role of prophets to the transformative power of repentance and agency.  The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

February 2025 marked the fifth anniversary of the announcement that LDS Business College would become Ensign College. The name change to the 139-year-old educational institution came with expanded educational offerings and symbolic and historical significance. The name change helped reaffirm the full name of the institution’s ownership, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the scriptural use of the word “ensign,” meaning a new covenant, a symbol of peace and a standard to the nations. Of the change, Ensign College President Bruce C. Kusch said, “As we embrace a new name, I invite each of us to think more carefully about that light and being a standard of righteousness.” On this episode of the Church News podcast, President Kusch and his wife, Sister Alynda Kusch, talk about their journey of faith, the academic changes the school is making and the power of aligning one’s life to the Lord’s mission and timing. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to follow the Savior’s example of offering hope, understanding and love to those with disabilities. Hosted by Church News reporter Mary Richards, this episode features the Church’s disability specialist manager, Katie Edna Steed, who discusses how the Church encourages Christlike inclusion. This is done through individuals ministering to their neighbors, designing and retrofitting Church buildings to be accessible, specialized programs, new resources and more. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Discover the exciting upcoming RootsTech event, focusing on how family history connects us all. This global gathering features renowned speakers, engaging classes, and fresh activities for participants of all ages. Innovative strategies, like virtual reality, aim to engage younger generations in exploring their roots. With an emphasis on the emotional ties of heritage and the theme song 'Who I Am,' attendees can expect to find inspiration in shared stories and community connections, enriching their understanding of identity and faith.

Women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also members of the Relief Society, one of the world’s largest and oldest women’s organizations, celebrating its 183rd anniversary this year. To commemorate the founding and purpose of the Relief Society, women are invited to participate in a worldwide devotional and testimony meeting on Sunday, March 16. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will speak during the event, and the members of the Relief Society general presidency will deliver messages from the Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois, where the Relief Society was organized on March 17, 1842.  On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor, to preview the event that emphasizes the importance of covenant community, serving God and others with love, and drawing spiritual power from covenants and divine authority. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Laura Padilla-Walker, Dean of Family, Home and Social Sciences at BYU, discusses the unique challenges teens face today, particularly with technology and social media. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing pro-social behaviors and community service to enhance teen flourishing. With insights on how strong familial relationships and effective communication can combat negative influences, she offers strategies for parents to help youth build resilience and a sense of belonging through service and sacred living.

Since the Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in August 1878, Primary children have served other children. Now the Primary general presidency is inviting wards and branches worldwide to organize annual service activities for children beginning in 2025. Church News reporter Mary Richards hosts this episode featuring Primary General President Susan H. Porter; Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor; and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor. The presidency discusses this sacred responsibility and previews a Friend to Friend broadcast on the topic airing Feb. 15, 2025. Through this worldwide effort, children can realize they are an important part of the Church and can contribute in meaningful ways. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Join Paul V. Johnson, the new Sunday School General President, along with his counselors, Chad H. Webb and Gabriel W. Reid, as they discuss the upcoming 2025 curriculum. They explore how studying the ongoing Restoration can enrich testimonies of Jesus Christ. The trio highlights the importance of the Doctrine and Covenants and its relevance in today’s world, especially post-pandemic. Listeners will learn about the significance of prophetic legacies and the transformative role of youth in church leadership, combined with personal insights on spiritual growth.

Matt Grow, managing director of the Church History Department, dives into the often-misunderstood history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He sheds light on Brigham Young's commitment to peace and addresses the historical portrayal of the church in popular media, particularly in a recent Netflix series. The discussion highlights the challenges of early Latter-day Saints' interactions with Native Americans and emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and accurate historical narratives in fostering understanding and peacemaking.

Elder Alvin F. Meredith III became the 18th president of Brigham Young University–Idaho on Aug. 1, 2023. In his inaugural speech, he reinforced the university’s mission of “building disciples of Jesus Christ” by reminding students, “We must, with great resolve and intentionality, remain a Christ-centered, prophetically directed university.” That resolve and intentionality are exemplified in the lives of President Meredith and his wife, Sister Jennifer Meredith, through their Church and family service. The Merediths join this episode of the Church News podcast to share the importance of education, personal revelation and supportive environments in becoming disciples of Christ.  The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.