Church News

For Issac and Rebecca Goeckeritz, working with the Orchestra at Temple Square has become more than just a calling. It is the organization that brought them together as a married couple and allowed them to use their talents to share their testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Rebecca is an inspirational violinist and a member of the Orchestra at Temple Square. Issac is a videographer who has helped document the work of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. He has also traveled the world, covering the ministries of senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In their marriage, they have also overcome challenges and disappointment as Rebecca has dealt with health challenges. They join this episode of the Church News podcast to share their stories and testimonies.  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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.

Brigham Young served as the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in other governmental positions from 1844 to 1877. As a result, sorting through the library of his written word, images, lectures, journals and other documentation is a mammoth task. Still, the scholars at the Brigham Young Center are set to tackle this task with the upcoming Brigham Young Papers project. This episode of the Church News podcast features Ronald K. Esplin, director of the Brigham Young Center and of the Brigham Young Papers project. He is joined by his fellow contributors, Garrett J, Dirk Mott and Brent M. Rogers, who also worked on the Joseph Smith Papers project. Together, they give a look at the life and legacy of the Prophet Brigham Young, as well as a peek into the immense undertaking of the upcoming project.  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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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 and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in the 193rd Semiannual General Conference on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Rabbi Joseph Charnes, a long-time friend of the Church and an interfaith advocate, attended In the Conference Center to listen as Latter-day Saint leaders offered counsel and direction. This episode of the Church News podcast features Rabbi Charnes — joined by guest host Church News reporter Mary Richards. He shares his conference insights and speaks about the power of general conference for those of other faiths. 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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.

Millions tuned in to the 193rd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2023. During the conference, messages from the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders focused on faith in Jesus Christ, the happiness that comes from covenant keeping and the invitation to “think celestial.” This special edition of the Church News podcast features highlights from every general conference talk, including the announcement by President Russell M. Nelson that the Church will build 20 new temples.  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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.

On Tuesday, Sept. 19, C. Shane Reese was inaugurated as the new president of Brigham Young University, becoming the 14th president of the Church’s flagship university. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles officially installed President Reese, who Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced in March would lead the university.  “The Lord has prepared him in profound ways,” said Elder Holland. “He has the confidence and trust of the Church Board of Education to lead BYU at this critical time.” This episode of the Church News podcast features President Reese sharing his experiences, testimony and vision for BYU. 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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.

On the evening of Sept. 21 and the morning of Sept. 22, 1823, the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, teaching him and revealing the nearby location of an ancient record written on gold plates — the Book of Mormon. He quoted scripture about the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the gathering of Israel. With the approaching 200th anniversary of Moroni’s visits — four total — the Church News podcast features Elder Kyle S. McKay, a General Authority Seventy and Church historian and recorder, and Keith A. Erekson, director of research and outreach for the Church History Department, talking about these historic visitations. 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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.

In August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out and spread devastation on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Property and lives were lost, including five members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church members and others in the community rallied to support each other and begin the long process of recovering from the disaster.   Church News reporter Mary Richards traveled to the island shortly after the disaster, documenting the post-fire relief efforts and observing the strength of the Hawaiian people as they both sought and gave solace in the wounded community. In this special edition of the Church News podcast, she shares their stories of survival and spiritual fortitude, the Church’s Humanitarian response and the faith that can be found in the beauty of the ashes. 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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.

President Russell M. Nelson has spoken repeatedly about forgiveness  — pleading with Latter-day Saints to end personal conflicts, free themselves from a grudge they may be harboring and forgive someone who has wronged them.  “There is nothing easy about forgiving those who have disappointed us, hurt us, cheated us or spread false rumors about us,” President Nelson said. “However, not forgiving others is poison for us. Grudges weigh us down. Angry disagreements separate us. Animosity and hatred can divide families.  “And yet, the Savior’s counsel is clear: ‘If ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you’” (Matthew 6:14). While forgiveness is important spiritually, a growing body of research shows how forgiveness also affects mental and physical health. Dr. Loren Toussaint is a professor of psychology at Luther College, the chair of the Discover Forgiveness  Advisory Council for the Templeton World Charity Foundation and president of The Forgiveness Foundation. He joins this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss the benefits of forgiveness.  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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.

After six years as head football coach of University of Virginia, Coach Bronco Mendenhall resigned his post at the end of the 2021 season. Mendenhall — who also spent 11 years as head football coach at Brigham Young University — and his wife, Holly Mendenhall, speak about family, faith and football on this episode of the Church News podcast. They are joined by fellow sports fan and guest host Sister Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency.  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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.

On June 27 — the 179th anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published the final volume of the Joseph Smith Papers. Much of the project was made possible by Gail Miller and her late husband, Larry H. Miller.  Gail Miller, owner of the Larry H. Miller Company, joins this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about her family's initial $10 million investment and the significant subsequent financial support they devoted to the project. “I don't think you can read these papers without feeling like you know this man and that he sacrificed his life to bring the gospel back to the earth for all of us,” she said. “And that alone is a magnificent gift.” 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 Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important 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.