Church News

For the first time in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, two women are serving on the Military Advisory Committee. This committee was established by the First Presidency during World War II to help support and minister to military members, chaplains and their families. Now, Army Lt. Col. Sonie Munson, media operations chief for U.S. Northern Command, and Andrea Wagenbach, who works for the U.S. Department of Defense, lend their voices and wisdom to the 11-member committee. They join this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about their experiences and desire to serve both the Church and their country.  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.

This episode of the Church News podcast is dedicated to the American Family Survey, an annual nationwide study of 3,000 Americans by the Deseret News and the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at Brigham Young University. The 2022 survey found that Americans are divided politically and losing confidence in marriage, but are committed to their own families. Deseret News national politics editor Suzanne Bates provides insight into the survey and what its findings reveal about marriage and family. 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 July 22, 1997, a pioneer trek reenactment honoring early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reached This Is the Place Heritage Park. President M. Russell Ballard, now Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was there watching as hand carts and wagons entered the valley 150 years after the first pioneers arrived. At the time, President Ballard was serving as chairman of the Church's Sesquicentennial Committee. He emphasized that the sesquicentennial was about more than wagon trains; it was an opportunity to tell the world the story of the restoration. That opportunity continues 25 years later, as the Church marks the 175th anniversary of the pioneers entering the valley. It was a journey then that required “faith in every footstep,” just as living the gospel requires “faith in every footstep” now. President Ballard joins this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about pioneering today. He is joined by 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.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world study the Old Testament in 2022, this episode of the Church News podcast focuses on the Old Testament — called the Hebrew Bible by those of the Jewish faith — and scriptures and doctrines shared by members of the Jewish and Latter-day Saint faiths. Featured is guest Rabbi Dr. Meir Y. Soloveichik, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel, known as the Spanish and Portuguese synagogue of New York, the oldest Jewish congregation in America established in 1654. Rabbi Soloveichik has lectured internationally to Jewish and non-Jewish audiences; he hosts the daily podcast “Jerusalem 365” and is director of the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University.  He offers his scholarly and spiritual insight into the importance of scriptural records, religious freedom and connecting across 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.

During the October 2022 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced a new “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.” This episode of the Church News podcast features the Church's Young Men general presidency, President Steven J. Lund and his counselors, Brother Ahmad S. Corbitt and Brother Bradley R. Wilcox. The presidency talks about the new guide, Latter-day Saint For the Strength of the Youth conferences, and the Church's 2023 youth theme, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” 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 1969, 14 members of the University of Wyoming football team were unfairly dismissed for asking to participate in a peaceful racial protest in a game against Brigham Young University. A half-century later on Sept. 24, 2022, two members of the group, now known as the “Black 14”, ceremoniously lit the Y on the mountain above BYU’s Cougar Stadium. At their side was Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, a General Authority Seventy and former BYU quarterback. Elder Nielsen joins this episode of The Church News podcast to talk about how the Church has partnered with the Black 14 to heal that community rift while feeding the hungry, his newest assignment as president of the Church’s Africa West Area, and how examples of Christ-like leadership continue to shape his life today. He is joined by fellow BYU alumni Sister Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency, as guest host. 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.

Latter-day Saints across the globe tuned in to the October 2022 general conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to receive council, direction and invitations from the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders. They shared messages of hope, faith and peace amid turbulent times — decrying abuse, announcing a new “For the Strength of Youth” guide and calling for members to amplify their level of discipleship to Jesus Christ while progressing along the covenant path. This episode of the Church News podcast features highlights from the Church’s 192nd Semiannual General Conference.  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.

n 2020, David Schneider, Church News chief copy editor and print production manager, began work with the Church News after working for Deseret News for 40 years in various writing and editing roles. Just as he was moving to a new job, he lost his wife, Carma, to cancer and a heart condition, leaving him as a single father to five children. This episode of the Church News podcast features his experiences navigating trials and change. He shares his decision to focus on the little miracles that reveal God knows and loves His children. Schneider talks about his work in the changing industry of journalism, his marriage and family — including the adoption of four children — the loss of his wife, parenting an adult daughter with special needs and how the gospel of Jesus Christ has helped him move forward despite complex life changes.  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.

At some point, most people will experience a traumatic event or critical loss. Experts say that just as some physical traumas need first aid, there are also times when a person may need psychological first aid to validate emotions, reduce stress and foster coping skills. Therapist Kevin Broderick, Family Services Emergency Response program manager, joins this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss how evidence-informed, gospel-centered psychological first aid can support individuals in crisis. During his career as a marriage and family therapist, Broderick has responded to local, national and international crises. Speaking with guest host and Church News reporter Mary Richards, Broderick shares experiences, offers five principles of support and details how to find resources to learn 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. 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 Oct. 20, 2020, the Church News launched a new podcast with a goal to connect members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Almost two years later, the Church News uploaded its 100th episode. Thanks to a faithful and growing audience, producers now look forward to the next 100 episodes. In celebration of this landmark, this episode of the podcast offers a few “best of” moments from past podcasts, as well as reflections on “what we all know now,” after listening to and learning from the many podcast guests.  Episodes featured in this podcast:  Episode 1: Sarah Jane Weaver interviews President Ballard about his 35 years as an Apostle  Episode 7: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland joins Sarah Jane Weaver to talk about the pandemic, his testimony  Episode 12: Sister Wendy Nelson joins Sister Sheri Dew to talk about President Nelson’s 3 years as Prophet  Episode 24: Elder Bednar shares his pattern for studying general conference messages Episode 26: Elder Cook on how revelation prepared the Church for COVID-19, will be significant going forward Episode 28: Elder Uchtdorf discusses how to incorporate pandemic lessons, move ‘back to the future’ of missionary work Episode 34: Church historian Richard Turley and filmmaker Mauli Junior Bonner on the importance of early Black pioneers  Episode 37: Sister Aburto on mental, emotional health and the power of turning to the Savior for comfort  Episode 40: President M. Russell Ballard and 3 other Apostles on why and how the Church is governed by councils Episode 41: Latter-day Saint women leaders on the voice of women in the Church through executive councils, revelation Episode 50: Elder Brook P. Hales, secretary to the First Presidency, gives an inside look into the preparations for general conference Episode 56: President Ballard, Elder Holland and Elder Cook reflect on how they first came to know the Savior  Episode 57: BYU–Idaho professors Eric and Sarah d’Evegnée on faith, testimony and reconversion  Episode 63: Deseret News Executive Editor Doug Wilks on how connection helped overcome contempt in 2021  Episode 69: Elder Christofferson and President and Sister Top emphasize drawing courage from history to face modern challenges Episode 70: The expansiveness of the Salt Lake Temple renovation project, with Brent Roberts and Andy Kirby Episode 74: Relief Society President Jean B. Bingham on the 180th anniversary of the worldwide women’s organization  Episode 76: President M. Russell Ballard shares memories of general conference, emphasizes the need to anchor faith in Christ Episode 82: How a unique ‘Reverse Open House’ is helping build interfaith relationships in the Washington, D.C., area Episode 93: New Primary General President Susan H. Porter on how teaching and serving children can be life-changing Episode 94: New Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson on how understanding divine nature and purpose leads to lasting happiness  Episode 96: Approaching his 90th birthday, President Dallin H. Oaks reflects on the lessons learned in nine decades Episode 100: Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Elder S. Mark Palmer on the growing and influential Church in Africa, with guest host Sheri Dew 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.