July 16, 2025

Armenian clerical arrests, the global baby surrogacy business, and #momtok; Morman wives and influencers pushing back against their own church

35 minutes

The government of Armenia has gone to war against one of the country’s most powerful institutions – the Apostolic Church. National security police have gaoled a popular archbishop, Bagrat Galstanyan, claiming he was involved in a plot to overthrow the government. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also demanded the resignation of the top cleric, accusing him of having a secret child. It’s a high-risk move for an unpopular government, taking on the ancient church that many Armenians see as the embodiment of the nation. OLESYA VARTANYAN is an independent analyst and consultant based in neighbouring Georgia.

Australia’s Law Reform Commission is reviewing a patchwork of different state laws governing surrogacy. Earlier this year, the ABC reported that by 2032, the global surrogacy industry was set to reach $129 billion. But if it’s financial boom for the baby business, what are the ethics of a practice that includes severing the connection between mother and child? Dr ERICA CERVINI has been reviewing the case in an essay for Eureka Street magazine.

In what amounts to a small revolution in the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Mormon women are now permitted to reveal their shoulders, having been taught that bare upper arms were too raunchy. These changes come with the growing power of Mormon influencers on social media -- known loosely as “#momtok” – and a popular TV show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The reality show on Hulu follows eight influencers in Utah. JESSICA GROSE from The New York Times has been immersed in the show.

GUESTS:

Olesya Vartanyan, Georgia based analyst and consultant

Dr Erica Cervini, academic and journalist

Jessica Grose, journalist and writer for the New York Times

This program was made on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

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