Church News

FamilySearch International is celebrating its 130th anniversary this month, growing from its start in 1894 as the Genealogical Society of Utah to what now has become the world’s largest genealogical organization. While helping people worldwide interested in family history, FamilySearch has created a collaborative online family tree with more than 1.5 billion people in its branches, currently with 18 billion searchable historical records and images. On this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Trent Toone interviews Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Family History Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch. They discuss this historic milestone and how technological advances, inspiring experiences and growing interest in genealogy truly help nourish temple work.

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.

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, the Church History Department celebrated the release of the fourth and final volume of the “Saints” historical series, chronicling the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Saints, Volume 4: Sounded in Every Ear” is now available in 14 languages and various formats, appropriately as the volume follows the rapid growth in Church membership globally from 1955 to 2020. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church History Department historians Scott Hales and James Perry join to discuss the growing publication of this literary series, the importance of personal historical narratives and the ever-expanding positive impact of the Church as it continues to roll forth in every nation, kindred, tongue and people.

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.

Within a period of about 10 days in September and October 2024, two hurricanes made landfall back-to-back in the southeastern United States. Since then, more than 20,000 volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have donated their time to provide relief to thousands of impacted families in the area. In the process, they have seen miracles, witnessed the power of prayer and experienced joy because of this Christ-centered service. In this episode of the Church News podcast, reporter Mary Richards interviews Elder Quinn S. Millington, an Area Seventy in the Church’s North America Southeast Area, who serves as head of the Area Disaster Response Committee.

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.

Forty years ago, in 1984, Brigham Young University's football team was second to none. Against all odds, the Cougars finished the season undefeated and were named national champions after a series of big wins and nail-biting victories. This legacy of excellence continues decades later as BYU is having another winning season. Church News reporter Mary Richards interviews Deseret News sports columnist Dick Harmon and slice-of-life columnist Lee Benson on BYU football's incredible 1984 season and how the football program advances the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

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.

Research from Brigham Young University looks at the relationship between temple attendance, religious practices, and mental health in youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The evidence suggests scripture study, family prayer, church attendance and belief in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are supported by and supportive of temple attendance. Professor Justin Dyer, a professor of religious education at BYU, joins this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about his findings that youth who attend the temple more often have better mental health, including lower levels of depression and anxiety.

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.

As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nears the bicentennial of its founding in 1830, the Church History Museum and The Center for Latter-day Saint Arts have come together to celebrate nearly 200 years of the rich doctrines, history and culture in artwork. In the new exhibit entitled “Work and Wonder: 200 Years of Latter-day Saint Art,” a wide variety of works are presented, having been created by individuals connected to the faith around the world over two centuries. 

In this episode of the Church News podcast, we take you behind the scenes of the exhibit, which includes 118 pieces of art, organized not in chronological order but thematically. Together, we discuss with organizers and artists the many ways faith and testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ are represented through art. 

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.

Millions tuned in to the October 2024 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 194th Semiannual General Conference featured messages from the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, other Church leaders, and President Russell M. Nelson who declared that now is the time for Latter-day Saints to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This special conference edition of the Church News podcast features excerpts from each conference address that emphasize love, joy, hope, and preparation for the future. 

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.

The new voice of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Derrick Porter, started his role as executive producer, principal writer, and presenter of the weekly “Music & the Spoken Word” broadcast in June 2024. Porter, a 42-year-old bishop in Bountiful, Utah, took on this highly visible role from 34-year veteran Lloyd Newell, with the support of his wife, Rebecca, and their six children. Now, he joins the Church News podcast to talk about where he has come from and where he sees Music & the Spoken Word going as it nears its 100th season with the goal of delivering peace, hope, and joy through Jesus Christ to audiences worldwide. 

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.

On Palm Sunday in April 2023, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited individuals to be the “Peacemaker Needed” in what is sometimes a contentious world. In 2024, presidential elections will happen or have happened in nearly 50 countries around the world. These countries are home to more than half the world’s population. At times like these, we are reminded of the political neutrality of the Church, as well as the invitation to participate in the civic election process.

On this episode of the Church News podcast, we are joined by the former opinion editor of the Deseret News, Boyd Matheson, to discuss using gospel principles in influencing and impacting communities, disagreeing without being disagreeable, the Constitution of the United States of America, and leaning on the teachings of Christ in becoming peacemakers. 

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.

On Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, individuals around the world joined in celebrating the 100th birthday of President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Nelson’s family, friends, and fellow leaders commemorated his leadership and dedication to Jesus Christ with birthday greetings, music, and tributes to his century of service. On this episode of the Church News podcast, we share highlights from that live broadcast celebration to show appreciation for the prophet, seer and revelator of the restored Church.

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.