This Week in Latter-days

A Short Stay in Hell – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Short_Stay_in_Hell

Gospel Teaching: Strengthening gospel teaching through teacher council meetings – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/strengthening-gospel-teaching-through-teacher-council-meetings

Sunday Class Changes to Connect Home-Centered Gospel Learning with Church Meetings – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/sunday-class-changes-to-connect-home-centered-gospel-learning-with-church-meetings

Grand Marshall President Camille Johnson – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-camille-johnson-2026-pioneer-day-parade

Utah stakes witness miracles while building Days of ’47 parade floats – https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/07/23/utah-stakes-witness-miracles-while-building-days-of-47-parade-floats/

Most sung Pioneer Day Songs – https://hymnstats.joeystanley.com/posts/pioneer_day/

New Provo MTC mural honors the first single sister missionaries – https://www.ldsliving.com/new-provo-mtc-mural-honors-the-first-single-sister-missionaries/s/13348

New hymns emphasize simple Christ-centered truths – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/new-hymns-emphasize-simple-christ-centered-truths

Volunteers Transform Lives Through Weekly EnglishConnect Classes in England – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/volunteers-transform-lives-through-weekly-englishconnect-classes-in-englandhttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/volunteers-transform-lives-through-weekly-englishconnect-classes-in-england

Pull together as families, says Church President Dallin H. Oaks at biennial family reunion – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/pull-together-as-families-says-church-president-dallin-h-oaks-at-biennial-family-reunion

Judge rejects Chubbuck LDS church leader's plea deal that congregation member called “a slap in the face” – https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/judge-rejects-chubbuck-lds-church-leaders-plea-deal-that-congregation-member-called-a-slap-in/article_c6b493ee-e9d1-4374-94f6-dc73e658932e.html

LDS leaders hear something else as construction irks rural Las Vegas neighbors – https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/lds-leaders-hear-something-else-as-construction-irks-rural-las-vegas-neighbors/

Three things people—even members—get wrong about Latter-day Saints – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/07/16/three-things-people-even-members/

Rare prosecution: BYU student’s boyfriend prosecuted for abuse that preceded her suicide – https://www.sltrib.com/news/2026/07/18/rare-prosecution-byu-students/

How are global Latter-day Saints doing on mental health? – https://mormonmetrics.com/p/how-are-global-lds-doing-on-mental?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=2746392&post_id=201511827&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=69jb7h&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Confronting “toxic positivity” in the LDS church – https://exponentii.org/blog/confronting-toxic-positivity-in-the-lds-church/

World Cup celebrates faith – https://www.deseret.com/sports/2026/07/18/world-cup-celebrates-faith/

Reading recession: impacts on faith and spirituality – https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/07/18/reading-recession-impacts-on-faith/

Yesteryear shows how shallow U.S. religion has become – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/07/19/yesteryear-shows-how-shallow-us/

Influencers are being paid to spread the Mormon church’s gospel – https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-20/influencers-are-being-paid-to-spread-the-mormon-church-s-gospel

45 years ago today (Jul 23, 1981) – First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve announcement – https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/07/45-years-ago-today-jul-23-1981-thursday.html

75 years ago today (Jul 20, 1951) – Seventies called to fill missionary need during Korean War – https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/07/75-years-ago-today-jul-20-1951.html

55 years ago today (Jul 17, 1971) – Relief Society dues discontinued and assets turned over to Church – https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/07/55-years-ago-today-jul-17-1971.html

1. First Presidency's unified fast — Church News invitation (July 2)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2026/07/02/invitation-to-unified-fast-for-religious-liberty-on-sunday-july-5/

2. First Presidency's unified fast — Church News Week in Review (July 5)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/07/05/week-in-review-first-presidency-invites-all-to-participate-in-a-united-fast/

3. Andy Reid narrates America250 "Music & the Spoken Word" — Church News (July 5)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/07/05/tabernacle-choir-orchestra-andy-reid-america-250-music-spoken-word/

4. Andy Reid "Music & the Spoken Word" — Deseret News (July 5)

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/07/05/what-andy-reid-said-at-music-and-the-spoken-word/

5. Andy Reid "Music & the Spoken Word" — Church Newsroom (July 5)

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/andy-reid-music-and-the-spoken-word

6. Coeur d'Alene Idaho & Maceió Brazil temple groundbreakings — Church News (July 6)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2026/07/06/groundbreaking-dates-set-coeur-d-alene-idaho-temple-maceio-brazil-temple/

7. Coeur d'Alene Idaho Temple groundbreaking — Church Newsroom (July 6)

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/groundbreaking-date-for-the-coeur-d-alene-idaho-temple

8. Coeur d'Alene Idaho Temple groundbreaking — KVNU (July 6)

https://kvnutalk.com/groundbreaking-date-for-coeur-dalene-idaho-temple-announced/

9. Kyle McKay / African American spirituals — Salt Lake Tribune via Ground News (July 1)

https://ground.news/article/whats-the-right-way-for-latter-day-saints-to-sing-african-american-spirituals

10. Mormon Land podcast (July 8)

https://mormonland.podbean.com/

11. Utah Area Presidency water conservation — Deseret News (July 6)

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/07/06/church-of-jesus-christ-leaders-ask-utah-members-to-conserve-water/

12. BYU–Baylor AI-on-religion benchmark — Deseret News (July 7)

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/07/07/byu-baylor-researchers-want-ai-to-answer-faith-questions/

13. Elder Renlund on missionary work — Church News (July 6)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/07/06/every-member-willing-can-do-something-elder-renlund-love-share-invite-missionary/

14. Emily Belle Freeman MTC devotional — Church News (July 1)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/07/01/jesus-christ-meets-people-where-and-as-they-are-president-emily-belle-freeman-missionary-training-center-devotional/

15. 190-year-old scripture behind the fast — Church News (July 9)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/07/09/190-year-old-scripture-behind-religious-freedom-fast/

16. Latter-day Saint religious freedom "evolving" — The Conversation (July 5)

https://theconversation.com/v-for-2-centuries-latter-day-saints-have-revered-religious-freedom-but-their-definition-is-evolving-280782

17. Iam Tongi headlining 2026 Utah Area YSA Conference — Church News (July 2)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/07/02/iam-tongi-announced-concert-headliner-2026-utah-area-ysa-conference/

18. Church donates equipment to Jamaica hospitals — Church News (July 9)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/07/09/church-donates-equipment-support-healthcare-jamaica-elder-corbitt/

19. Latter-day Saint service across South and Central America — Church News (July 9)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/07/09/south-america-service-lds-members-wheelchairs-blood-drives-animal-care/

20. Venezuelan Latter-day Saints rebuild after earthquakes — Church News (July 8)

https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/07/08/service-faith-in-jesus-christ-lds-venezuelans-after-deadly-earthquakes/

21. Nauvoo Temple Visitors' Center — ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org news

https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/news/articles/

22. Nauvoo Temple Visitors' Center — Portal SUD (Portuguese)

https://portalsud.com.br/newsmith/elder-gong-dedica-novo-centro-de-visitantes-do-templo-de-nauvoo/

23. Cody Wyoming Temple open house — ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org news

https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/news/articles/

24. Cody Wyoming Temple status page

https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/status/

25. Paul Oscarson obituary — Deseret News (July 7)

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/07/07/paul-oscarson-obituary/

26. Taylor Frankie Paul enters rehab — Deseret News (July 1)

https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2026/07/01/taylor-frankie-paul-checks-into-rehab-as-legal-disputes-continue/

27. Taylor Frankie Paul sobriety test — Us Weekly (July 7)

https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/taylor-frankie-paul-agrees-to-sobriety-test-in-tate-custody-case/

Social Media Conversations

28. Mormon News Update — July 6 episode (YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6eKJyR3LYc

29. Mormon News Update — July 8 episode (YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o-T8cSpqn8

30. Mormon Stories — "Rasband's Big Claim" (YouTube, July 3)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T57m76bnSW0

31. Tabernacle Choir America250 livestream (YouTube, July 5)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocoCury6TsM

32. r/latterdaysaints — "Fast Sunday tomorrow" (Reddit, July 4)

https://www.reddit.com/r/latterdaysaints/comments/1unlfva/fast_sunday_tomorrow/

33. @sltrib on X/Twitter

https://x.com/sltrib

34. Church unified-fast post (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/ChurchofJesusChrist/posts/as-part-of-the-united-states-250th-anniversary-observance-members-in-the-united-/1582406823246526/

35. Church America250 reel (Instagram, July 4)

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaYMCjwBcWF/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMQgvXGJUb3/

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2018-12-1400-what-are-temple-garments?lang=eng

https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1necpuh/new_garment_controversy_i_would_really_like_a/

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/10/24/will-sleeveless-lds-garments-end/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMQgvXGJUb3/ (second occurrence)

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK-morzhWR2/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMQgvXGJUb3/ (in the trailing [[1](...)])

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-oaks-says-soon-there-will-be-more-missionaries-than-ever

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/06/18/read-summaries-photos-2026-seminar-new-mission-leaders/

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/statement-earthquakes-venezuela-church-jesus-christ

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/submit-your-testimony-of-christ-for-display-on-temple-square-this-christmas-season

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/milestones-for-the-tulsa-oklahoma-and-victoria-british-columbia-temples

https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/news/local/man-charged-with-damaging-rexburg-temple-grounds/article_53cebb19-cf04-40ce-81c4-5b29807c8cd6.html

https://www.kpbs.org/news/arts-culture/2026/06/24/iconic-san-diego-mormon-temple-opens-for-rare-public-open-house-following-major-renovation

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/insights-from-the-apostles-2026?lang=eng&utm_source=saintshq.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=saintshq-i-think-we-ve-misunderstood-patriotism&_bhlid=3c61664f1c9375bb4be33651de30d7d483d4c690

https://www.abc4.com/utah-weather/wildfire/youth-lds-pioneer-trek-iron-fire/

https://idahonews.com/news/local/ex-church-leader-to-plead-guilty-in-child-abuse-case-under-deal-avoiding-sex-offender-registry

https://www.abc4.com/news/religion/podcaster-responds-lds-church-trademark-infringement/

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/06/22/mormon-stories-podcaster-fights/

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/latter-day-saint-youth-to-worship-celebrate-faith-through-music-experiences

https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/why-do-hotel-rooms-have-bibles

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/06/21/where-lds-church-ranks-retention/

https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/06/35-years-ago-today-jun-24-1991.html

https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/06/60-years-ago-today-jun-22-1966.html

1. Are we Christians? Glen Beck called the president, Hegseth removed the Christian

designation

? What does it mean to be a Christian?

? A military Chaplin weighs in:

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/06/14/lds-may-be-missing-bigger-issue/

? Can we all get a long?

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/16/dont-be-a-jerk-about-religion-religious-

freedom-byu/

2. Church historian issues an apology

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/06/13/high-level-lds-church-leader/

3. Elder Rasband speaks to new mission leaders

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/06/18/elder-ronald-a-rasband-debunks-

false-narratives-gives-four-truths-seminar-new-mission-leaders/

4. Fairview Texas – temple, community still grumpy

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/faith/article/fairviewspeaks-collincounty-temple

5. Volunteer for the SLC Temple open house

https://www.ksl.com/article/51511477/church-of-jesus-christ-opens-application-for-salt-

lake-temple-celebration-volunteers

MBB

1. Parker Kingston – Update

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2026/06/18/case-dismissed-vs-parker-kingston/?

2. Scuffle in the parking lot

https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/06/9th-circuit-judge-charged-with-battery-and-

injury-to-property-after-heated-clash-in-idaho-falls-parking-lot/?

1. Charlie Bird Wants a Child – https://thecougarchronicle.com/article/charlie-bird-surrogacy-why-children-need-a-mother

2. A new hour-long, gospel workshop video – https://www.abc4.com/news/religion/lds-church-ai-use-god-relationships/

3. Andy Reid and America 250 – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/tabernacle-choir-to-mark-us-250th-anniversary

4. Opinion: Moving from a deficit-oriented to a data-driven perspective on Latter-day Saints – https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/06/05/from-deficit-oriented-to-data-driven-latter-day-saint-public-discourse/

5. Latter-day Saints continue to demonstrate uniquely high religiosity, according to a new BYU report – https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/?shem=rimspwouoe

6. Does LDS culture tolerate members with doubts and questions? – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/06/08/does-lds-culture-welcome-members/

7. 12 Dad-approved gifts for Father’s Day – https://www.ldsliving.com/12-dad-approved-gifts-for-fathers-day/s/13283

8. Ground Broken for Springfield Missouri and Missoula Montana Temples – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/groundbreaking-held-for-the-missoula-montana-temple-and-the-springfield-missouri-temple

9. President Christofferson Dedicates the Yorba Linda California Temple – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-christofferson-dedicates-yorba-linda-california-temple

10. President Uchtdorf Dedicates the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-uchtdorf-dedicates-the-willamette-valley-oregon-temple

11. Utah State University has received approval to sell land north of the USU Eastern campus in Price to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – https://etvnews.com/articles/community/board-approves-usu-eastern-property-sale-to-lds-church-in-price/

12. Church of Jesus Christ releases guide for new Sunday meeting schedule – https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/11/church-of-jesus-christ-announces-guide-for-new-sunday-schedule/

13. Remember that purported photo of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith? See who owns it now – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/06/05/lds-church-acquires-photo-believed/

14. LDS returned missionary just won two Tony Awards for his adaptation of Schmigadoon – https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2026/06/10/cinco-paul-won-tony-awards-for-work-on-schmigadoon/

15. Latter-day Saint convert and retired U.S. Marine gears up for 2026 Warrior Games – https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2026/06/11/latter-day-saint-woman-marines-2026-warrior-games/

16. How the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is helping Americans get Canadian citizenship – https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/community/faith/how-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-is-helping-americans-get-canadian/collection_41418ca2-833b-5d9a-9207-f5c9923158a0.html

17. Massive food donation by LDS church arrives in Tooele – https://www.tooeleonline.com/articles/news/massive-food-donation-by-lds-church-arrives-in-tooele/

18. President Uchtdorf Unites Latter-day Saints in Central Europe – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-uchtdorf-unites-latter-day-saints-in-central-europe

19. What the Church is doing to help after 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines – https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/06/11/church-lds-coordinate-mindanao-earthquake-humanitarian-relief-efforts/

20. 115 years ago – Jun 9, 1911 – https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/06/115-years-ago-today-jun-9-1911.html

21. 185 years ago – Jun 4, 1841 – https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/06/185-years-ago-today-jun-4-1841.html

Read Story of Henry B. Eyring

https://tetonletters.substack.com/p/henry-b-eyring-and-the-hill-that?utm_source=post-email-

title&publication_id=8019896&post_id=197980102&utm_campaign=email-post-

title&isFreemail=true&r=8cvhhx&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

https://tetonletters.substack.com/p/why-these-letters

https://www.byui.edu/radio/local-news/teton-letters-offers-first-hand-accounts-of-the-teton-dam-

flood

$25 Million dollars to fight hunger

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/05/21/lds-church-announces-25-million/

Funeral for Elder Bassett

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/05/19/elder-w-mark-bassett-funeral-legacy-righteous-light-

kindness/

Banana Ball

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/04/09/how-4-latter-day-saint-young-single-adults-live-and-

share-their-faith-through-banana-ball/

New video about MTC

https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/05/17/new-missionary-training-center-provo-mtc-video/

Osmonds new concert venue

https://www.ksl.com/article/51499925/osmond-family-plans-to-build-world-class-concert-venue-

at-base-of-provo-canyon?

MBB:

Police Beat

https://universe.byu.edu/police-beat/police-beat-may-4-10