Church News

Church News

Experience behind-the-scenes stories and interviews relating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Join Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards as they interview Church leaders, members who are making a difference, and writers from the Church News team.

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Church News
The global and individual impact of caring for those in need in 2025

The Caring for Those in Need 2025 report shows that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints exceeded the previous year's record, spending $1.58 billion to help those in need. The Church’s efforts to care include both the work of the Church as an organization and the individual efforts of Latter-day Saints around the world. The summary highlights humanitarian aid, volunteer service and welfare and self-reliance efforts worldwide.

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to talk about this important work. They discuss how members, as disciples of Jesus Christ, strive to follow His teaching to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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 and Rex Warner.

00:33:01
Apr 28, 2026 4:0 AM
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Church News
Young Women general presidency celebrates new names for Young Women groups

The First Presidency announced new names for Young Women age groups on Monday, April 20, and young women around the world reacted quickly to the news.

As those young women learn about and begin to embrace the new names of Builders of Faith, Messengers of Hope, and Gatherers of Light, the Young Women general presidency of the Church rejoices with them.

In this episode of the Church News podcast, special guest host Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News executive editor, speaks with Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and her counselors, Sister Tamara W. Runia and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus.

Together, they discuss the doctrinal meaning behind each of the three names and the celebrations they hope will take place across the globe. They also explain the divine identity that these new names can help young women feel as they learn about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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 Rex Warner.

00:51:29
Apr 24, 2026 12:38 AM
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Church News
The power of Primary music, with Sister Kathleen F. Kelly and Ryan Eggett

 President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taught, "The singing of hymns is one of the best ways to learn the doctrine of the restored gospel." As new songs are added to “Hymns for Home and Church,” including music written for Primary children, that teaching and testifying power is evident for people of all ages.

In this episode of the Church News podcast, Sister Kathleen F. Kelly of the Primary general advisory council and Ryan Eggett, a music manager in the Church's Priesthood and Family Department, join Church News reporter Mary Richards. Together, they talk about the power of sacred music to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as strengthen and fortify testimony.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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 Rex Warner. 

00:42:49
Apr 21, 2026 4:0 AM
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Church News
Get to know the new General Authority Seventies and Primary general presidency through their testimonies 

Eight General Authority Seventies and a new Primary general presidency were sustained at the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, April 4, 2026. On this episode of the Church News podcast, hosted by Church News editor Ryan Jensen, these new Church leaders share their testimonies of Jesus Christ, His restored Church and the blessings that come from obedience to His word.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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 Rex Warner.

00:20:12
Apr 14, 2026 4:0 AM
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Church News
April 2026 general conference — Easter and a solemn assembly

On April 4-5, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held its 196th Annual General Conference.

The two days of general sessions began with a solemn assembly to sustain the new Prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, and a new First Presidency.

This special conference edition of the Church News podcast, hosted by reporter Mary Richards, features excerpts from each of the conference addresses and covers topics such as Easter and Christ's Resurrection, walking His covenant path and sustaining His called prophet on the earth today.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:53:41
Apr 7, 2026 10:12 PM
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Church News
Sunday School general presidency helps individuals find the Savior and major themes in the Old Testament

In 2026, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are studying the Old Testament and reading the words of prophets as they prepared for the first coming of the Messiah.

President Paul V. Johnson, Brother Chad H Webb and Brother Gabriel W. Reid joined the Church News podcast to talk about the Old Testament and how members of the Church can study it more fully this year in life’s different scenarios.

“The Lord says that ‘his mercies [are] according to the conditions of the children of men’ (Doctrine and Covenants 46:15),” President Johnson said. “He dealt with them according to the conditions that they were in. He deals with us according to the conditions we’re in.”

President Johnson and his counselors share this and other observations from their time together as a presidency. They also say they hope members of the Church will better understand the role of counseling together both at church and at home as individuals study the scriptures together.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:41:53
Mar 31, 2026 4:0 AM
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Church News
How Passover, Easter and the sacrament bring hope and increase faith

Since the Israelites' liberation from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, Jews have commemorated the Passover that spared their ancestors from death and marked a new beginning for their people.  

Exodus 12 describes the Passover as an ordinance. When the Savior and His disciples participated in the Last Supper, Jesus transitioned parts of the Passover to become the sacrament. In a way, the sacrament ordinance of today is a tie to both the Last Supper and the original Passover. 

In this episode of the Church News podcast, Matthew Grey, a professor of ancient scripture and coordinator of Ancient Near Eastern studies at Brigham Young University, speaks with Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen about the lessons that can be remembered during the Easter season from the Passover and the institution of the sacrament. 

Grey shares how the sacrament helps demonstrate hope in the past, present and future, thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:34:38
Mar 24, 2026 4:0 AM
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Church News
Young adults 'part of something historic' as institute celebrates 100 years

Around the world, young adults are finding community, discovering their divine identity and deepening their conversion to Jesus Christ by attending institute classes.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Institutes of Religion, an education program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Institute began in one building in 1926 near the University of Idaho and is now a worldwide program with more than 2,700 locations in more than 170 countries.

Brother Chad H Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, said young adults can be "part of something historic" in this centennial year. He and Yaw Danso, an associate administrator for Seminaries and Institutes, join Church News reporter Mary Richards on this episode of the Church News podcast.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:34:21
Mar 17, 2026 4:0 AM
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Church News
Parker Van Dyke on why being a disciple of Jesus Christ comes before basketball

Although professional basketball player Parker Van Dyke has worn jerseys for the Salt Lake City Stars and Austin Spurs, he sees his first identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Parker currently plays for the NBA G League and broadcasts high school games. He has also played professionally in Europe, after starting for the University of Utah Utes and serving a full-time mission in the Alabama Birmingham Mission.

Through all this, Van Dyke’s advice to others is to be builders — both on a team and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He joins Church News reporter Mary Richards in the church meetinghouse gym where he grew up playing in Salt Lake City.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:30:15
Mar 10, 2026 5:0 AM
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Church News
Behind the scenes of RootsTech 2026: Bringing families ‘Together’

RootsTech, a three-day global family history event, is scheduled for March 5-7. The gathering will reach a worldwide audience online while also featuring an in-person experience in Salt Lake City.

This year’s theme is "Together," and organizers hope to empower attendees to uncover their family history and make new, meaningful connections. The lineup for 2026 includes Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as other keynote speakers, hundreds of classes and new technologies.

In this episode, Jonathan Wing, director of events for FamilySearch International, joins Church News editor Ryan Jensen to preview RootsTech 2026 and discuss how family history can help individuals and families draw closer to the Savior, Jesus Christ.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:33:20
Mar 3, 2026 7:58 PM
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Church News
Elder and Sister Gilbert on seeing the Lord's hand in their lives

Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, have seen the hand of the Lord in their lives as they have strived to live the covenants they made at baptism and in the house of the Lord.

The Gilberts have grown closer as a family and learned how to give and receive the Savior’s relief while fulfilling professional and Church assignments.

As the newest Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Gilbert knows he is to be a special witness of the name of Christ in all the world (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:23). Just a few days after being called by Church President Dallin H. Oaks, Elder and Sister Gilbert joined Church News reporter Mary Richards to share more about their family, faith and testimonies of Jesus Christ.

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. 

00:37:11
Feb 24, 2026 9:41 PM
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Church News
President Dallin H. Oaks and his recent invitations to 'be optimistic' and 'stay on the covenant path'

President Dallin H. Oaks was set apart as the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 14, 2025. Since that time, he has carried the holy mantle as the Lord’s Prophet to the world, sharing the invitation to “be optimistic” and to “stay on the covenant path.” 

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News editor Ryan Jensen shares recorded excerpts from President Oaks’ interview prior to the Jan. 11 dedication of the Burley Idaho Temple and his Feb. 10 devotional at Brigham Young University

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:27:59
Feb 17, 2026 6:5 PM
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Church News
Historian Matt Grow and Sheri Dew discuss lessons of hope from President Holland’s life and teachings

When President Jeffrey R. Holland, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died on Dec. 27, 2025, his biography was already in the works. Following his 2023 health scare, President Holland contacted Church historian Matt Grow to document his life story.

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Grow shares how working with President Holland during their one-on-one conversations helped build his testimony of the Savior. He is joined by guest host and fellow Church leader biographer Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency. Both highlight President Holland’s faith in Jesus Christ, his candor, his communication skills and his unfailing hope.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:51:43
Feb 10, 2026 7:12 PM
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Church News
BYU–Pathway Worldwide's Tanise Chung-Hoon on the impact of Church education

In January 2026, Tanise Chung-Hoon was appointed as the new vice president of advancement for BYU–Pathway Worldwide, a higher education organization established by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Chung-Hoon takes her previous experiences serving as the managing director of Philanthropies for the Church into her role as she encourages the “One Work” and vision of the institution.

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Chung-Hoon joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to discuss the importance of self-reliance and the broader impact of Church education initiatives.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:46:21
Feb 3, 2026 8:3 PM
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Church News
The 2026 youth theme 'Walk with me' with President Freeman and President Farnes

Each year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides a scripture-based theme for the young men and young women of the Church to study and learn from. The 2026 youth theme, “Walk with me,” comes from Moses 6:34 and is part of the greater “Come, Follow Me” study of the Old Testament.

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman discuss how this year’s study can help youth have transformative experiences as they accept the invitation to “Walk with me.”  Tools related to the theme can be found at youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, including upcoming and recent worldwide discussions, publications, music, FSY conference information and the “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.”

President Farnes and President Freeman are joined by Church News editor Ryan Jensen.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:44:23
Jan 27, 2026 11:46 PM
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Church News
Jill McAuley discusses finding purpose and identity in faith beyond ability

For Jill McAuley, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, knowing her identity as a child of God has helped her both overcome and glory in her infirmities (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Despite being paralyzed in a car crash at 18 years old, she has spent the last 20-plus years deepening her spiritual and emotional growth through service, study and grace through Christ. She joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to discuss this transformational journey of finding freedom and purpose in her faith beyond ability.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:33:28
Jan 20, 2026 9:23 PM
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Church News
BYU associate professor Norman Hill on aging better with faith

In President Russell M. Nelson’s October 2023 talk, “Think Celestial!” he declared, “Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import.” For aging members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this “learning” remains in force as they find themselves looking for the best ways to serve in the Church and with their families. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Norman HillBYU associate professor and author of the Deseret News series “Better With Age” — shares his insights into aging with faith with host Church News editor Ryan Jensen.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

01:00:48
Jan 13, 2026 6:36 PM
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Church News
BYU professor Josh Sears on understanding and using Bible translations

As Latter-day Saints study the Old Testament as part of the 2026 “Come, Follow Me” curriculum, a General Handbook update provides guidance on using different editions and translations of the Holy Bible. On this Church News podcast, Brigham Young University associate professor of ancient scripture, Josh Sears, joins Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen to discuss the flexibility in using Bible translations in home and Church studies, helping members understand doctrine and seek truth in the sacred works.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:45:36
Jan 6, 2026 9:17 PM
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Church News
2025 year in review with Deseret News editors Doug Wilks and Sarah Jane Weaver

2025 was a year of milestones, mourning and inspiration for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Celebratory stories included President Dallin H. Oaks becoming the 18th President of the Church, the announcement of 55 new missions opening around the world, and the 175th anniversary of the Deseret News (from which the Church News began as a section in 1931). These stories were offset by stories of loss, including the death of President Russell M. Nelson at the age of 101, a deadly attack on a Church meetinghouse in Michigan, and the death of members of the Church in an auto accident in southern Africa

For Deseret News executive editor Doug Wilks and former Church News editor and current Deseret News editor Sarah Jane Weaver, the gospel of Jesus Christ has helped them find personal comfort as they covered the news for their readers. They join Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen to discuss the events of 2025.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:38:36
Dec 30, 2025 8:40 PM
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Church News
President Jeffrey R. Holland, 1940 — 2025; he will be remembered for his testimony of Jesus Christ and the love he shared

President Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died Saturday, December 27 at 3:15 a.m. MST, at age 85, from complications associated with kidney disease.

Known for his words and the way he expressed them, President Holland will be remembered for the love he shared in nations around the world, where he taught and testified of the reality of Jesus Christ. An educator by profession, he inspired generations with his general conference talks, devotional addresses, missionary messages and social media posts. In almost every corner of the globe, he declared that the “gospel of Jesus Christ is personally precious, everlastingly hopeful and eternally true.” Along the way, he made friends — best friends — everywhere he went, sharing unmatched empathy and offering hope and encouragement. 

This special memorial podcast, hosted by Church News executive editor Sarah Jane Weaver, shares President Holland's testimony in his own words.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:51:15
Dec 27, 2025 1:47 PM
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Church News
Tabernacle organist Richard Elliott on sacred music and his conversion

For more than 30 years, Richard Elliott has inspired audiences worldwide as an organist for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Elliott was introduced to and baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while studying for his undergraduate degree. He later served a mission in Argentina, married his wife, Elizabeth, in the Washington D.C. Temple and taught as an assistant professor of organ at Brigham Young University. Today, Elliott is the Church’s principal organist for The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. He joins Church News editor Ryan Jensen on this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss the power of music and conversion to Christ.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:31:05
Dec 23, 2025 4:30 PM
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Church News
Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus Pace on sharing the light of the gospel by being a covenant keeper

Noelle Pikus Pace is an Olympic medalist, speaker, author, Gospel Doctrine teacher, wife, mother and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith and understanding of her identity as a child of God have helped her through all her Olympian experiences, both trials and wins. She won a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where she wore her Young Women necklace on the medals podium.

She joins Church News reporter Mary Richards to discuss the thrill and danger of skeleton racing, her recovery through faith amid massive setbacks, and how keeping on the covenant path has helped in every area of her life.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:44:30
Dec 16, 2025 4:59 PM
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Church News
New Presiding Bishopric on overseeing temporal affairs with a spiritual purpose

The Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints works under the direction of the First Presidency to oversee the Church's temporal affairs — or physical aspects. Following Elder Gérald Caussé’s call to serve as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Church announced a new Presiding Bishopric on Nov. 14: Bishop W. Christopher Waddell as new presiding bishop, Bishop L. Todd Budge as first counselor and Bishop Sean Douglas as second counselor.

The new bishopric joins Church News reporter Mary Richards on this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss the spiritual purpose of overseeing the temporal affairs of the Church. This includes managing tithing and fast offerings, humanitarian aid, welfare and self-reliance programs, building and maintaining meetinghouses and temples, and producing and distributing gospel resources.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:48:05
Dec 9, 2025 4:47 PM
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Church News
Elder Gérald Caussé on serving as a lifelong witness of the name of Jesus Christ

Elder Gérald Caussé is the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, Church President Dallin H. Oaks extended this call to Elder Caussé, filling the quorum's vacancy left with the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. At 62, Elder Caussé is the first member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from France and has served for the last decade as the Church’s presiding bishop, helping oversee the Church’s temporal affairs.

This episode of the Church News podcast features a conversation between Elder Caussé and guest host Sarah Jane Weaver, Deseret News editor and Church News executive editor. Elder Caussé shares his experience and thoughts surrounding his new calling, the love for his family and the humbling honor of discipleship as he is called to be a special and lifelong witness of the name of Jesus Christ.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:46:20
Dec 2, 2025 6:8 PM
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Church News
Sister Kristen M. Oaks testifies of President Oaks’ calling and service, with guest host Sheri Dew

Sister Kristen M. Oaks is the wife of President Dallin H. Oaks, recently set-apart President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her life has been a record of shifting roles and accepted opportunities to serve as a wife, member of the Church and daughter of God. She joins this episode of the Church News podcast to speak again with guest host Sheri Dew, executive vice president of the Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency.

Sister Oaks gives some of her insights into President Oaks; the mantle of prophet; his role as a husband, father and friend; their ministering assignments around the world; and her testimony of the temple and of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

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. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views 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.

00:33:35
Nov 25, 2025 7:3 PM
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