The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the creation of 55 new missions worldwide, increasing the total to 506, to accommodate the growing number of missionaries and congregations, with the number of missionaries rising from 65,000 in 2022 to over 84,000 today.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the creation of 55 new missions worldwide, increasing the total to 506, to accommodate the growing number of missionaries and congregations, with over 84,000 missionaries currently serving.
Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice, has been named the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the death of Russell M. Nelson, marking a significant leadership transition for the church. Oaks, known for his traditionalist views and legal background, will serve until his death and is expected to influence the church's focus, possibly shifting from its global expansion to domestic issues, while maintaining core doctrines.
During the 195th Semiannual General Conference, no new temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were announced, as the church is focusing on completing existing temple projects, according to President Dallin H. Oaks.
A mass shooting and fire at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, resulted in four deaths and eight injuries, with victims including John Bond, a Navy veteran and community member. The incident has prompted mourning and calls for understanding from church leaders.
Sawyer Hemsley, co-founder of Crumbl Cookies, publicly shared his journey of accepting his sexuality as a gay man, amid online speculation and personal reflection, emphasizing authenticity, growth, and the importance of living true to oneself.
A former investment manager for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has accused the faith's investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, of illegally relying on its tax-exempt status to stockpile over $100 billion in investments built from members' tithing, which were never used for charitable works. The church's leader has defended the financial practices, stating that Ensign Peak held asset reserves as an auxiliary of the church, "providing us with those resources that we need in order to operate as a church." The whistleblower has called for Congress to investigate the church's financial practices.
Paige Anne, a 16-year-old Latter-day Saint from Idaho Falls, fulfilled her dream of auditioning for American Idol's season 21. She received a pep talk from former Idol runner-up David Archuleta before singing "What About Us" by P!nk. Two out of three judges voted to keep her, sending her to the Hollywood rounds. Paige Anne credits her faith in God for helping her handle the overwhelming experience and plans to prove Katy Perry, her lone "no" vote, wrong.