Church News
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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Jerusalem and the miracle of Christ's Resurrection at Easter with historian Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

Jerusalem and the miracle of Christ's Resurrection at Easter with historian Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has emphasized the importance of Easter, saying Easter Sunday “is the most important religious observance for followers of Jesus Christ.” In preparation of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, host and Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by Brigham Young University professor emeritus and historian Richard Neitzel Holzapfel to discuss the historical context surrounding Easter, Holy Week, Gethsemane and more.

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.

April 2025 general conference — Love, repentance and personal preparation to meet the Savior

April 2025 general conference — Love, repentance and personal preparation to meet the Savior

Members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world tuned in to the 195th Annual General Conference held April 5-6, 2025. The two-day conference featured messages of encouragement and hope from the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other Church leaders, including President Russell M. Nelson. This special conference edition of the Church News podcast features excerpts from each conference address, including topics like the Lord’s great love for His children, the need for repentance and personal preparation before the Savior’s Second Coming

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.

BYU retiring athletic director Tom Holmoe on prayerfully moving forward in life’s trials

BYU retiring athletic director Tom Holmoe on prayerfully moving forward in life’s trials

What some saw as a surprise move, Brigham Young University athletic director Tom Holmoe has decided that “this is the right time” to retire. Over the last two decades, Holmoe has been at the helm of BYU Athletics as teams have won national championships, garnered international attention, and shared their testimonies on and off the field, the court and the track. On this episode of the Church News podcast, the award-winning sports legend and former Cougar defensive back talks about faith, football and moving forward with prayer in life transitions.

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.

Exploring themes from the Doctrine and Covenants with Rosalynde Welch of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute

Exploring themes from the Doctrine and Covenants with Rosalynde Welch of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute

The Prophet Joseph Smith said the Doctrine and Covenants is “the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man.” In 2025, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study the Doctrine and Covenants, to learn of Him, apply the stories found in its pages to their own lives and explore thematically the invitation the Lord gives to all to come unto Him

In this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by Rosalynde Welch, a research fellow and associate director at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University. They explore the themes interwoven in this sacred book of scripture, from the role of prophets to the transformative power of repentance and agency. 

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.

President and Sister Kusch of Ensign College encourage others to ‘align with the Lord’s mission and timing’

President and Sister Kusch of Ensign College encourage others to ‘align with the Lord’s mission and timing’

February 2025 marked the fifth anniversary of the announcement that LDS Business College would become Ensign College. The name change to the 139-year-old educational institution came with expanded educational offerings and symbolic and historical significance. The name change helped reaffirm the full name of the institution’s ownership, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the scriptural use of the word “ensign,” meaning a new covenant, a symbol of peace and a standard to the nations.

Of the change, Ensign College President Bruce C. Kusch said, “As we embrace a new name, I invite each of us to think more carefully about that light and being a standard of righteousness.” On this episode of the Church News podcast, President Kusch and his wife, Sister Alynda Kusch, talk about their journey of faith, the academic changes the school is making and the power of aligning one’s life to the Lord’s mission and timing.

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.

Church disability specialist manager on how all shall be taught of the Lord

Church disability specialist manager on how all shall be taught of the Lord

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to follow the Savior’s example of offering hope, understanding and love to those with disabilities. Hosted by Church News reporter Mary Richards, this episode features the Church’s disability specialist manager, Katie Edna Steed, who discusses how the Church encourages Christlike inclusion. This is done through individuals ministering to their neighbors, designing and retrofitting Church buildings to be accessible, specialized programs, new resources and more.

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.

RootsTech 2025 helps attendees around the world ‘discover’ their family heritage

RootsTech 2025 helps attendees around the world ‘discover’ their family heritage

RootsTech, a three-day global family history event, is scheduled for March 6-8. The gathering will reach a worldwide audience online while also featuring an in-person experience in Salt Lake City. This year's theme is "Discover," and organizers hope to empower attendees to uncover their family history and make new, meaningful connections. The lineup for 2025 includes a variety of keynote speakers, including Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as performances by musical artists, hundreds of classes and fun activities.

In this episode Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by Jonathan Wing, director of events for FamilySearch International, to preview events and discuss how family history can help individuals and families discover, connect and become part of the family of God.

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.

Celebrate ‘covenant community’ at the Relief Society worldwide devotional with President Camille N. Johnson and Sister Kristin M. Yee

Celebrate ‘covenant community’ at the Relief Society worldwide devotional with President Camille N. Johnson and Sister Kristin M. Yee

Women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also members of the Relief Society, one of the world’s largest and oldest women’s organizations, celebrating its 183rd anniversary this year. To commemorate the founding and purpose of the Relief Society, women are invited to participate in a worldwide devotional and testimony meeting on Sunday, March 16. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will speak during the event, and the members of the Relief Society general presidency will deliver messages from the Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois, where the Relief Society was organized on March 17, 1842

On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church News reporter Mary Richards is joined by Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor, to preview the event that emphasizes the importance of covenant community, serving God and others with love, and drawing spiritual power from covenants and divine authority.

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.

BYU’s Laura Padilla-Walker on the power of service on teen flourishing 

BYU’s Laura Padilla-Walker on the power of service on teen flourishing 

Pew Research Center findings show many parents and teens think it’s harder being a teen today than it was 20 years ago. They point to technology, especially social media, as having a particularly negative impact on teen life. But how can parents and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ease the pressures on today’s youth and help them to flourish during their teen years?

Laura Padilla-Walker, dean of Family, Home and Social Sciences at Brigham Young University, has pondered this question in her research as she focuses on parenting and media influences during adolescence and young adulthood. Padilla-Walker joins this episode of the Church News podcast to help parents and leaders discover how positive behaviors can both replace and protect against negative behaviors and how sacred living strategies can help families stay stronger and happier. 

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.

Primary general presidency invites children to share Jesus' love through service

Primary general presidency invites children to share Jesus' love through service

Since the Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in August 1878, Primary children have served other children. Now the Primary general presidency is inviting wards and branches worldwide to organize annual service activities for children beginning in 2025. Church News reporter Mary Richards hosts this episode featuring Primary General President Susan H. Porter; Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor; and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor. The presidency discusses this sacred responsibility and previews a Friend to Friend broadcast on the topic airing Feb. 15, 2025. Through this worldwide effort, children can realize they are an important part of the Church and can contribute in meaningful ways.

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.

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