Tamarra Kemsley
@tamarrakemsley.bsky.social
📤 563
📥 316
📝 179
Journalist covering religion for The Salt Lake Tribune.
While Salt Lake City has sat on its hands, Latter-day Saint immigrants have been organizing, protesting and disappearing.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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How the LDS immigrant community in Los Angeles launched a grassroots response to ICE raids
When federal agents swarmed Los Angeles, immigrant-heavy LDS congregations went to work protecting the vulnerable among them.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/02/03/how-latter-day-saints-la-responded/
17 days ago
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“I feel like we’re living in a dystopian novel right now.”
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Faith and fasting in a conflict zone: Minneapolis Latter-day Saints turn to Jesus, one another amid ICE crackdown
How Latter-day Saints in Minneapolis are turning to fasting and food deliveries amid ICE’s crackdown.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/01/27/minneapolis-latter-day-saints/
24 days ago
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LDS Church remain largely silent on Trump's immigration policies, despite a new ban targeting a majority Latter-day Saint nation.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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BYU-Hawaii students left in immigration limbo after Trump’s Tonga travel ban
The new semester is here for students of BYU-Hawaii. And so is a new restriction on travel for many of its students. How President Donald Trump's crackdown could affect students now and in the future.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/01/16/byu-how-trumps-tonga-travel-ban/
about 1 month ago
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LDS Church to dissolve Temple Square mission in SLC
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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LDS Church to dissolve Temple Square mission in SLC
For decades, the female-focused mission fostered international sisterhoods among Latter-day Saint women. While young women will still lead the tours of visitors to the landmark square, their specific ...
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/01/10/lds-dissolve-slc-temple-square/
about 1 month ago
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LDS historian who "forever changed our understanding of Joseph Smith" dies.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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LDS historian who ‘forever changed our understanding of Joseph Smith’ dies
The Joseph Smith Papers project has been called the "lunar mission" of Mormon historical research. The Latter-day Saint archivist who started the vast undertaking has died, and historians are praising...
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/01/08/lds-historian-behind-vast-joseph/
about 1 month ago
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LDS Church breaks with long-standing tradition, embraces modern English translations of the Bible. The move should help increase comprehension and put Latter-day Saints into greater conversation with other Christians regarding this foundational text.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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LDS Church breaks with long-standing tradition, embraces modern English translations of the Bible
For the first time, Latter-day Saints are being encouraged to seek out modern translations of the Bible to further their studies.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/12/16/lds-church-breaks-with-long/
2 months ago
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“When I grew up,” says Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, " … I did not know who the Republicans and the Democrats were in my congregation, and I wish I didn’t know that now." ✍️ Adelle M. Banks
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Two governors — an LDS Republican and a Jewish Democrat — team up in an Episcopal cathedral against political violence
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro addressed their bipartisan partnership in an effort to end political violence.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/12/12/two-governors-an-lds-republican/
2 months ago
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U.S. Gen Zers and millennials are indeed leaving the LDS Church. The numbers show it. ✍️ Jana Riess
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Jana Riess: U.S. Gen Zers and millennials are indeed leaving the LDS Church. The numbers show it.
The data supports what many have suspected: Younger U.S. Latter-day Saints are leaving the church in greater numbers than before.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/12/12/jana-riess-data-shows-gen-zers/
2 months ago
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Youngest Americans are rediscovering faith, but they remain far less religious than older Americans.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Youngest Americans are rediscovering faith, but they remain far less religious than older Americans
The decline of religion among young Americans has slowed, but they remain less religious than their parents or grandparents — a trend that is not expected to change.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/12/09/pew-study-decline-religion-has/
2 months ago
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LDS Church pressures "Mormon Stories" and other critical podcasts to rebrand.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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LDS Church pressures ‘Mormon Stories’ and other critical podcasts to rebrand
"Mormon Stories" is just one of several critical podcasts that have recently found themselves in conflict with the church over use of the "M-word."
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/12/08/lds-church-pressures-mormon/
2 months ago
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Jana Riess: The surprising Latter-day Saint complexity in ‘Stranger Things’
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Jana Riess: The surprising Latter-day Saint complexity in ‘Stranger Things’
Latter-day Saint character, Suzie, is not all sweetness and light. She upholds — and defies — some church teachings of the time.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/26/jana-riess-surprising-latter-day/
3 months ago
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How pro-LDS podcasts defend — and divide — the faith and the faithful.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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How pro-LDS podcasts defend — and divide — the faith and the faithful
What is the role of podcasters in a prophet-led church? And what happens when their popularity grows?
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/28/how-pro-lds-content-creators-are/
3 months ago
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How LDS women serving missions at 18 might impact colleges, marriage ages and birthrates.
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How LDS women serving missions at 18 might impact colleges, marriage ages and birthrates
How the lower missionary age for LDS women could raise their standing in the patriarchal faith and the classroom. Could it also impact marriage and birthrates?
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/22/how-lower-mission-ages-lds-women/
3 months ago
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Latter-day Saints will hear less from top leaders going forward — at least at General Conference.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Latter-day Saints will hear less from top leaders going forward — at least at General Conference
In a single-sentence news statement, church leaders waved goodbye to one of their key avenues for dispensing messages to members.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/19/lds-church-dumps-session-general/
3 months ago
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Another federal filing, another record high for LDS Church’s investment fund. ✍️ Tony Semerad
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Another federal filing, another record high for LDS Church’s investment fund
The LDS Church's stock investments at Ensign Peak Advisors have climbed to a new high in value at $60.9 billion. That's double what the fund was worth during the pandemic.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/15/lds-church-investment-portfolio/
3 months ago
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LDS Church launches an ambitious plan to stock up food banks and celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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LDS Church launches an ambitious plan to stock up food banks and celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday
The LDS Church will help celebrate next year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by sending 250 semitrucks loaded with 20 tons of food to 250 food banks across all 50 states.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/14/lds-church-celebrate-nations-250th/
3 months ago
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In "Surviving Mormonism," Heather Gay highlights abuse within the LDS Church. Here are details she doesn’t cover.
#survivingmormonism
#heathergay
#lds
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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In ‘Surviving Mormonism,’ Heather Gay highlights abuse within the LDS Church. Here are details she doesn’t cover.
In the documentary “Surviving Mormonism,” the reality TV star and former Latter-day Saint is on a mission to save people from what she deems a "cult."
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/13/what-heather-gays-surviving/
3 months ago
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Does the LDS Church give away formula (or other basics) to parents in need? The answer is: it depends.
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3 months ago
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Utahns call on LDS leadership to oppose nuclear missile being developed in Utah.
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Harking to the MX, Utahns call on LDS Church President Oaks to speak out against nuclear missile being developed in Utah
Could the LDS Church end an ongoing nuclear weapons project? These veteran activists think so.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/09/activists-call-lds-church-oppose/
3 months ago
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New LDS apostle just dropped. Here's what people in the know have to say about him.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Generous, capable, compassionate — How Latter-day Saints are reacting to their newest apostle
Reactions from member and others to the elevation of 62-year-old Frenchman Gérald Caussé to Latter-day Saint apostle.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/07/reactions-new-lds-apostle-grald/
4 months ago
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"We’re not apologizing for being Latter-day Saints" — New podcast seeks to give believers a boost of confidence.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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‘We’re not apologizing for being Latter-day Saints’ — New podcast seeks to give believers a boost of confidence
These LDS podcasters are on a mission to promote faith with facts.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/11/02/new-lds-podcast-aims-promote-faith/
4 months ago
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The LDS Church gives bishops guidelines on how to distribute aid but ultimately leaves it up to them to make their own decisions. The result is a patchwork of responses, and nonresponses, to an impending nationwide crisis of hunger ahead of the holidays.
#snap
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Many LDS leaders are gearing up to help those impacted by loss of SNAP benefits. But not all.
Here’s how some, albeit far from all, Latter-day Saint leaders of congregations are preparing to help those impacted by loss of federal SNAP benefits.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/31/will-lds-bishops-step-help-those/
4 months ago
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Sleeveless LDS garments are now on sale across the U.S. I wouldn't try ordering them online just now. Demand has crashed the site. ✍️ Peggy Fletcher Stack
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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The wait is finally over. Sleeveless LDS garments are now on sale across the U.S.
Latter-day Saints in Utah and across the U.S. have been itching to buy the faith's new sleeveless garments. Well, now they can — online and at church stores.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/28/sleeveless-lds-garments-are/
4 months ago
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As top LDS Church leaders age, they move closer to "the zone of dementia," says historian Greg Prince. ✍️ Dave Noyce & Peggy Fletcher Stack
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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As top LDS Church leaders age, they move closer to ‘the zone of dementia’
Historian Greg Prince discusses the LDS Church's aging top leadership, including how leadership succession has evolved throughout Latter-day Saint history, the advantages and disadvantages of having a...
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/27/top-lds-church-leaders-age-they/
4 months ago
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LDS Church announces 55 new missions, including 14 in the US --- a response to growing number of missionaries and congregations in some parts of the world (notably, Africa).
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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In big move under Dallin Oaks, LDS Church announces 55 new missions. See where they will be located.
The addition of 55 new missions, announced Friday, will greatly expand the LDS Church’s reach around the globe. An experts foresees “tremendous potential to accelerate growth.”
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/24/lds-church-creates-55-new-missions/
4 months ago
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“Congregants," one Latter-day Saint said, "deserve access to effective means of protection.”
#2A
#gunsafety
#grandblanc
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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LDS Church reiterates safety protocols for members, doesn’t budge on gun ban
After the Michigan attack, the LDS Church reiterates its safety protocols, including following “the guidance of the Spirit" and keeping guns out of services. A petition seeks to remove the firearms ba...
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/23/lds-church-reiterates-safety/
4 months ago
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"The report, published Monday, found that about a third of Americans (31%) said religion is gaining influence in the country — up from 18% a year ago." ✍️Bob Smietana
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Religion’s clout is bouncing back, say more and more Americans
The influence of religion is growing in the U.S. So say Americans in a new survey.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/21/religions-influence-america-is/
4 months ago
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Newly rejected by appeals court, LDS tithing lawsuit may be headed to U.S. Supreme Court. ✍️ Tony Semerad
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Newly rejected by appeals court, LDS tithing lawsuit may be headed to U.S. Supreme Court
After being rejected by 10th Circuit on appeal, a lawsuit accusing the LDS Church of fraud over tithing appears to be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. But will the justices hear the case?
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/22/fraud-lawsuit-involving-lds/
4 months ago
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For most people, living to 80 is a reason to celebrate. Hindus, however, revere this marker as a religious milestone. ✍️
@pfstack.bsky.social
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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In this faith tradition, turning 80 is a cause for religious symbolism and celebration
In deeply religious rituals, A Hindu couple from Utah celebrate as the husband reaches his 80th birthday.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/19/hindu-community-celebrates-utah/
4 months ago
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“This is a big cultural shift for the church that is relatively recent, and is something that is guiding our operational decisions.”
#LDS
#gsl
#greatsaltlake
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Latter-day Saints have a religious duty to conserve water and save the Great Salt Lake, speakers say
Latter-day Saints are urged to do better in conserving water to help save the Great Salt Lake.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/18/water-conservationists-plead-with/
4 months ago
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Meet the newly promoted LDS apostle and counselor to Dallin Oaks who helped sink Nixon.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Meet the newly promoted LDS apostle and counselor to Dallin Oaks who helped sink Nixon
Who is D. Todd Christofferson, the newest member of the LDS Church’s highest governing body?
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/18/all-about-lds-apostle-d-todd/
4 months ago
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Dallin Harris Oaks, a staunch defender of religious liberty and a devoted advocate of man-woman marriage, was announced Tuesday afternoon in a worldwide broadcast as the 18th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Dallin Oaks ascends to LDS presidency, concedes ‘we do not have the answers to all of the world’s problems’
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially names its 18th prophet-president, a 93-year-old former Utah Supreme Court justice who is a fierce defender of religious liberty and a loyal a...
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/14/new-lds-church-prophet-first/
4 months ago
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‘This…is going to be fun’ — Cautious lawyer Dallin Oaks remembers Russell M. Nelson as a decisive, surprising LDS leader.
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‘This…is going to be fun’ — Cautious lawyer Dallin Oaks remembers Russell M. Nelson as a decisive, surprising LDS leader
Latter-day Saint leaders, family recall a president without an off switch.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/07/lds-leaders-family-pay-tribute/
4 months ago
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Active Latter-day Saints increasingly abandoning orthodox views
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Active Latter-day Saints increasingly abandoning orthodox views
Even among active Latter-day Saints, diverse religious, social and political views are on the rise.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/06/orthodoxy-receding-among-us-lds/
5 months ago
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LDS leaders host first global conference since the Michigan attack. Follow along here.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Latest from LDS General Conference: Dallin Oaks opens by expressing his love for Russell Nelson
The latest news, talks and announcements from Saturday's sessions of LDS General Conference.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/04/saturday-lds-general-conference/
5 months ago
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‘Prophet of love’ — Dallin H. Oaks recalls final meeting with his friend, LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson.
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‘Prophet of love’ — Dallin H. Oaks recalls final meeting with his friend, LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson
A Wednesday morning tribute to President Russell M. Nelson depicted him as a loving leader focused on Jesus.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/01/lds-leaders-remember-late/
5 months ago
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Where and when you can see or attend the viewing and funeral for LDS Church President Russell Nelson. ✍️ Dylan Eubank
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Where and when you can see or attend the viewing and funeral for LDS Church President Russell Nelson
The LDS Church has released dates, times and details for President Russell Nelson's public viewing and funeral. A special livestreamed tribute is also planned.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/29/lds-president-russell-nelson/
5 months ago
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Update on victims in LDS Michigan meetinghouse attack
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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‘Absolute heroes’ — Worshippers sprang to save fellow Latter-day Saints after attack on Michigan church
The latest about the fiery attack and shooting at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Michigan.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/29/what-we-know-about-victims-lds/
5 months ago
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At least two dead, including a shooter, in attack on LDS church in Michigan.
www.sltrib.com/news/2025/09...
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At least two dead, including a shooter, in attack on LDS church in Michigan
There are “multiple victims” after a gunman attacked a Latter-day Saint church in Michigan Sunday morning, police officials said, and the Grand Blanc church was also on fire.
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/09/28/grand-blac-shooting-multiple/
5 months ago
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Breaking: LDS President Russell M. Nelson has died.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Russell M. Nelson, Latter-day Saint prophet of change and pandemic, dies
LDS Church President Russell Nelson has died at age 101.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/28/russell-m-nelson-latter-day-saint/
5 months ago
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"Good sex is easy." And, says Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, definitely not a sin.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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‘Mormon Land’: Good sex is not a sin. It’s part of God’s plan for married couples in LDS theology.
Latter-day Saint therapist Jennifer Finlayson-Fife discusses her new book, “That We Might Have Joy: Desire, Divinity & Intimate Love," and how couples can achieve "soulful sex."
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/24/mormon-land-podcast-how-achieve/
5 months ago
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Latter-day Saint apostle praises family proclamation on its 30th birthday. ✍️ Dylan Eubank
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Latter-day Saint apostle praises family proclamation on its 30th birthday
In a speech at BYU, LDS apostle Ronald Rasband celebrates the family proclamation on its 30th anniversary, saying it serves as a "forthright guide for both families and governments."
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/23/lds-apostle-ronald-rasband-speaks/
5 months ago
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Utah leaders weigh in on the marathon memorial that blurred the lines between religious revival and political rally.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Utah faith leaders praise a merciful Erika Kirk, denounce the divisive Donald Trump
Utah religious leaders give mixed reviews to the Christian-themed memorial service for Charlie Kirk.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/23/utah-faith-leaders-comment-charlie/
5 months ago
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The potential mental health fallout for students at UVU, BYU and other Utah schools after Charlie Kirk shooting -- and how loved ones can support them.
www.sltrib.com/news/2025/09...
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The potential mental health fallout for students at UVU, BYU and other Utah schools after Charlie Kirk shooting
'Stay calm. There’s a shooter’: Utah college students will be processing trauma long after headlines of Charlie Kirk's killing have faded.
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/09/15/charlie-kirk-shooting-how-it-may/
5 months ago
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Latter-day Saints have never been a ‘perfect’ people — church history conference tackles tough questions head-on.
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Latter-day Saints have never been a ‘perfect’ people — church history conference tackles tough questions head-on
LDS Church historians believe even the faith’s difficult past can foster faith — if taught correctly.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/04/lds-history-conference-aims-help/
6 months ago
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Sen. John Curtis hints at a possible increase in the LDS Church’s role in foreign assistance during Senate hearing.
#doge
#usaid
#lds
#utpol
✍️ Emily Anderson Stern & Yours Truly
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Taxpayers to tithe payers? LDS Church ‘ready to…go to work’ on foreign aid, Utah Sen. John Curtis tells Trump administration
Sen. John Curtis hints at a possible increase in the LDS Church’s role in foreign assistance during Senate hearing.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/05/21/taxpayers-tithe-payers-lds-church/
9 months ago
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As LDS Church grows bigger in this country, so do challenges — young members, high poverty, even modern polygamy. ✍️
@pfstack.bsky.social
📷 Michael Stack
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Special report: As LDS Church grows bigger in this country, so do challenges — young members, high poverty, even modern polygamy
LDS Church is growing rapidly in this African county, as it is elsewhere on that continent, but challenges range from "bride prices" to modern polygamy.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/05/18/lds-church-faces-challenges-this/
9 months ago
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President Donald Trump’s tariff turmoil cost the LDS Church billions of dollars. ✍️ Tony Semerad
#tariffs
#trump
#economy
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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President Donald Trump’s tariff turmoil cost the LDS Church billions of dollars
Investments held by LDS Church take a multibillion-dollar loss amid Trump tariff turmoil.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/05/17/lds-church-investments-have-lost/
9 months ago
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Where each of the MomTok moms left off after season 1 of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ ✍️ Palak Jayswal
#momtok
#thesecretlivesofmormonwives
www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2...
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Where each of the MomTok moms left off after season 1 of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’
Scandals, frenemies, divorces and rocky relationships all guided season one of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2025/05/13/secret-lives-mormon-wives-season-1/
9 months ago
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Commentary: How Catholics and Latter-day Saints see God’s hand when picking popes and prophets. ✍️ Matthew Bowman
#pope
#newpope
#lds
#leoxiv
www.sltrib.com/religion/202...
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Commentary: How Catholics and Latter-day Saints see God’s hand when picking popes and prophets
Latter-day Saint scholar Matthew Bowman explains the similarities and differences in how Catholics pick their popes and Latter-day Saints pick their prophets.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/05/12/picking-catholic-popes-lds/
9 months ago
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