1. Sign Up for Breaking News Text Message Alerts - News Release

You can now receive breaking news text alerts on your mobile phone from Newsroom.lds.org. To sign up, text the word ldsnews to 29222 (United States and Puerto Rico). If you’re outside the United States, text the word ldsnews to 447624805710.Full Story

2. Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances - News Release

Full Story

3. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple Site Announced - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 19 November 2009 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the site for the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple. The specific location is 1739 Vine Street in downtown Philadelphia.Full Story

4. Church Supports Nondiscrimination Ordinances - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 10 November 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has declared its support of nondiscrimination regulations that would extend protection in matters of housing and employment in Salt Lake City to those with same-sex attraction. The Church said the Salt Lake City Council’s new nondiscrimination ordinance “is fair and reasonable” and balances fair housing and employment rights with the religious rights of the community.

The remarks, representing the position of the Church’s leadership, were read by Michael Otterson, managing director of Church Public Affairs, as part of a public comment period discussing the ordinances at a Salt Lake City Council meeting tonight. (Read full remarks).

5. Reaching Out Around the World - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 4 November 2009 Latter-day Saints believe that giving service to others is a lifestyle based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who “went about doing good.”  The desire to serve others crosses cultural boundaries and has been manifested in recent months with stories featured on International Church Web sites.  From Brazil and El Salvador to Samoa and Guatemala, members of the Church are reaching out around the world to help those in need.  Below are some examples.Full Story

6. What You Will Find When You Step Inside a Mormon Chapel - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 26 October 2009 Most first-time visitors to a Mormon church building comment on the number of rooms. Many expect to find one large interior space, such as in many other Christian denominations’ buildings of worship.Full Story

7. Natalie Cole and David McCullough to Perform in Annual Christmas Concert The Wondrous Gift of Christmas - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 15 October 2009 Singer, songwriter and performer Natalie Cole and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough will join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for their annual Christmas concerts, titled The Wondrous Gift of Christmas. Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy will conduct the concerts.Full Story

8. Apostle Says Religious Freedom Is Being Threatened - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 13 October 2009 An apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said religious freedom is being threatened by societal forces intimidating those with religious points of view from having a voice in the public square.Full Story

9. From Salt Lake to Samoa, Church Extends Humanitarian Help - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 6 October 2009 A chartered cargo plane loaded with relief supplies is on its way to Samoa to aid victims of last week’s tsunami. “Dozens of villages were completely destroyed, resulting in hundreds of families losing everything," said Elder James J. Hamula of the Church’s First Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Hamula, the first counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency, said this shipment is expected to care for 2,000 people for 3-4 weeks.Full Story

10. Five New Temples Announced - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 3 October 2009 Plans to build five new temples were announced today by President Thomas S. Monson, worldwide leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during the Church’s 179th Semiannual General Conference in Salt Lake City. With 130 temples currently operating and with another 16 in some phase of planning or construction, these five temples bring the worldwide total to 151.Full Story

11. Church Update on Pacific Earthquake and Tsunami Crisis - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 2 October 2009 Following the devastating earthquake and resulting tsunami in the central Pacific, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is determining a response from Church headquarters in Salt Lake City while local relief efforts are underway.  According to news reports, over 150 people have died in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. Church reports indicate that 26 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have died. Twenty-two were in Samoa and four were in American Samoa.Full Story

12. Thousands to Attend 179th Semiannual General Conference - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 2 October 2009 More than 100,000 Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with millions more watching or listening to conference proceedings via television, radio, satellite and Internet broadcasts. Five sessions of the conference will be held Saturday and Sunday, 3–4 October 2009, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.Full Story

13. First-Time Conference Attendees Speak of Experience - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 2 October 2009 Regardless of what country they live in, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who journey to Salt Lake City for the semiannual general conference meetings share similar reactions.Full Story

14. Church Report on South Pacific Earthquake, Tsunami - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 30 September 2009 The Church is assessing the situation in Samoa and the surrounding area following the earthquake and tsunami there. Efforts are underway to determine the Church’s humanitarian response including coordination with government and disaster relief organizations.Full Story

15. Church Responds to Flooding in the Philippines - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 28 September 2009 Tropical storm Ketsana struck the Philippines on Saturday, 26 September 2009, triggering the heaviest rainfall in 40 years and causing significant flooding. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing food, water, clothing, hygiene items and other relief supplies, which are being purchased locally and distributed to those in the affected region.Full Story

16. New Harrisville Welfare Services Center Dedicated - News Release

HARRISVILLE, Utah 25 September 2009 Bishop Richard C. Edgley, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has dedicated a new welfare services center in Harrisville, Utah. The 54,817 square-foot facility will house multiple Church welfare services, including the Deseret Industries and LDS Family Services, as well as Church Distribution Services and a humanitarian service room, which will open in October.Full Story

17. Joseph Smith Papers Second Book Released - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 22 September 2009 Coinciding with the anniversary of Joseph Smith receiving the ancient plates that he would later translate as the Book of Mormon, the second volume of The Joseph Smith Papers was released today. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was presented one of the first copies by Elder Marlin K. Jensen, Church Historian and Recorder, in a special ceremony in the Church History Library attended by members of the media.Full Story

18. Church President Speaks of Opportunities and Difficulties for Students - News Release

PROVO, Utah 17 September 2009 Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke to thousands of Brigham Young University students at the Marriott Center on Tuesday. The 16th president of the Church said he looked forward to the assignment of speaking to the student body, telling them, “What a glorious sight you are.”Full Story

19. Church Edition of Spanish Bible Now Published - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 14 September 2009 (comunicado de prensa en español) The Latter-day Saint edition of the Holy Bible in Spanish, a project that has spanned several years, is now available, and a print run of 800,000 copies has already been completed. It is one of the most significant scripture projects ever undertaken by the Church. The volume contains new chapter headings, footnotes and cross-references to all scriptures used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Full Story

20. Institutes of Religion Provide Young Mormons With Doctrinal Foundation - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 4 September 2009 With the beginning of a new school year, hundreds of thousands of college-age Mormon students are enrolling in classes on religion in addition to their regular studies or employment. In addition to encouraging Mormons to acquire secular knowledge, the Church has established extensive programs to help young students gain religious knowledge. Accordingly, the Church provides numerous opportunities for postsecondary students to receive religious instruction through its institute of religion programs.Full Story

21. Worldwide Activities Help Prepare Mormon Youth for Life’s Opportunities - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 28 August 2009 Brinn of Columbia, South Carolina, traveled less than two hours to attend a summer youth conference in nearby Greenville, but some of her teenage peers in other parts of the world logged considerably more miles to reach their area youth activities.Full Story

22. The Work of Temple Construction - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 27 August 2009 Consider 17,096 exterior stones, 47 miles or nearly 250,000 linear feet of wood, 4,668 cubic yards of concrete, 407 tons of structural steel, 80 miles of electrical wiring and 184 individual doors. These numbers describe some of the construction details involved in building the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Full Story

23. Volunteers to Bring Sweden Church Records Online - News Release

FALKÖPING, Sweden 21 August 2009 FamilySearch and Svensk Arkivinformation (SVAR), a division of the National Archives of Sweden, announced today the launch of the largest online indexing initiative ever undertaken. The two groups unveiled plans to engage Swedish-speaking volunteers throughout the world to help create a highly searchable, free online index to the parish registers of Sweden—200 years of recorded Swedish history—comprising over 400 million names.Full Story

24. President Monson Dedicates Church’s 130th Temple - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 21 August 2009 August 2009 President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple today. Prior to the first dedicatory session, President Monson joined hundreds outside the temple for the traditional cornerstone ceremony.Full Story

25. Newsroom Blog Launches - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 18 August 2009 The Church’s Public Affairs Department launched a blog this week to supplement the content on its Newsroom Web site. The blog will include commentary, additional context, localized stories and background to help the news media and the public better understand news and issues related to the Church.Full Story

26. Apostle Urges Mormons to Speak Up, Avoid Defensiveness - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 14 August 2009 In his commencement speech at Brigham Young University Thursday, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged Latter-day Saints to proclaim their belief in following Jesus Christ and to avoid being defensive.Full Story

27. Elder Russell M. Nelson Addresses International Conference on Families - News Release

Amsterdam 13 August 2009 While speaking at an international conference on families in Amsterdam on Wednesday, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasized the importance of children and families to the world’s future.Full Story

28. Boston Globe Reports on Church Welfare Program - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 11 August 2009 A recent story in the Boston Globe highlights the longstanding program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that helps provide basic necessities for those who are struggling through a trying economy or with other financial challenges.Full Story

29. Cathedral Celebrates 100th Anniversary; President Monson Speaks of Service Given Jointly by Two Faiths - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 10 August 2009 A service in the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City on Sunday celebrated the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the building. The Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, led the service, which honored the cathedral’s engagement in civic life in the local community. Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was among the speakers at the service.Full Story

30. Mormon Missionaries Provide Language, Hosting Assistance at World Games - News Release

TAIWAN 7 August 2009 Dozens of Mormon missionaries provided language and hosting assistance at the recently concluded 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The World Games are held every four years and feature 35 non-Olympic sports. This year’s Games brought over 4,600 athletes and coaches from 103 countries to Taiwan’s second-largest city.Full Story

31. Mormon, Islamic Leaders Share Relief Efforts - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 29 July 2009 A recent story in the Deseret News covered a visit by leaders of Islamic Relief USA to humanitarian aid facilities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Islamic Relief USA lauded the efforts by the two organizations that have relieved the suffering of thousands.(See the full story in the Deseret News .)Full Story

32. Mormons Celebrate Their Pioneer Heritage - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 23 July 2009 Each year on 24 July, Mormons all around the world commemorate the arrival of the first company of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 with parades, concerts and other festivities. The festivities honor the sacrifice of tens of thousands of pioneers and are a reminder to Mormons of their faith.Full Story

33. Church Represented at World Religions Conference in Kazakhstan - News Release

KAZAKHSTAN 22 July 2009 Elder Paul Pieper, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presented a paper at the Third Congress of Traditional and World Religions convened at Astana, Kazakhstan in July. As president of the Church’s Europe East Area, Elder Pieper represented the Church at the request of the First Presidency. His remarks were presented on a panel of distinguished religious leaders on the topic of “Solidarity, Especially in the Period of Crises.”Full Story

34. Family History Presented to President Barack Obama by Church President Thomas S. Monson - News Release

WASHINGTON 20 July 2009 President Barack Obama was presented with five large leather-bound volumes today by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that detail his family history going back multiple generations covering hundreds of years. The presentation was made by Church President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.Full Story

35. Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Music and the Spoken Word Marks 80 Years of Broadcasting - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 17 July 2009 This Sunday, Music and the Spoken Word marks 80 years of its weekly broadcast of music and inspirational messages. It is the world's longest-running continuous network broadcast and is carried on more than 2,000 radio and television stations and cable systems.Full Story

36. Pageants Inspire Thousands in Celebration of Faith and History - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 10 July 2009 Every summer in locations across the United States, thousands of volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform in pageants open to the public.Full Story

37. Farming for the Needy - News Story

SALT LAKE CITY 8 July 2009 The Church’s farms, factories and canneries exist to benefit those in need, but the acres of alfalfa on one Utah farm benefit some who don’t consume the commodity.Full Story

38. Family Food Supply Part of Being Prepared for Tough Times - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 8 July 2009 A recent story in the Washington Post tells of one woman’s experience of using one of the home storage centers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) to prepare a reserve of dry-packed food for her family. For decades leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have encouraged Mormons to have a reasonable supply of food on hand for unforeseen times of need and emergencies. The Church operates over 100 storage centers to help facilitate this.Full Story

39. Hospital Ship Staffed by Hundreds of Volunteer Medical Professionals Provides “Comfort” in Seven Countries - News Release

Atlantic Ocean 1 July 2009 Volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are working alongside the United States Navy and other relief organizations as part of a humanitarian and medical training mission that is blessing the lives of thousands.Full Story

40. News Coverage of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir 2009 Summer Tour - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 30 June 2009 The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square enter the final weekend of their summer tour. A cast of 500 musicians, performers and support personnel have put on a show to remember for thousands — in venues from Cincinnati to Kansas City.Full Story

41. President Thomas S. Monson Dedicates Church History Library - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 20 June 2009 President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the new Church History Library today after 15 years of planning and four years of construction. He was joined by his counselors in the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at today’s event, which was attended by hundreds of community leaders and Church History Department employees.Full Story

42. Mormon Tabernacle Choir Launches 2009 Summer Tour - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 18 June 2009 The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square began their summer tour Thursday with a performance in Cincinnati, Ohio. (A regularly updated list of news coverage from the tour can be found here)Full Story

43. Media Sees Rare Historical Treasures at Tour of New Church History Library - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 11 June 2009 After 15 years of planning, four years of construction and a million artifacts moved, Elder Marlin K. Jensen from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints placed the last historical item on the shelf in the new Church History Library in front of local media.Full Story

44. Apostles Visit UK and Ireland Saints, Build Faith - News Release

LONDON 10 June 2009 “Reach out to others” was President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s message to thousands of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in meetinghouses across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland as part of a multi-congregation conference broadcast live via satellite on June 6 and 7.Full Story

45. Apostles Recall Historic Sermon by Ezra Taft Benson at a Moscow Baptist Church - News Release

MOSCOW 5 June 2009 Amid their meetings with members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Russia and Ukraine this week, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles paused for a tour of a historic Baptist church in Moscow that hosted another senior Church leader nearly 50 years ago.Full Story

46. Mormon Youth Celebrate Temple Openings - News Story

SALT LAKE CITY 3 June 2009 Over the weekend, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held two youth Temple celebrations at the Conference Center in honor of the Draper Utah Temple, dedicated in March, and the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, to be dedicated 21–23 August 2009. The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News covered the events.Full Story

47. Church Leaders Visit Growing Church Membership in Eastern Europe - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 3 June 2009 Thousands of Mormons in Ukraine and Russia traveled from throughout eastern Europe this week to welcome President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' First Presidency and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. During their trip, the two leaders spoke to several large congregations of Mormons in Kiev, Ukraine; and Samara, Yekaterinburg, and Moscow, Russia.Full Story

48. Missionary Training Center Takes Precautions Regarding Swine Flu - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 1 June 2009 Parents of missionaries entering the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, are being asked to pay particular attention to the physical condition of their missionary sons and daughters and to delay their arrival at the training center if they show any signs of illness. The caution comes on the news that three missionaries at the MTC have been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus and another 17 have tested positive for the type A flu virus.Full Story

49. Temple Square a Popular Destination - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 29 May 2009 With millions of visitors each year, Temple Square was recently recognized by Forbes magazine as the 16^th most visited attraction in America. The 35-acre area draws visitors from all over the world because of its renowned research libraries, cultural activities and historic buildings — most notably the Salt Lake Temple, at the center of Temple Square.Full Story

50. Church Response to California Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8 - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 26 May 2009 The Church issued the following statement following the California Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8: Today’s decision by the California Supreme Court is welcome. The issue the court decided was whether California citizens validly exercised their right to amend their own constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The court has overwhelmingly affirmed their action.Full Story

1. Sign Up for Breaking News Text Message Alerts

You can now receive breaking news text alerts on your mobile phone from Newsroom.lds.org. To sign up, text the word ldsnews to 29222 (United States and Puerto Rico). If you’re outside the United States, text the word ldsnews to 447624805710.Full Story

2. Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances

Full Story

3. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple Site Announced

SALT LAKE CITY 19 November 2009 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the site for the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple. The specific location is 1739 Vine Street in downtown Philadelphia.Full Story

4. Church Supports Nondiscrimination Ordinances

SALT LAKE CITY 10 November 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has declared its support of nondiscrimination regulations that would extend protection in matters of housing and employment in Salt Lake City to those with same-sex attraction. The Church said the Salt Lake City Council’s new nondiscrimination ordinance “is fair and reasonable” and balances fair housing and employment rights with the religious rights of the community.

The remarks, representing the position of the Church’s leadership, were read by Michael Otterson, managing director of Church Public Affairs, as part of a public comment period discussing the ordinances at a Salt Lake City Council meeting tonight. (Read full remarks).

5. Reaching Out Around the World

SALT LAKE CITY 4 November 2009 Latter-day Saints believe that giving service to others is a lifestyle based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who “went about doing good.”  The desire to serve others crosses cultural boundaries and has been manifested in recent months with stories featured on International Church Web sites.  From Brazil and El Salvador to Samoa and Guatemala, members of the Church are reaching out around the world to help those in need.  Below are some examples.Full Story

6. What You Will Find When You Step Inside a Mormon Chapel

SALT LAKE CITY 26 October 2009 Most first-time visitors to a Mormon church building comment on the number of rooms. Many expect to find one large interior space, such as in many other Christian denominations’ buildings of worship.Full Story

7. Natalie Cole and David McCullough to Perform in Annual Christmas Concert The Wondrous Gift of Christmas

SALT LAKE CITY 15 October 2009 Singer, songwriter and performer Natalie Cole and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough will join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for their annual Christmas concerts, titled The Wondrous Gift of Christmas. Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy will conduct the concerts.Full Story

8. Apostle Says Religious Freedom Is Being Threatened

SALT LAKE CITY 13 October 2009 An apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said religious freedom is being threatened by societal forces intimidating those with religious points of view from having a voice in the public square.Full Story

9. From Salt Lake to Samoa, Church Extends Humanitarian Help

SALT LAKE CITY 6 October 2009 A chartered cargo plane loaded with relief supplies is on its way to Samoa to aid victims of last week’s tsunami. “Dozens of villages were completely destroyed, resulting in hundreds of families losing everything," said Elder James J. Hamula of the Church’s First Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Hamula, the first counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency, said this shipment is expected to care for 2,000 people for 3-4 weeks.Full Story

10. Five New Temples Announced

SALT LAKE CITY 3 October 2009 Plans to build five new temples were announced today by President Thomas S. Monson, worldwide leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during the Church’s 179th Semiannual General Conference in Salt Lake City. With 130 temples currently operating and with another 16 in some phase of planning or construction, these five temples bring the worldwide total to 151.Full Story

11. Church Update on Pacific Earthquake and Tsunami Crisis

SALT LAKE CITY 2 October 2009 Following the devastating earthquake and resulting tsunami in the central Pacific, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is determining a response from Church headquarters in Salt Lake City while local relief efforts are underway.  According to news reports, over 150 people have died in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. Church reports indicate that 26 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have died. Twenty-two were in Samoa and four were in American Samoa.Full Story

12. Thousands to Attend 179th Semiannual General Conference

SALT LAKE CITY 2 October 2009 More than 100,000 Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with millions more watching or listening to conference proceedings via television, radio, satellite and Internet broadcasts. Five sessions of the conference will be held Saturday and Sunday, 3–4 October 2009, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.Full Story

13. First-Time Conference Attendees Speak of Experience

SALT LAKE CITY 2 October 2009 Regardless of what country they live in, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who journey to Salt Lake City for the semiannual general conference meetings share similar reactions.Full Story

14. Church Report on South Pacific Earthquake, Tsunami

SALT LAKE CITY 30 September 2009 The Church is assessing the situation in Samoa and the surrounding area following the earthquake and tsunami there. Efforts are underway to determine the Church’s humanitarian response including coordination with government and disaster relief organizations.Full Story

15. Church Responds to Flooding in the Philippines

SALT LAKE CITY 28 September 2009 Tropical storm Ketsana struck the Philippines on Saturday, 26 September 2009, triggering the heaviest rainfall in 40 years and causing significant flooding. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing food, water, clothing, hygiene items and other relief supplies, which are being purchased locally and distributed to those in the affected region.Full Story

16. New Harrisville Welfare Services Center Dedicated

HARRISVILLE, Utah 25 September 2009 Bishop Richard C. Edgley, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has dedicated a new welfare services center in Harrisville, Utah. The 54,817 square-foot facility will house multiple Church welfare services, including the Deseret Industries and LDS Family Services, as well as Church Distribution Services and a humanitarian service room, which will open in October.Full Story

17. Joseph Smith Papers Second Book Released

SALT LAKE CITY 22 September 2009 Coinciding with the anniversary of Joseph Smith receiving the ancient plates that he would later translate as the Book of Mormon, the second volume of The Joseph Smith Papers was released today. Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was presented one of the first copies by Elder Marlin K. Jensen, Church Historian and Recorder, in a special ceremony in the Church History Library attended by members of the media.Full Story

18. Church President Speaks of Opportunities and Difficulties for Students

PROVO, Utah 17 September 2009 Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke to thousands of Brigham Young University students at the Marriott Center on Tuesday. The 16th president of the Church said he looked forward to the assignment of speaking to the student body, telling them, “What a glorious sight you are.”Full Story

19. Church Edition of Spanish Bible Now Published

SALT LAKE CITY 14 September 2009 (comunicado de prensa en español) The Latter-day Saint edition of the Holy Bible in Spanish, a project that has spanned several years, is now available, and a print run of 800,000 copies has already been completed. It is one of the most significant scripture projects ever undertaken by the Church. The volume contains new chapter headings, footnotes and cross-references to all scriptures used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Full Story

20. Institutes of Religion Provide Young Mormons With Doctrinal Foundation

SALT LAKE CITY 4 September 2009 With the beginning of a new school year, hundreds of thousands of college-age Mormon students are enrolling in classes on religion in addition to their regular studies or employment. In addition to encouraging Mormons to acquire secular knowledge, the Church has established extensive programs to help young students gain religious knowledge. Accordingly, the Church provides numerous opportunities for postsecondary students to receive religious instruction through its institute of religion programs.Full Story

21. Worldwide Activities Help Prepare Mormon Youth for Life’s Opportunities

SALT LAKE CITY 28 August 2009 Brinn of Columbia, South Carolina, traveled less than two hours to attend a summer youth conference in nearby Greenville, but some of her teenage peers in other parts of the world logged considerably more miles to reach their area youth activities.Full Story

22. The Work of Temple Construction

SALT LAKE CITY 27 August 2009 Consider 17,096 exterior stones, 47 miles or nearly 250,000 linear feet of wood, 4,668 cubic yards of concrete, 407 tons of structural steel, 80 miles of electrical wiring and 184 individual doors. These numbers describe some of the construction details involved in building the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Full Story

23. Volunteers to Bring Sweden Church Records Online

FALKÖPING, Sweden 21 August 2009 FamilySearch and Svensk Arkivinformation (SVAR), a division of the National Archives of Sweden, announced today the launch of the largest online indexing initiative ever undertaken. The two groups unveiled plans to engage Swedish-speaking volunteers throughout the world to help create a highly searchable, free online index to the parish registers of Sweden—200 years of recorded Swedish history—comprising over 400 million names.Full Story

24. President Monson Dedicates Church’s 130th Temple

SALT LAKE CITY 21 August 2009 August 2009 President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple today. Prior to the first dedicatory session, President Monson joined hundreds outside the temple for the traditional cornerstone ceremony.Full Story

25. Newsroom Blog Launches

SALT LAKE CITY 18 August 2009 The Church’s Public Affairs Department launched a blog this week to supplement the content on its Newsroom Web site. The blog will include commentary, additional context, localized stories and background to help the news media and the public better understand news and issues related to the Church.Full Story

26. Apostle Urges Mormons to Speak Up, Avoid Defensiveness

SALT LAKE CITY 14 August 2009 In his commencement speech at Brigham Young University Thursday, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged Latter-day Saints to proclaim their belief in following Jesus Christ and to avoid being defensive.Full Story

27. Elder Russell M. Nelson Addresses International Conference on Families

Amsterdam 13 August 2009 While speaking at an international conference on families in Amsterdam on Wednesday, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasized the importance of children and families to the world’s future.Full Story

28. Boston Globe Reports on Church Welfare Program

SALT LAKE CITY 11 August 2009 A recent story in the Boston Globe highlights the longstanding program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that helps provide basic necessities for those who are struggling through a trying economy or with other financial challenges.Full Story

29. Cathedral Celebrates 100th Anniversary; President Monson Speaks of Service Given Jointly by Two Faiths

SALT LAKE CITY 10 August 2009 A service in the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City on Sunday celebrated the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the building. The Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, led the service, which honored the cathedral’s engagement in civic life in the local community. Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was among the speakers at the service.Full Story

30. Mormon Missionaries Provide Language, Hosting Assistance at World Games

TAIWAN 7 August 2009 Dozens of Mormon missionaries provided language and hosting assistance at the recently concluded 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The World Games are held every four years and feature 35 non-Olympic sports. This year’s Games brought over 4,600 athletes and coaches from 103 countries to Taiwan’s second-largest city.Full Story

31. Mormon, Islamic Leaders Share Relief Efforts

SALT LAKE CITY 29 July 2009 A recent story in the Deseret News covered a visit by leaders of Islamic Relief USA to humanitarian aid facilities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Islamic Relief USA lauded the efforts by the two organizations that have relieved the suffering of thousands.(See the full story in the Deseret News .)Full Story

32. Mormons Celebrate Their Pioneer Heritage

SALT LAKE CITY 23 July 2009 Each year on 24 July, Mormons all around the world commemorate the arrival of the first company of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 with parades, concerts and other festivities. The festivities honor the sacrifice of tens of thousands of pioneers and are a reminder to Mormons of their faith.Full Story

33. Church Represented at World Religions Conference in Kazakhstan

KAZAKHSTAN 22 July 2009 Elder Paul Pieper, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presented a paper at the Third Congress of Traditional and World Religions convened at Astana, Kazakhstan in July. As president of the Church’s Europe East Area, Elder Pieper represented the Church at the request of the First Presidency. His remarks were presented on a panel of distinguished religious leaders on the topic of “Solidarity, Especially in the Period of Crises.”Full Story

34. Family History Presented to President Barack Obama by Church President Thomas S. Monson

WASHINGTON 20 July 2009 President Barack Obama was presented with five large leather-bound volumes today by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that detail his family history going back multiple generations covering hundreds of years. The presentation was made by Church President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.Full Story

35. Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Music and the Spoken Word Marks 80 Years of Broadcasting

SALT LAKE CITY 17 July 2009 This Sunday, Music and the Spoken Word marks 80 years of its weekly broadcast of music and inspirational messages. It is the world's longest-running continuous network broadcast and is carried on more than 2,000 radio and television stations and cable systems.Full Story

36. Pageants Inspire Thousands in Celebration of Faith and History

SALT LAKE CITY 10 July 2009 Every summer in locations across the United States, thousands of volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints perform in pageants open to the public.Full Story

37. Family Food Supply Part of Being Prepared for Tough Times

SALT LAKE CITY 8 July 2009 A recent story in the Washington Post tells of one woman’s experience of using one of the home storage centers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) to prepare a reserve of dry-packed food for her family. For decades leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have encouraged Mormons to have a reasonable supply of food on hand for unforeseen times of need and emergencies. The Church operates over 100 storage centers to help facilitate this.Full Story

38. Hospital Ship Staffed by Hundreds of Volunteer Medical Professionals Provides “Comfort” in Seven Countries

Atlantic Ocean 1 July 2009 Volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are working alongside the United States Navy and other relief organizations as part of a humanitarian and medical training mission that is blessing the lives of thousands.Full Story

39. News Coverage of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir 2009 Summer Tour

SALT LAKE CITY 30 June 2009 The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square enter the final weekend of their summer tour. A cast of 500 musicians, performers and support personnel have put on a show to remember for thousands — in venues from Cincinnati to Kansas City.Full Story

40. President Thomas S. Monson Dedicates Church History Library

SALT LAKE CITY 20 June 2009 President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the new Church History Library today after 15 years of planning and four years of construction. He was joined by his counselors in the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at today’s event, which was attended by hundreds of community leaders and Church History Department employees.Full Story

41. Mormon Tabernacle Choir Launches 2009 Summer Tour

SALT LAKE CITY 18 June 2009 The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square began their summer tour Thursday with a performance in Cincinnati, Ohio. (A regularly updated list of news coverage from the tour can be found here)Full Story

42. Media Sees Rare Historical Treasures at Tour of New Church History Library

SALT LAKE CITY 11 June 2009 After 15 years of planning, four years of construction and a million artifacts moved, Elder Marlin K. Jensen from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints placed the last historical item on the shelf in the new Church History Library in front of local media.Full Story

43. Apostles Visit UK and Ireland Saints, Build Faith

LONDON 10 June 2009 “Reach out to others” was President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s message to thousands of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in meetinghouses across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland as part of a multi-congregation conference broadcast live via satellite on June 6 and 7.Full Story

44. Apostles Recall Historic Sermon by Ezra Taft Benson at a Moscow Baptist Church

MOSCOW 5 June 2009 Amid their meetings with members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Russia and Ukraine this week, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles paused for a tour of a historic Baptist church in Moscow that hosted another senior Church leader nearly 50 years ago.Full Story

45. Church Leaders Visit Growing Church Membership in Eastern Europe

SALT LAKE CITY 3 June 2009 Thousands of Mormons in Ukraine and Russia traveled from throughout eastern Europe this week to welcome President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' First Presidency and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. During their trip, the two leaders spoke to several large congregations of Mormons in Kiev, Ukraine; and Samara, Yekaterinburg, and Moscow, Russia.Full Story

46. Missionary Training Center Takes Precautions Regarding Swine Flu

SALT LAKE CITY 1 June 2009 Parents of missionaries entering the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, are being asked to pay particular attention to the physical condition of their missionary sons and daughters and to delay their arrival at the training center if they show any signs of illness. The caution comes on the news that three missionaries at the MTC have been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus and another 17 have tested positive for the type A flu virus.Full Story

47. Temple Square a Popular Destination

SALT LAKE CITY 29 May 2009 With millions of visitors each year, Temple Square was recently recognized by Forbes magazine as the 16^th most visited attraction in America. The 35-acre area draws visitors from all over the world because of its renowned research libraries, cultural activities and historic buildings — most notably the Salt Lake Temple, at the center of Temple Square.Full Story

48. Church Response to California Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8

SALT LAKE CITY 26 May 2009 The Church issued the following statement following the California Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8: Today’s decision by the California Supreme Court is welcome. The issue the court decided was whether California citizens validly exercised their right to amend their own constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The court has overwhelmingly affirmed their action.Full Story

49. Dedication and Open House Dates Announced for the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple

SALT LAKE CITY 20 May 2009 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced dates for a public open house prior to the dedication of the new Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.Full Story

50. Mormon Radio Launches

SALT LAKE CITY 18 May 2009 Mormon Channel, a new radio service of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, launches 18 May and can be accessed via the Internet or HD radio affiliates. The newly created 24-hour, 7-days a-week format is available live online at http://radio.lds.org, but content may also be downloaded.Full Story

1. Farming for the Needy

SALT LAKE CITY 8 July 2009 The Church’s farms, factories and canneries exist to benefit those in need, but the acres of alfalfa on one Utah farm benefit some who don’t consume the commodity.Full Story

2. Mormon Youth Celebrate Temple Openings

SALT LAKE CITY 3 June 2009 Over the weekend, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held two youth Temple celebrations at the Conference Center in honor of the Draper Utah Temple, dedicated in March, and the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, to be dedicated 21–23 August 2009. The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News covered the events.Full Story

3. Mormon Tabernacle Choir Helps Catholic Cathedral Celebrate 100 Years

SALT LAKE CITY 21 April 2009 The Cathedral of the Madeleine is celebrating 100 years in Salt Lake City. The renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square opened the Madeleine Festival with two concerts, 18 and 19 April. The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News covered the event.Full Story

4. Sacred Ceremonies: Latter-day Saint Temple Worship Must Be Experienced to Be Understood

SALT LAKE CITY 20 March 2009 An article from today’s Salt Lake Tribune discusses what temple worship means to individual Latter-day Saints.  Full Story

5. Relief Society United Worldwide in Faith and Service to Others

GIG HARBOR, Washington 13 March 2009 Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recounts her experiences of being a young girl in Brazil, where her father was a mission president and her mother was called to organize Relief Societies in the mission.Full Story

6. Salt Lake City’s Come a Long Way

HOUSTON 6 March 2009 Recently, the travel editor from the Houston Chronicle came to Salt Lake City for a ski trip and found herself intrigued by “this sparkling city in the valley.” Full Story

7. Video Biography of Church President Thomas S. Monson Available Online

SALT LAKE CITY 27 February 2009 President Thomas S. Monson said, “I always want the Lord to know that if He needs an errand run, Tom Monson will run that errand for Him.” On the Lord’s Errand: The Life of President Thomas S. Monson is now available online. The video provides a biographical overview of President Thomas S. Monson's life and service in the Church. It also includes interviews with President Monson, family members, colleagues and friends. Full Story

8. Spreading Kindness

BANGKOK, Thailand 26 February 2009 A recent story in the Bangkok Post reports that 27 years ago Her Majesty Queen Sirikit visited Welfare Square, which is owned by the Church. "The more I learn of the Mormon Church, the more I am impressed with its ideals," she said.Full Story

9. On a Mission

PITTSBURG 14 January 2009 The Morning Sun recently talked with two young men about their experiences serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Full Story

10. Local Churches Assist With Flood Relief Efforts in Washington

KITTITAS COUNTY, Washington 13 January 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with other churches, organizations and volunteers, is cleaning up as floodwaters subside in Kittitas County.Full Story