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

51. Dedication and Open House Dates Announced for the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple - News Release

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

52. Mormon Radio Launches - News Release

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

53. David McCullough, Award-Winning Historian and Author, Visits Church History Library - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 15 May 2009 Two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning author David McCullough told Church History Library employees recently that “history doesn’t stay alive unless it’s looked after.” McCullough made his remarks at the soon-to-be-dedicated Church History Library in downtown Salt Lake City.Full Story

54. Church Teams With Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital - News Release

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 1 May 2009 A new partnership between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation promises an additional water source for the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center, which is located in the capital city of Kinshasa.Full Story

55. Church Taking Precautions on Swine Flu Situation - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 30 April 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is taking necessary precautions to address safety issues surrounding the swine flu situation. We are following recommendations by the Mexican government by cancelling all worship services in Mexico until further notice. New missionaries assigned to serve in Mexico who are currently in missionary training centers in Utah and Mexico City will remain in the missionary training centers until further notice.Full Story

56. Massive Service Day Benefits Thousands - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 27 April 2009 From coast to coast, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined hands with friends and neighbors to clean up and serve their communities in a far-reaching day of service.  Hundreds of thousands of volunteers stocked shelves, constructed houses and helped families in transition get their feet back on the ground.Full Story

57. Volunteers Transcribe 250 Million Historical Records - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 23 April 2009 FamilySearch volunteers reached a monumental milestone this week, transcribing their 250 millionth historical record.  The incredible online initiative started in January 2006 with a few thousand volunteers and has now grown to be the largest Web-based initiative of its kind with over 100,000 volunteers worldwide.  Full Story

58. Church History Library Goes “Green” With LEED Certification - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 22 April 2009 The innovative design and construction of the new Church History Library make the facility more than just an attractive venue for accessing the archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This state-of-the-art building was designed and constructed to meet the high standards for certification as a “green” building through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, putting it on track to receive the prestigious Silver designation.Full Story

59. Mormon Tabernacle Choir Helps Catholic Cathedral Celebrate 100 Years - News Story

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

60. Hundreds of Thousands of Volunteers to Provide Day of Service in Eleven Southern States - News Release

ATLANTA 20 April 2009 Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from community and faith-based organizations will strengthen communities and bring relief to those struggling because of the economic downturn in an unprecedented single day of service across 11 southern states on 25 April 2009.Full Story

61. Church Helps Bring Water to African Community - News Release

LUPUTA, Democratic Republic of the Congo 17 April 2009 Residents of the town of Luputa in Africa’s Democratic Republic of the Congo are celebrating the arrival of clean, fresh water to a region which has known only scarce water from shallow wells since the 1950’s. A dependable water system has been in the works for the last few years but residents lacked the money to complete it.Full Story

62. Mormon Apostle’s Easter Message Becomes Top Internet Video - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 13 April 2009 A short Easter video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints quickly spread over the weekend to become the top “viral” video on the Internet, according to the Viral Video Chart.Full Story

63. First Presidency Shares Easter Message - News Release

10 April 2009 In recognition of the Easter season, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following Easter message today:Full Story

64. Orchestra at Temple Square Celebrates 10th Anniversary - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 9 April 2009 The Orchestra at Temple Square’s spring concerts, held 26 and 27 March and conducted by Igor Gruppman, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the orchestra.Full Story

65. Elder Neil L. Andersen Named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 4 April 2009 Elder Neil Linden Andersen, 57, was named the newest apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Saturday during the morning session of the Church’s 179^th Annual General Conference.Full Story

66. Church Leaders Meet with Al Gore - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 2 April 2009 Former Vice President Al Gore had a brief courtesy meeting with President Thomas S. Monson and then met with Elder M. Russell Ballard, Elder Quentin L. Cook and other members of the Church’s Public Affairs Committee Thursday evening.Full Story

67. Thousands to Attend 179th Annual General Conference - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 1 April 2009 More than one hundred thousand Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend the 179th Annual 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.Full Story

68. Church President Speaks to Thousands of Mormon Young Women - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 31 March 2009 Citing the example of Queen Esther of the Old Testament, President Thomas S. Monson president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints counseled its young women to have courage in the face of everyday challenges.Full Story

69. Spanish Bible to Benefit Millions of Mormons - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 30 March 2009 (comunicado de prensa en español) In a letter to congregations of Spanish-speaking Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the forthcoming Latter-day Saint edition of the Holy Bible in Spanish.   Full Story

70. New Mormon Tabernacle Choir Associate Music Director Appointed - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 27 March 2009 The Mormon Tabernacle Choir announced today that Ryan T. Murphy has been named associate music director.  Murphy will assume the associate music director position formerly occupied by Mack J. Wilberg, who was appointed music director in March 2008.Full Story

71. Mormon Art Portrays History, Doctrine and Beliefs of Church - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 27 March 2009 Visual art in its varied forms — including painting, sculpture and architecture — helps create a vehicle to represent the teachings and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From its earliest days to present, the Church has utilized art to tell its story.Full Story

72. Historic Time Capsule Set in Church History Library - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 25 March 2009 President Thomas S. Monson, world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints added his book Faith Rewarded; a Personal Account of Prophetic Promises to the East German Saints to other artifacts that were among the first to be placed in the newly constructed Church History Library. They were not locked away in a vault or placed on a shelf but sealed in a time capsule inside one of the massive walls of the 230,000 square foot state-of-the-art structure 25 March 2009.Full Story

73. President Thomas S. Monson Dedicates Draper Utah Temple - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 20 March 2009 President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Draper Utah Temple today. Prior to the first dedicatory session President Monson, his wife, Frances, and their daughter, Ann M. Dibb, joined hundreds outside the temple for the traditional cornerstone ceremony.Full Story

74. Sacred Ceremonies: Latter-day Saint Temple Worship Must Be Experienced to Be Understood - News Story

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

75. Relief Society United Worldwide in Faith and Service to Others - News Story

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

76. Hundreds of Thousands Tour Draper Utah Temple - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 13 March 2009 The public open house for the new temple in Draper, Utah, will end on Saturday, 14 March. Over 650,000 visitors have toured the building since it was opened to the public in January.Full Story

77. Bishops’ Storehouse Helps Individuals Achieve Self-Sufficiency - News Release

CONCORD, California 11 March 2009 An unassuming building in California serves as a classroom for teaching Christian principles. A San Francisco Chronicle writer details the bishops’ storehouse and the volunteers who provide help to those in need.Full Story

78. Salt Lake City’s Come a Long Way - News Story

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

79. Family Values Award Presented at British Parliament - News Release

London 5 March 2009 The United Kingdom Parliament provided a prestigious backdrop for the presentation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Family Values Award — the first time the honor has been awarded at the UK House of Commons. The award is given annually by the Church in the United Kingdom.Full Story

80. Video Biography of Church President Thomas S. Monson Available Online - News Story

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

81. Microfarming Project Helps Families in Ecuador Become Self-Reliant - News Release

La Rinconada, Ecuador 27 February 2009 Representatives of the Benson Institute are helping Ecuadorian families to become self-sufficient by providing training for growing crops and raising animals.Full Story

82. Spreading Kindness - News Story

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

83. LDS Employment Resource Services Keeps People on the Job - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 20 February 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that one of the keys to a person’s self-respect is having meaningful employment, receiving fair compensation for hours worked, having insurance to protect against the unexpected and receiving time for vacation and sick leave to rejuvenate and to heal.Full Story

84. Construction Begins on The Gila Valley Temple - News Release

CENTRAL, Arizona 14 February 2009 Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will preside at groundbreaking services for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, to be held on Saturday, 14 February 2009, at 9 a.m.  This will formally initiate construction of the temple, which was announced by Church President Thomas S. Monson on 26 April 2008.Full Story

85. Faiths Join for Musical Tribute in Salt Lake Tabernacle - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 9 February 2009 A children’s choir representing both the Jewish and Muslim faiths joined other performers in sharing their common beliefs during the Interfaith Musical Tribute to the Human Spirit held at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.Full Story

86. Church Provides Aid in Aftermath of Southeast Ice Storms - News Release

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky 6 February 2009 As snow, ice and chilling winds continue to batter the southeast region of the United States, supplies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are on the ground in Kentucky and Arkansas.Full Story

87. Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 31 January 2009 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on Saturday the open house and dedication dates for the new Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.Full Story

88. At-Home Indexing Rapidly Increasing Genealogical Records Access - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 28 January 2009 “In 30 minutes you can help people find their ancestors.” That’s the promise prominently displayed on the front page of the familysearchindexing.org Web site. Since the indexing program began, over 150,000 people have volunteered to help make genealogical research easier for others and thousands more are volunteering each month.Full Story

89. Professor Advocates Religious Freedom - News Release

RICHMOND, Virginia 23 January 2009 At the annual banquet of the First Freedom Center, Brigham Young University law professor, W. Cole Durham Jr. was awarded the 2009 International First Freedom Award for extraordinary advocacy of religious freedom. Full Story

90. Latter-day Saint Leaders Attend National Prayer Service - News Release

WASHINGTON 21 January 2009 Two Latter-day Saint leaders, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency and Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, were among the religious leaders who attended the National Prayer Service today in celebration of the inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.Full Story

91. Church Leaders Attend President Obama’s Inauguration - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 20 January 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was represented at inaugural events for President Barack Obama by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.Full Story

92. Church Leaders to Attend Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 16 January 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be represented at inaugural events for President-elect Barack Obama by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.Full Story

93. On a Mission - News Story

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

94. Local Churches Assist With Flood Relief Efforts in Washington - News Story

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

95. Church President Addresses College Students - News Release

PROVO, Utah 12 January 2009 Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stressed academic and spiritual preparation for life as he addressed college-age students last evening in a meeting held at the Marriott Center on Brigham Young University campus, Provo, Utah, and broadcast via satellite to numerous other locations throughout the United States and Canada.Full Story

96. Draper Utah Temple Opens Its Doors to the Public - News Release

DRAPER, Utah 9 January 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is opening the doors of its 12th temple in Utah for two months and inviting the public to experience a guided tour of the interior. Tours of the new Draper Utah Temple will be offered from 15 January through 14 March 2009.Full Story

97. Popular Turn-of-the-Century Census Now Free Online - News Release

SALT LAKE CITY 7 January 2009 FamilySearch International continues to feed the growing appetite of family historians and researchers worldwide with the release of its free 1900 U.S. Census online. The free collection allows users to search the entire population of the U.S. in 1900 — over 76 million people — and view high quality images of the original census at www.FamilySearch.org.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

51. David McCullough, Award-Winning Historian and Author, Visits Church History Library

SALT LAKE CITY 15 May 2009 Two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning author David McCullough told Church History Library employees recently that “history doesn’t stay alive unless it’s looked after.” McCullough made his remarks at the soon-to-be-dedicated Church History Library in downtown Salt Lake City.Full Story

52. Church Teams With Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 1 May 2009 A new partnership between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation promises an additional water source for the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center, which is located in the capital city of Kinshasa.Full Story

53. Church Taking Precautions on Swine Flu Situation

SALT LAKE CITY 30 April 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is taking necessary precautions to address safety issues surrounding the swine flu situation. We are following recommendations by the Mexican government by cancelling all worship services in Mexico until further notice. New missionaries assigned to serve in Mexico who are currently in missionary training centers in Utah and Mexico City will remain in the missionary training centers until further notice.Full Story

54. Massive Service Day Benefits Thousands

SALT LAKE CITY 27 April 2009 From coast to coast, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined hands with friends and neighbors to clean up and serve their communities in a far-reaching day of service.  Hundreds of thousands of volunteers stocked shelves, constructed houses and helped families in transition get their feet back on the ground.Full Story

55. Volunteers Transcribe 250 Million Historical Records

SALT LAKE CITY 23 April 2009 FamilySearch volunteers reached a monumental milestone this week, transcribing their 250 millionth historical record.  The incredible online initiative started in January 2006 with a few thousand volunteers and has now grown to be the largest Web-based initiative of its kind with over 100,000 volunteers worldwide.  Full Story

56. Church History Library Goes “Green” With LEED Certification

SALT LAKE CITY 22 April 2009 The innovative design and construction of the new Church History Library make the facility more than just an attractive venue for accessing the archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This state-of-the-art building was designed and constructed to meet the high standards for certification as a “green” building through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, putting it on track to receive the prestigious Silver designation.Full Story

57. Hundreds of Thousands of Volunteers to Provide Day of Service in Eleven Southern States

ATLANTA 20 April 2009 Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from community and faith-based organizations will strengthen communities and bring relief to those struggling because of the economic downturn in an unprecedented single day of service across 11 southern states on 25 April 2009.Full Story

58. Church Helps Bring Water to African Community

LUPUTA, Democratic Republic of the Congo 17 April 2009 Residents of the town of Luputa in Africa’s Democratic Republic of the Congo are celebrating the arrival of clean, fresh water to a region which has known only scarce water from shallow wells since the 1950’s. A dependable water system has been in the works for the last few years but residents lacked the money to complete it.Full Story

59. Mormon Apostle’s Easter Message Becomes Top Internet Video

SALT LAKE CITY 13 April 2009 A short Easter video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints quickly spread over the weekend to become the top “viral” video on the Internet, according to the Viral Video Chart.Full Story

60. First Presidency Shares Easter Message

10 April 2009 In recognition of the Easter season, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following Easter message today:Full Story

61. Orchestra at Temple Square Celebrates 10th Anniversary

SALT LAKE CITY 9 April 2009 The Orchestra at Temple Square’s spring concerts, held 26 and 27 March and conducted by Igor Gruppman, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the orchestra.Full Story

62. Elder Neil L. Andersen Named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

SALT LAKE CITY 4 April 2009 Elder Neil Linden Andersen, 57, was named the newest apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Saturday during the morning session of the Church’s 179^th Annual General Conference.Full Story

63. Church Leaders Meet with Al Gore

SALT LAKE CITY 2 April 2009 Former Vice President Al Gore had a brief courtesy meeting with President Thomas S. Monson and then met with Elder M. Russell Ballard, Elder Quentin L. Cook and other members of the Church’s Public Affairs Committee Thursday evening.Full Story

64. Thousands to Attend 179th Annual General Conference

SALT LAKE CITY 1 April 2009 More than one hundred thousand Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to attend the 179th Annual 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.Full Story

65. Church President Speaks to Thousands of Mormon Young Women

SALT LAKE CITY 31 March 2009 Citing the example of Queen Esther of the Old Testament, President Thomas S. Monson president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints counseled its young women to have courage in the face of everyday challenges.Full Story

66. Spanish Bible to Benefit Millions of Mormons

SALT LAKE CITY 30 March 2009 (comunicado de prensa en español) In a letter to congregations of Spanish-speaking Latter-day Saints, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the forthcoming Latter-day Saint edition of the Holy Bible in Spanish.   Full Story

67. New Mormon Tabernacle Choir Associate Music Director Appointed

SALT LAKE CITY 27 March 2009 The Mormon Tabernacle Choir announced today that Ryan T. Murphy has been named associate music director.  Murphy will assume the associate music director position formerly occupied by Mack J. Wilberg, who was appointed music director in March 2008.Full Story

68. Mormon Art Portrays History, Doctrine and Beliefs of Church

SALT LAKE CITY 27 March 2009 Visual art in its varied forms — including painting, sculpture and architecture — helps create a vehicle to represent the teachings and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From its earliest days to present, the Church has utilized art to tell its story.Full Story

69. Historic Time Capsule Set in Church History Library

SALT LAKE CITY 25 March 2009 President Thomas S. Monson, world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints added his book Faith Rewarded; a Personal Account of Prophetic Promises to the East German Saints to other artifacts that were among the first to be placed in the newly constructed Church History Library. They were not locked away in a vault or placed on a shelf but sealed in a time capsule inside one of the massive walls of the 230,000 square foot state-of-the-art structure 25 March 2009.Full Story

70. President Thomas S. Monson Dedicates Draper Utah Temple

SALT LAKE CITY 20 March 2009 President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Draper Utah Temple today. Prior to the first dedicatory session President Monson, his wife, Frances, and their daughter, Ann M. Dibb, joined hundreds outside the temple for the traditional cornerstone ceremony.Full Story

71. Hundreds of Thousands Tour Draper Utah Temple

SALT LAKE CITY 13 March 2009 The public open house for the new temple in Draper, Utah, will end on Saturday, 14 March. Over 650,000 visitors have toured the building since it was opened to the public in January.Full Story

72. Bishops’ Storehouse Helps Individuals Achieve Self-Sufficiency

CONCORD, California 11 March 2009 An unassuming building in California serves as a classroom for teaching Christian principles. A San Francisco Chronicle writer details the bishops’ storehouse and the volunteers who provide help to those in need.Full Story

73. Family Values Award Presented at British Parliament

London 5 March 2009 The United Kingdom Parliament provided a prestigious backdrop for the presentation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Family Values Award — the first time the honor has been awarded at the UK House of Commons. The award is given annually by the Church in the United Kingdom.Full Story

74. Microfarming Project Helps Families in Ecuador Become Self-Reliant

La Rinconada, Ecuador 27 February 2009 Representatives of the Benson Institute are helping Ecuadorian families to become self-sufficient by providing training for growing crops and raising animals.Full Story

75. LDS Employment Resource Services Keeps People on the Job

SALT LAKE CITY 20 February 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that one of the keys to a person’s self-respect is having meaningful employment, receiving fair compensation for hours worked, having insurance to protect against the unexpected and receiving time for vacation and sick leave to rejuvenate and to heal.Full Story

76. Construction Begins on The Gila Valley Temple

CENTRAL, Arizona 14 February 2009 Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will preside at groundbreaking services for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, to be held on Saturday, 14 February 2009, at 9 a.m.  This will formally initiate construction of the temple, which was announced by Church President Thomas S. Monson on 26 April 2008.Full Story

77. Faiths Join for Musical Tribute in Salt Lake Tabernacle

SALT LAKE CITY 9 February 2009 A children’s choir representing both the Jewish and Muslim faiths joined other performers in sharing their common beliefs during the Interfaith Musical Tribute to the Human Spirit held at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.Full Story

78. Church Provides Aid in Aftermath of Southeast Ice Storms

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky 6 February 2009 As snow, ice and chilling winds continue to batter the southeast region of the United States, supplies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are on the ground in Kentucky and Arkansas.Full Story

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

SALT LAKE CITY 31 January 2009 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on Saturday the open house and dedication dates for the new Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.Full Story

80. At-Home Indexing Rapidly Increasing Genealogical Records Access

SALT LAKE CITY 28 January 2009 “In 30 minutes you can help people find their ancestors.” That’s the promise prominently displayed on the front page of the familysearchindexing.org Web site. Since the indexing program began, over 150,000 people have volunteered to help make genealogical research easier for others and thousands more are volunteering each month.Full Story

81. Professor Advocates Religious Freedom

RICHMOND, Virginia 23 January 2009 At the annual banquet of the First Freedom Center, Brigham Young University law professor, W. Cole Durham Jr. was awarded the 2009 International First Freedom Award for extraordinary advocacy of religious freedom. Full Story

82. Latter-day Saint Leaders Attend National Prayer Service

WASHINGTON 21 January 2009 Two Latter-day Saint leaders, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency and Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, were among the religious leaders who attended the National Prayer Service today in celebration of the inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.Full Story

83. Church Leaders Attend President Obama’s Inauguration

SALT LAKE CITY 20 January 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was represented at inaugural events for President Barack Obama by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.Full Story

84. Church Leaders to Attend Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama

SALT LAKE CITY 16 January 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be represented at inaugural events for President-elect Barack Obama by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.Full Story

85. Church President Addresses College Students

PROVO, Utah 12 January 2009 Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stressed academic and spiritual preparation for life as he addressed college-age students last evening in a meeting held at the Marriott Center on Brigham Young University campus, Provo, Utah, and broadcast via satellite to numerous other locations throughout the United States and Canada.Full Story

86. Draper Utah Temple Opens Its Doors to the Public

DRAPER, Utah 9 January 2009 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is opening the doors of its 12th temple in Utah for two months and inviting the public to experience a guided tour of the interior. Tours of the new Draper Utah Temple will be offered from 15 January through 14 March 2009.Full Story

87. Popular Turn-of-the-Century Census Now Free Online

SALT LAKE CITY 7 January 2009 FamilySearch International continues to feed the growing appetite of family historians and researchers worldwide with the release of its free 1900 U.S. Census online. The free collection allows users to search the entire population of the U.S. in 1900 — over 76 million people — and view high quality images of the original census at www.FamilySearch.org.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