On today’s episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This week we take a closer look at Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s patriotic address, where he claimed God preserved the United States for the Restoration, taught that Noah’s Flood fractured the continents to protect the promised land, reaffirmed the Garden of Eden in Missouri, and described America as a stepping stone to eternal life. We’ll also discuss the Church’s invitation for members worldwide to participate in a unified fast for religious liberty.
Links: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist….https://www.thechurchnews.com/members…
Next, we’ll discuss a federal lawsuit alleging that Utah prison guards sexually assaulted female inmates, including allegations that one correctional officer’s LDS temple garments were found in an inmate’s cell and questions about whether prison leaders attempted to cover up the abuse.
Links: https://kutv.com/news/2news-investiga…https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-k…
We’ll also examine the Church’s announcement that it is creating 55 new missions, what “new” actually means, why Africa is receiving nearly one-third of them, and the decision to lower the missionary age for women from 19 to 18.
Links: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist….https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist….
We’ll cover the case of a Rexburg man accused of setting his parents’ home on fire after allegedly telling police God instructed him to do it, raising questions about revelation, mental illness, and claims of divine communication.
Link: https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/07…
We’ll also discuss the dedication of the new Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center, including the Church’s installation of a historic Tiffany stained-glass window that sold at auction for $237,500.
Links: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist….https://www.antiquetrader.com/auction…
Next, we’ll examine the plea agreement involving former LDS Young Men leader Virgil Larson, accused of giving nude massages to minors, and why the amended charges would allow him to avoid registering as a sex offender.
Links: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ8lym2pU…https://floodlit.org/a/b051/
Finally, we’ll discuss the viral video: Did the Mormon Church pass the test? We’ll explore what that conversation reveals about missionaries and training around child safety in the church.
Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikalie.monro…
Join us live as we provide context behind the headlines, separate fact from speculation, and discuss what these stories reveal about Mormonism today.
3 Responses
You’re sure starting to discuss ‘minor’ issues. Please, give it a rest!
I remain perplexed! If ex members of the church are just that, EX members, for whatever reason, why do you keep talking about it and reference that people can “donate.” Donate to what and for what?
No doubt you’ve been told a million times – move on, and leave the church alone. Stop trying to cause damage and stimulate faithlessness. You might feel estranged, but so many of us do not.
You are trying to pull down; how about building?
Greg Matson’s complaint is an interesting view into a schism I see forming, which is, the church doesn’t promote masculinity enough. On the face, this is ridiculous, with everything revolving around patriarchy and male leadership, but there is a lot of “softness” encouraged for men in the church: crying when moved by the spirit, telling people you love them, having a humble testimony. There is a movement in the US for men to more masculine. I’m not going to play sociologist on why I think that exists, but it does, and I think Greg’s point is they aren’t getting that kind of support and direction at church that they may get from a podcaster or speaker at a rally that promotes those ideas. Whether or not you agree with these kinds of movements, if you’re someone who that resonates with and you’re not getting it at church, you’re going to look for it somewhere else.
Really hoping for striped garments