Author: ldsnews

Author and composer Andrea Brett was inspired by an enthusiastic greeting one snowy morning This story appears here courtesy of TheChurchNews.com. It is not for use by other media. By Carly Ludlow, Church News Andrea Brett, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Missouri, arrived at a sacrament meeting (worship service) in 2017. On a snowy Sunday morning while visiting family in Spokane, Washington, Brett was greeted by Demetrius O’Neal, a recent convert to the Church serving as a congregation greeter. Brett recalls his outstretched hands, open arms and broad smile that unexpectedly met her before she…

The historic doors of the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints once again adorn the sacred structure. The installation of the doors not only marks a significant step toward completing the yearslong renovation of the temple; it also symbolizes the literal opening of the doors to welcome the world to the Salt Lake Temple Celebration in 2027. “Today’s installation of the Salt Lake Temple doors marks movement toward the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, held April through October 2027, when all the world is welcome to come inside the house of the Lord,” said Richard Sutton, senior director…

Life is better—everything is better—when we are about His business. I was baptised into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my mid-20s in London, joining a host of new young single adult friends in my newfound faith. During the first sacrament meeting following my baptism, I was asked to come to the front of the chapel, and the congregation was invited to raise their hands as a sign of welcome to the ward and to the Church. This was an unfamiliar practice to me. But I looked into those smiling faces, and I felt as if they…

Presented by President D. Todd Christofferson Second Counselor in the First Presidency Brothers and sisters, I have been asked to handle the business of the solemn assembly, the sacred event for which we are gathered today. In this solemn assembly, as noted, we will vote by quorums and groups. We will call on each quorum or group in turn. Wherever you are, you will then be invited to stand and express by your uplifted hand that you choose to sustain those whose names will be presented. You should vote only when asked to stand with your quorum or group. Please express…

By President Dallin H. Oaks President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The conference we convene today is different because it begins with what we call a solemn assembly. My dear brothers and sisters, welcome to general conference. I now address members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, numbering over 17 million worldwide, and others who are interested in the remarkable progress and inspired teachings of this Church. Most of you know we have these general conferences twice each year. But as many of you are not aware, the conference we convene today is different because…

FamilySearch sponsors Eurasia archives conference to help connect people to their heritage. ASTANA, Kazakhstan (22 June 2026)—Archivists from 30 nations gathered on 8–12 June 2026 in Kazakhstan to discuss safeguarding their historical records while exploring trends and best practices to expand access. As a world genealogy leader and an event sponsor of the III Congress of Archivists, the Digital Archive Expo, FamilySearch International joined archivists, cultural leaders, and institutions from across Eurasia to advance the preservation and accessibility of humanity’s shared heritage. The international gathering emphasized a growing global commitment to digitization, collaboration, and expansion to increase access to archival…

Users can explore family ties, memories, and traditions with this free online experience. SALT LAKE CITY, UT (10 June 2026)— FamilySearch is launching a new free online experience that gives visitors the chance to explore possible family connections to 20 famous historical soccer players from around the world. It is available exclusively online now through 19 July at FamilySearch.org. Discover Famous Soccer Relative Connections Designed with a global audience in mind, the experience is available in 11 languages and is tailored for users in Latin American and European languages, making it easier to access a custom Family Tree, view world soccer…

FamilySearch expanded its free online archives with over 102 million new records from 22 countries, significantly broadening access for family history researchers worldwide. This update includes nearly 88 million vital, church, and probate records from the United Kingdom, nearly 12 million civil and church records from Mexico, and more than a million civil and church records from both Belgium and the Philippines. Other countries with significant record additions include the following: To ensure the accuracy of updates, FamilySearch takes time to compile new record update reports. Dates of when a collection was published may not coincide with the date of…

FamilySearch honors family discovery for Juneteenth with online class SALT LAKE CITY, UT (1 June 2026)— FamilySearch International invites audiences to celebrate Juneteenth with a live webinar that honors freedom, family, and discovery. Marking the 10-year anniversary of the Freedmen’s Bureau Project, this free webinar shares how an online community effort continues to lead to remarkable family history discoveries for those whose ancestors were enslaved. The webinar—“Found Together: The Kingstree 435 Story”—will showcase how a descendant of enslaved ancestors recently discovered an obscure transportation record from the Freedmen’s Bureau Project.The document identified 435 freed slaves who moved from South Carolina to Texas following…

FamilySearch has expanded its free online archives, with more than 256 million new records from 27 countries. Additions include 48 million vital records from England and Wales, 37 million residence records from the United Kingdom, 9 million civil registrations and church records from the Philippines, 4 million civil and church records from Italy, and 7 million vital, military, immigration, and census records from the United States. Other countries with significant record additions include: To ensure the accuracy of updates, FamilySearch takes time to compile new record update reports. Dates of when a collection was published may not coincide with the date…