Author: ldsnews

First Presidency counselor later ministers to missionaries and youth in Toronto Standing at the National Constitution Center near Independence Hall, where the U.S. Constitution was adopted, President D. Todd Christofferson joined faith leaders on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to support religious freedom for everyone. The Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offered the invocation at Becket’s annual Canterbury Medal Gala that celebrates religious freedom. The event comes as the Church and the United States celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. President Christofferson was joined by his wife, Kathy, as well as Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the…

Nationwide effort expected to provide millions of meals The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has now delivered truckloads of food to all 50 U.S. states as part of its effort to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. The milestone was reached with a food delivery to Hilo, Hawaii, on June 13, 2026, and was highlighted at events in Hawaii and Boston, as well as volunteer efforts in Alaska. This significant effort was further recognized in Boston, where on Wednesday, June 17, a semitruck carrying more than 37,000 pounds of food from the Church was delivered to the Catholic Charities…

The Church of Jesus Christ is strengthening its sustainability initiatives in Mexico, including water and energy conservation and reforestation As part of its commitment to caring for the earth and using resources responsibly, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to implement sustainability initiatives around the world. These efforts help reduce energy and water consumption, reduce the environmental impact of its properties and generate long-term savings. This meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Acapulco, Mexico, is an example of solar panels creating electricity for lighting, air conditioning and other services. In Mexico, the…

The Presiding Bishopric is a council of three men who work under the direction of the First Presidency. They manage such matters as humanitarian aid, welfare programs, tithing and fast offerings, physical facilities, and the organization of membership records, among others. They also travel frequently to minister to Church members around the world. In addition, the Presiding Bishopric presides over the Aaronic Priesthood in the Church. Because most Aaronic Priesthood holders are young men, members of the Presiding Bishopric work with the Young Men General Presidency to support the young men of the Church in their priesthood duties. The First…

Area Seventies are Church leaders called by the First Presidency to be “especial1 witnesses” and to assist the Twelve in “building up the church and regulating all the affairs” and “preaching and administering the gospel” in their assigned areas (Doctrine and Covenants 107:25, 34, 38). They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Area Seventies are called and set apart to serve in specific geographical areas but may also be assigned to serve in other areas as needed. They are not called to full-time service and typically serve for five years. Their duties include meeting…

General Authority Seventies are Church leaders called by the First Presidency to be “especial1 witnesses” and to assist the Twelve in “building up the church and regulating all the affairs” and “preaching and administering the gospel” throughout the world (Doctrine and Covenants 107:25, 34, 38). They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord taught, “It is the duty of the [Twelve Apostles] to call upon the Seventy, when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for preaching and administering the gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:38). General Authority Seventies serve…

The Presidency of the Seventy is a group of seven General Authority Seventies called as presidents by the First Presidency to preside over all members of the Seventy. One of the seven presidents is chosen to preside over the other six (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:93–94). They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Presidency of the Seventy oversees the work of the Seventy and assists the Quorum of the Twelve in their work throughout the world. This work includes traveling to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ; administering missionary, temple, family history, humanitarian, and other efforts;…

Apostle was the title Jesus gave to the Twelve whom He chose and ordained to be His closest followers and supporters1. Apostles are chosen to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ2. Just as Jesus Christ called and sent His Apostles forth to represent Him, today’s Apostles are given the role to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest leadership body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the First Presidency being the highest). Jesus Christ calls Apostles to represent Him in our day just as He did in…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follows the same pattern as the church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry, restored in modern times. He remains the head of the Church and directs His chosen servants as they lead. The leaders of the worldwide Church are known as General Authorities and General Officers. General Authorities include the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Authority Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. General Officers include the General Presidencies of the Relief Society, Primary, Sunday School, Young Women, and Young Men organizations. The First Presidency is the highest…

The Lord has promised, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). Preparation ensures a brighter, more secure future for you and your loved ones. By managing money wisely, furthering your education, securing stable employment, and preparing for emergencies, you can better care for yourself, your family, and those around you. Working Towards Self-Reliance Encouraging personal growth and independence for yourself while seeking divine guidance is at the center of self-reliance. You can increase your ability to care for yourself and others by: Attending a self-reliance course. Learning practical skills to improve yourself. Obtaining additional education. Planning for Uncertainty Preparation…