Author: ldsnews

Apostle emphasizes temple preparation in Angola and Madagascar and visits a hospital in Mozambique Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently concluded a nine-day visit to the Africa South Area, where he met with members of the Church, local leaders and government officials in South Africa, Mozambique, Angola and Madagascar at the end of May. Mozambique While ministering in Beira on May 20, 2026, Elder Gong and his wife, Susan, visited Hospital Central da Beira for the official handover of physiotherapy equipment donated by the Church. Hospital Director Dr.…

Help students understand deeply and personally their identity as children of God, worldwide Church leader says At a time when contention infects the media, classroom, politics and workplaces, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson reiterated the call from God and his prophets to “love your neighbor (including your adversaries), avoid contention and make peace” during the Religious Educators Conference on Thursday evening, in Provo, Utah. “Love changes the heart. Avoiding contention changes the tone. Peacemaking changes relationships and our communities,” President Johnson said. “And in that progressive pattern we become more like, and draw closer to, Jesus Christ.” “Love changes the…

First wave of 18-year sister missionaries to join more than 87,000 missionaries serving worldwide, Prophet says at seminar for new mission leaders Currently, 87,000 missionaries are serving around the world, but “in coming weeks, we will have the largest number of full-time missionaries in the Church’s history,” President Dallin H. Oaks told new mission leaders on Saturday, June 20. “You are called to lead missionaries at an historic time,” the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said. “Missionary work is soaring to new heights.” The increase is due to the first wave of 18-year-old sister missionaries beginning their service and…

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;…