THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 189TH ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE
A MILLENNIAL TIME New president, new generati ons usher in changes to the Latter-day Sa int faith
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Table of Contents
5 12 13 18
A global pursuit
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STAFF
A look at the LDS Church's efforts to adopt a more global approach under its new president
Publisher
A year in review
Jordan Carroll
A timeline of major announcements and changes in the LDS Church
Dwindling religious identity 'How Millennials are Changing the LDS Church'
Press forward, Saints Millennials who stay strong in the faith
Rhett Long
Editor
Writers
Genelle Pugmire Karissa Neely
Photography Evan Cobb Isaac Hale
Design Heather Marcus
21
A new balance Incorporating the revolution of technology into church curriculum
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COURTESY
Pope Francis welcomes President Russell M. Nelson to the Vatican March 9.
A global gospel LDS President Russell M. Nelson, ‘global man and techno guy’ taking church’s gospel to the world GENELLE PUGMIRE
Daily Herald
Reaching out to the people of the world is a key responsibility for the president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At age 94, President Russell M. Nelson accepted that charge with enthusiasm and vigor. Nelson and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, not unlike the apostles during Christ’s ministry, have taken the biblical assignment of going into all the world to preach the gospel to every creature, seriously. Since being sustained as president of the church that claims more than 16 million members, Nelson has trav-
eled to 16 countries and throughout the U.S.; during his first year and has met with tens of thousands of members of the church, government leaders and leaders from other faiths. While global expansion and outreach is not something new in the church, the focus on that global outreach has been more pronounced under Nelson’s leadership. The Global Ministry Tour, receiving a title as such, is just one big difference from other presidents who traveled throughout the world. In addition to international travel, Nelson has been documented helping dedicate and announce temples in iconic places worldwide, and has emphasized and adjusted the church’s missionary work
to use modern technology and social pace of which this is a part. We think the media. church is an old church. It’s 189 years old. But it’s only the beginning. Just The hinge point project out what the next future will be History was made March 9, when and the church is going to have an unNelson responded to the invitation to precedented future. Unparalleled. We’re meet privately with Pope Francis at the just building up to what’s ahead now.” Vatican while he was in Rome to dediThe significance of having the encate the church’s 162nd temple. tire First Presidency and the Quorum That historic meeting was a “hinge of Twelve Apostles of the church topoint” according to Nelson, for the gether outside of the United States church moving forward and to show for the Rome Temple dedication was government leaders and international unprecedented. It is believed to be the media the worldwide nature of the first time in the church’s history that all church. 15 leaders have gathered in one location “This is a hinge point in the history outside the United States. of the church,” Nelson said. “Things are Following the fourth dedicatory sergoing to move forward at an accelerated vice, Nelson and President M. Russell
6 LDS GUIDE SPRING 2019
Ballard, President of the Quorum of the Twelve, met with members of the church media according to a church news statement. When asked about the opportunity to have the full First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles present for the temple dedication, President Nelson said, ‘I think the Lord is pleased. He wanted it done that way. It will be a blessing for the people all over the world. Because these apostles now will go all over the world and recount the experiences that they have felt here as this holy house was dedicated’.”
Worldwide temples
Rome is not the only place where the public has been able to see inside an LDS temple, meet its general authorities or experience the church’s changes and how it is moving forward. For instance, a number of foreign temples are having ground breaking ceremonies, open houses and dedications this year, including the Lisbon Portugal; the Frankfurt Germany and the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo temples. Nelson announced 19 new temples in 2018 from Mendoza Argentina, to Yigo Guam and from Phnom Penh Cambodia to “a city to be named” in Russia. The announcement of 19 temples in one year is in keeping with the church’s desire to have temples to dot the earth, making it easier for members to attend. It is anticipated that more temples will be announced at the 189th General Conference in April. The push for temples in recent history began with President Gordon B. Hinckley — president from 1995 to 2008 — that called in 1995 for 100 new temples by the year 2000. He dedicated 63 temples during his leadership. President Thomas S. Monson — president from 2008 to 2018 — continued the call for temple building. He dedicated 14 during his administration. Hinckley was the most traveled president in the church’s history. His duties took him around the world many times to meet with Latter-day Saints in more than 60 countries during his 14-year administration. He was the first church president to travel to Spain, where in 1996 he broke ground for a temple in Madrid; and to the African nations of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Cape Verde, where he met with thousands of Latter-day Saints in 1998. In 2005, he traveled nearly 25,000 miles
COURTESY MORMONNEWSROOM.ORG
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency visits with group of LDS volunteers who were giving a helping hand during hurricane clean up. on a seven-nation, nine-day tour to Russia, South Korea, China, Taiwan, India, Kenya and Nigeria. While Monson’s health prohibited extensive traveling, Nelson has his eyes set on being with the people around the world as much as possible, according to his wife Wendy in comments made in a church interview. As technology has increased the ability to have a worldwide connection, Nelson and the Quorum of the Twelve are sharing messages, sometimes daily, to the church’s members through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other media — something unheard of under past presidents.
Worldwide concerns
Worldwide news involving church members and its missionaries has also raised concerns about safety and humanitarian aid. On March 22, 2016, four church missionaries serving in the Paris, France mission were seriously injured in a deadly explosion at the Brussels airport. Three young male missionaries had been accompanying a female missionary who was on her way to a mission assignment in Ohio. All of them were taken to local hospitals. Eventually, they were well enough for the three to come home to the United States for more recovery. The sister missionary was able to continue on to her mission assignment. With more than 65,000 missionaries serving throughout the world it is a matter of when, not if, something
will happen. Sadly, missionaries have died while serving, others have been accosted, some have been arrested. On March 1, while Nelson and the church were focused on Rome, two young men, “volunteers” for the church, were arrested and detained in Novorssiysk, Russia for allegedly teaching English in the church, which is against the law. While being held they were allowed to visit with their mission president and call their parents. “While we are grateful these young men are reportedly in good condition and are being treated well, we are troubled by the circumstances surrounding their detention,” said Eric Hawkins, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the time of this writing the two volunteers are still being detained. With recent changes in the law, volunteers in Russia may not proselyte publicly, but instead focus on supporting the church and its members, and on engaging in community and humanitarian service, according to statement released by the church. In 2018, the church reduced the number of volunteers in Russia. Missionary safety was the focus of a March 1 church release of a new, 12part video series. The series is aimed at increasing the safety of its more than 65,000 missionaries around the world. Called “The Safety Zone,” each episode covers a safety topics from health to what to do in a crisis.
Global expansion
Brigham Young University religion professor Casey Griffiths said the church expanding globally is a big deal, but that it has been a big deal for a long time. Griffiths specializes in the 20th century of the LDS Church and global LDS Church history, among other topics. “President Nelson has traveled no more than President (Gordon B.) Hinckley,” Griffiths said. While Nelson is reaching out to members at professional baseball stadiums and large indoor arenas throughout the U.S. and world, this is not particularly a new forum. Griffiths said area conferences, where large numbers of church members assembled for instruction, was introduced by President Spencer W. Kimball in the 1970s. “The challenge is being outside of the centers of strength,” Griffiths said. Nelson would like members who feel scattered in their own country to have a united experience. The church believes a temple, or special meeting of members with a general authority, can unite these smaller groups. For instance, Griffiths points to India, where membership is 0.001 percent of the population or about one in a million. While the church reports it is growing — there are 13,570 members in 43 congregations — there is still some levels of disconnect with the Utah headquarters of the church.
Please see GLOBAL GOSPEL, Page 8
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 7
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GLOBAL GOSPEL From 6
Another area of Asia has also been selected for a Latter-day Saint temple, signifying continuing growth. A temple is being built in Bangkok, Thailand, but the entire country has only 22,100 members or about 0.03 percent of the population. No matter, Nelson wants all members of the church to enjoy temples, unity among their church peers, a closeness to church general authorities and updated curriculum, the same as people in Utah do. Last April, Nelson announced a new temple in Bengaluru, India and traveled there during his Global Ministry Tour in late April of 2018. “It (global outreach) is not necessarily new, but it has been more pronounced under President Nelson’s leadership,” Griffiths said. “Since the 1960s the Church has been wrestling with the challenges of meeting the needs of our international membership. President Nelson’s international focus, especially his travel, is definitely impressive.” Griffiths added, another important move came in the calling of Elder Gerrit W. Gong, and Elder Ulisses Soares to the Quorum of the Twelve in April 2018 to fill the seats left vacant by Nelson and the late Elder Robert D. Hales. Nelson replaced Monson, who died Jan. 2, 2018. “We have had a wonderful amount of international diversity among church leadership since the first General Authority Seventies were called more than 40 years ago,” Griffiths said. “But seeing Apostles of Chinese-American and Latin American background in the Quorum of the Twelve is a significant symbol of the maturation of the international church.” While Gong and Soares were called by revelation, Griffiths said, “They also serve as an important symbol to the international membership of the church that our faith is something that transcends national boundaries and is creating a truly global family of Saints.” General Authority Seventies and Area Seventies have members from every continent on the globe. New General Authority Seventies come from nearly every South American country including Brazil, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay Portugal and Venezuela. There are also representatives
husbands. In most cases, they also speak and preach the gospel with their husbands at various meetings from stadiums to chapels around the world. While the wives have often traveled with their husbands in the past, it is becoming more common for them to be expected to speak at meetings as well. Special devotionals feature the couples more often.
Messages to the world
As the church leadership focuses on global membership, the messages they share have focused on the church’s core beliefs. Key phrases like “staying on the covenant path” or “ministering in a higher and holier way” are being integrated into their global messaging reflecting Nelson’s desire to up the game on members holding to the doctrine of the church, being better a carCOURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE, INC. ing for their neighbor and preparing for more to come. . Preparing to enter Wives of members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. From the temple continues to be Nelson’s right to left, they are Wendy L. Nelson, Kristen M. Oaks, Patricia T. Holland, Harriet mantra for members. For young marR. Uchtdorf, Susan Kae Bednar, Mary G. Cook, Katherine J. Christofferson, Kathy W. Andersen, Melanie T. Rasband, Lesa Jean Stevenson, Ruth L. Renlund, Susan L. Gong rieds, young single adults and youth, and Rosana F. Soares. it’s about making homes sanctuaries of faith, fasting from social media, from Africa, Portugal, Japan and other training for local Relief Society and reading the Book of Mormon, focusAsian countries and Eastern and Young Women leaders at a meeting- ing on Sunday study at home and takWestern Europe. house in Abidjan, located next to the ing vitamins and getting rest for what From his Global Ministry Tour in construction site of a new temple. Nelson said is the coming snowstorm April 2018, to meeting with youth in Members of the Relief Society and of revelations. Face to Face firesides and devotionals, Primary general presidencies the week These Nelson trademark phrases Nelson has been spreading his message of Aug. 31, 2018 met with survivors of are indicative of what he wants the of temple attendance, eternal families the devastating June 3 eruption of the world to know, and that he believes and focusing on the Savior Jesus Christ Fuego Volcano in Guatemala. there is much more revelation to come to members around the world. On Nov. 30, 2018 Sister Sharon that will affect them individually and Eubank, first counselor in the Gen- church as the whole. Global women eral Relief Society Presidency was in In a speech on Sept. 15 to 50,000 Besides members of the First Presi- Baghdad, Irag for a conference de- church members and guests at Safeco dency and the Quorum of the Twelve, signed to raise worldwide support Field in the Seattle area, President general presidencies of the Relief So- to end religious persecution. LDS Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in ciety, Young Women and Primary or- Charities, directed by Eubank, is the the First Presidency, said it would be ganizations have also traveled from humanitarian arm of the church and necessary for members of the church Guatemala to Africa into areas where partners with the AMAR Foundation to gain their own testimonies and to humanitarian needs are pronounced to help restore the spiritual and tem- understand how the Holy Ghost, a and to conferences focused on women poral needs of the Yezidi communities member of the Godhead or Holy Trinand the family. in Lalish and Sinjar, Iraq, according to ity, works within them. Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society a church press release. “Our privilege to hear the word of general president, and Sister Bonnie H. “This work seeks to restore for com- God from a living prophet is one of the Cordon, Young Women general presi- munities targeted by ISIS and others great joys of being a member of The dent, wrapped up their 11-day tour of the music, sacred clothing, places of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day West Africa in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, worship, scriptural texts, temple and Saints,” said Eyring. “As the Church before returning to Utah March 13. The church sites, genealogies, and fam- moves to every nation and people, and leaders also traveled to Ghana and Ni- ily and neighborhood relationships in the last days, we can expect and take geria to meet with government leaders so crucial to healing,” Eubank said in joy in new messages coming from God and Latter-day Saints, according to a the release. through the prophet.” church press release. More visibility has also been given On Saturday, March 9, the sisters to the wives of the general authorities, Unleashed and ambitious met with missionaries and held a who are travel companions to their During her first visit to South America
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 9
in October 2018 with her husband, Sister Wendy Nelson describes the changes she has seen in her husband as he has traveled the globe and has met with many members of the church. “I have seen him changing in the last 10 months,” said Sister Nelson. “It is as though he’s been unleashed. He’s free to finally do what he came to earth to do. … And also, he’s free to follow through with things he’s been concerned about but could never do. Now that he’s president of [the Church], he can do those things.” Wendy Nelson continues, “He’s become younger and happier. He is doing what he said he came to earth to do. My husband is a global man, a techno guy. He’s not just about tradition but why EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD are we doing that? He’s sincere about Sister Marianne Gadiane, right, from the Philippines works with Sister Tessa Hintze preparing the world and church for the during their missionary hours at the Online Teaching Center on March 8, 2018, in Salt second coming.” Lake City. Michael Goodman, a professor in the religion department at Brigham Young church, gaining a testimony of Christ. aspects of the restored gospel and tryUniversity, specializes in Latter-day While the messages are not vastly dif- ing to get the members to do the same,” Saint doctrine, missionary work and ferent from times past, there is a has- Goodman said. “Hence, you’ll see talk the international church and mar- tening in the leadership’s voice. after talk referring to Jesus Christ, riage and the family. He has noticed “The leadership of the church seems the plan of salvation, the importance the messages from church leaders are to be taking a two pronged approach to of faith and repentance, the need to focused on the core doctrines of the these issues. First and foremost they stay on the covenant path, etc. They church and, most importantly to the are focusing on the core or essential also seem to be trying to teach mem-
bers how to discern between truth and error on these and every other issue through giving members the needed tools to better judge secular and spiritual sources.” Goodman said, “I went back and reviewed every published message that President Nelson has given in his worldwide ministry since his call. He has seemed driven to get out among the people throughout the world.” Goodman uses Wendy Nelson’s words to give that drive some perspective. “My husband is a global man. … He thinks outside of the box,’ she said. ‘I cannot get him to act his age. … If he is at home he’ll say, ‘It’s wonderful to be home, but I need to be with the people.’” Nelson himself said, “This is a global ministry. We’re prophets for the whole world — all of God’s children — not just the members of the Church. We’ll get around, but we’ll still miss more than we’ll touch, but we’ll try. We won’t give up just because it’s a big job.”
Humanitarian aid
The church is also reaching out to the world through LDS Charities, the
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humanitarian arm of the church. According to its annual report for 2018, the church and its more than 1,900 partners reported assisting with 2,885 projects in 141 countries — higher than in years past. The Christmas “Light the World” campaign introduced charitable giving through vending machines in the United States in 2017. In 2018 they added Great Britain to the list. Campaign marketing in London said, “Imagine if you could buy two chickens for £20 and donate them to a needy family in another country.” The church introduced this unusual type of vending machine that allowed individuals to give specific items like goats, chickens, spectacles, blankets, socks, clean water and healthy meals. Instead of going to a vending machine to buy something, a person could actually give something. Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff said during the threeweek campaign, “In just a few weeks, these machines have generated 52,279 contributions, resulting in $1,332,128 in total donations to local and global charities.”
COURTESY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Rome Italy Temple Visitors’ Center.
Global Ministry tour and beyond President Nelson has traveled to 16 nations and territories in his first year of ministry as president including: London, England; Jerusalem, Israel; Nairobi, Kenya; Harare, Zimbabwe; Bengaluru, India; Bangkok, Thailand; Hong Kong; and Laie, Hawaii, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and Raymond, Alberta, Canada;, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and San Juan, Puerto Rico; Seattle, Washington, and Langley, British Columbia, Canada; Lima, Peru; El Alto, Bolivia; Asunción, Paraguay; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Concepción, Chile; and San Antonio, Texas.
Words spoken by LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson PROVIDED
This word cloud includes words and phrases recently spoken by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson.
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 11
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Timeline of LDS Church events from April 2018-March 2019 DAILY HERALD
March 31-April 1, 2018 April Annual General Conference n Solemn Assembly sustains Russell M. Nelson as president. n Elder Ulisses Soares and Elder Gerrit W. Gong are sustained as apostles n Eight new General Authority Seventies n New Young Women’s presidency n Adult priesthood quorums combined. All adult priesthood holders Elders unless in a stake or bishopric calling and then they are ordained High Priests. n Ministering instituted instead of home and visiting teaching programs n Seven temples announced n Conference sessions consolidated with Priesthood in April; Women’s in October April 10-23 The Global Ministry Tour begins with President Russell M. Nelson, his wife, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and his wife, in London. The tour ends in Honolulu, Hawaii after visits to Jerusalem, Israel; Nairobi, Kenya; Harare, Zimbabwe; Bengaluru, India; Bangkok, Thailand and Hong Kong
the “Be One” event marking the 40th anniversary of the revelation that all worthy men, including men of color, could receive the priesthood in the church.
September 5 Church changes missionary announcement communication from letters to emails, to be implemented later in 2018
female missionaries allowed to wear dress slacks year-round if they choose, while skirts and dresses are still required for temple and worship services
September 15 & 16 Church leadJune 14 Announced that same-sex ers hold devotionals at Safeco Field marriage information made available in Seattle and then Langley Centre in in FamilySearch Family Tree beginning Vancouver in 2019 October 5 Mormon Tabernacle Choir June 18 A new book of hymns will be changes its name to Tabernacle Choir developed by the church, with patri- at Temple Square otic songs and national anthems to be removed from the new hymnbook to October 6-7 October’s 188th Semiannual General Conference be released at a future date n Sunday services reduced from June 21 A letter is sent to all leadthree hours to two hours ers announcing additional changes n Name of the church reiterated with changes come, Mormon is to how members of leadership are to handle interviews with young memout bers after concerns by some members n 12 more temples announced on the intimacy of questions asked in n Mormon Tabernacle Choir reinterviews named Choir at Temple Square
January 2 Adjustments are made to the church’s temple endowment ceremony, though details are not made public
July 7 New “Come, Follow Me” manuals and teaching materials for church Sunday School and Primary classes are announced for release in January 2019
October 27 Church announces future traditional pageants, like the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti, will be scaled back or end
March 9 Pope Francis meets with leadership of the church for the first time on the eve of the Rome Italy Temple dedication
December 12 Announcement released that its Missionary Training Center in the Dominican Republic will close in 2019
March 10 Rome Italy Temple dedicated, with all members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles present — the first time all 15 have been together outside the U.S.
August 16 The church announces it is recommitting to its full name in all references
May 8 The church announces it August 17-19 President Russell would eliminate its relationship with M. Nelson visits church members the Boy Scouts of America for all across Canada scouting programs on Dec. 31, 2019. September 4 The first volMay 17 Church leaders meet with the ume of four “Saints” volumes NAACP for the first time, calling for documenting church history more civility and respect in society. is released
December 14 Changes for youth progression and ordination of church priesthood announced December 20 All
June 1 Thousands of members attend
Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
January 28-Feburuary 15 Leaders hold public tours of the new completed Rome Italy Temple that began construction in 2010 February 8 The Buenos Aires, Argentina Missionary Training Center announces it will close in July 2019 February 15 Missionaries are now allowed to communicate with family weekly via phone, video or text rather than twice a year, in addition to letters and emails
March 20 Two missionaries are returned to the U.S. after being detained in Russia for two weeks in an alleged visa violation case
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 13
MILLENNIALS and why they leave… KARISSA NEELY
Special to the Daily Herald
and more Americans are distancing themselves from religious institutions, according to recent research by the Public Religion Research Institute. At least 25 percent of Americans claim no formal religious identity, “making this group the single largest ‘religious group’ in the U.S.,” the 2016 study reported. In her book, “The Next Mormons: How
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M. Nelson and church leadership are trying to adapt as well. But according to research by Jana Riess and Benjamin Knoll, only time will tell if those changes are enough for Mormondom’s younger generations. The Utah-based church is not the only one in this predicament. Across the nation, more
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Millennials are Changing the LDS Church,” Riess reported a similar trend among Latter-day Saints. She notes in her book that “Mormonism used to keep about three-quarters of its adherents. Among young adults it is now retaining less than half.” “Mormons cannot help but be affected by what is going on in America more generally,” Riess said in a recent interview with the Daily Herald. “Mormonism is part of the larger story of what is going on in this nation.” According to her research, Latter-day Saint millennials prioritize their reasons for leaving the church differently than older generations for their departure. Millennials cite feeling judged or misunderstood, a distrust for church leadership, and LGBT issues as their top three reasons for leaving. GenXers’ top three reasons for leaving were because they stopped believing there is one true church, they couldn’t reconcile their personal values with the church and, similar to millennials, they felt judged. Baby Boomers and those remaining of the Silent Generation listed not reconciling their personal values as their top reason. Similar to GenXers, their second reason was not believing there is one true church. Finally, older generations rated a distrust for leadership as their third reason. Rebekah Weaver’s reasons for leaving are similar. Weaver, a 27-year-old Provo resident, grew up in a very active Latter-day Saint family in Boise, Idaho, but is no longer an active member. She explained in an interview that she struggled, even as a young child, with the gender inequality she saw within the church. Going into college, this unease grew, and she noticed other issues as well. “From there, my concerns more or less snowballed to realizing that LGBTQ people, people of color, and politically liberal folks are treated pretty terribly, and I started questioning a lot of the church’s truth claims. I tried very hard to make it work because I love Mormonism so much. It took me about three years from the beginning of my faith transition to when I finally decided to stop attending,” she said. “While I still love, admire, and miss the wonderful aspects of being active Mormon, I felt that the negatives outweighed the positives.” Alex Quinn, a 35-year-old Provo resident, said he “faded out” of church attendance, but his reasons for staying away are similar. “What has kept me away is the Mormon church’s lack of interest in issues pertaining to the environment, minorities and the LGBTQ community, and a few other important concerns to me. I genuinely feel the Mormon church could be a force for good in these matters, but for whatever reason, the church sits on the sidelines,” he said. Brandon Keyes is 27 and lives in Vineyard. He said he’s in the process of reconstructing if he fits within Please see MILLENNIALS, Page 16
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 15
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MILLENNIALS From 14
EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD
Brandon and Martha Keyes pose for a portrait with their sons, Micah, 2, held by Brandon, and Jonah, 2, held by Martha, at Utah Lake on Feb 27.
ISAAC HALE DAILY HERALD
Rebekah Weaver, of Provo, poses for a portrait March 8, at Memorial Park in Provo.
EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD
Alex Quinn poses for a portrait at his apartment complex on March 8, in Provo.
the religion. While he still attends church regularly, he’s questioned its doctrines for about 18 months now. “One of the main things is my research into church history, and I guess, the discovery of things I hadn’t learned previously,” he said. “There are teaching and ideas I don’t personally agree with.” Kurt Meacham, 24, is from Pleasant Grove but is currently attending school in Cedar City. He’s at another point along the spectrum of activity within the church. He grew up in the church, served a mission, and considers himself a Latter-day Saint, but “not super-active,” he said. For him, church culture is the challenge. “I fully believe the doctrine of the church, but the people have created a culture that is not what the church teaches — it’s impossible to live up to those standards,” he said in a phone interview, explaining that he often felt very judged in Utah County. He feels less so now in southern Utah. “The doctrines, when followed are the right way to create a good culture,” he added. “When people over- or under-do the doctrines, that’s when the culture becomes more toxic to people than a help.” All of those interviewed said, whether within or without the church, they still feel spiritual and happy with their decisions. This is right in line with Riess’ research, which found that many Latter-day Saint millennials still believe and are spiritual, but they are not as stringent in their religious orthodoxy practice. Her research bore that out, even with those that consider themselves faithful members. In the study, 43 percent of self-identified “very active” Latter-day Saint millennials had not attended Sunday church meetings within the last 30 days. For the same question, only 29 percent of very active Latter-day Saint GenXers and 10 percent of very active Baby Boomers/Silent Generation missed church. Trevor Richard, 23, lives in Salt Lake City and no longer attends the church. But he, too, said he still has a powerful sense of spirituality. “In many ways, I feel my life has recently become more spiritual than it ever has been since I left the church. I’m trying to focus less on getting answers, and more on asking good questions. For example, instead of trying to figure out whether God exists, I think it’s more useful to ask what we even mean when we talk about God, and why we find that concept powerful. It seems that the better questions I’m able to ask, the more interesting my life becomes,” he said. As Riess explains in her book, this spirituality could be seen as a silver lining to those saddened by those who leave the church. Her research found that the majority of former Latter-day Saints still believed in God, in life after death and in Jesus Christ. And millennial former members have higher levels of these beliefs than older generations. “It is therefore not accurate to characterize former Mormons as having rejected all religious belief. For most, the reality is far more nuanced and complicated,” Riess explains in her book.
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 17
18 LDS GUIDE SPRING 2019
Boomers/Silent Generation
Gen Xers
Millennials
PROVIDED
The chart depicts levels of faithfulness by generation in the LDS Church.
Still believers
A look at the steadfastness of the millennial generation in the Latter-day Saint faith KARISSA NEELY
Special to the Daily Herald
Simple numbers show millennials are leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints more than previous generations, but that is not the whole story. As Jana Riess explains in her book, “The Next Mormons: How Millennials are Changing the LDS Church,” millennials who stay in the church are very strong in their convictions. Riess pointed out that the church has two important things that appear to powerfully help younger generations retain their faith: seminary — a daily religious class for high school students — and missions — a period of proselyting service. “Our research showed that if young
people did all four years of seminary and wanted to be there, then served a mission, retention increased in both genders,” she said. Olivia Cobb, a high school student in Bountiful, said seminary is “1,000 percent” what keeps her dedicated. “When I’m at school with all kinds of stress and things being thrown at me, it’s really nice to be able to go to seminary and feel peace amongst everything that teenagers feel at school. Seminary is amazing help for the youth in the church,” she said in an interview with the Daily Herald. Riess and her research partner, Benjamin Knoll, found that the younger generations of Latter-day Saint faithful are just that — still very faithful overall. For their study,
they asked survey respondents to rate their level of knowledge, belief or doubt about specific tenets of the religion, according to five different rates of knowledge versus doubt. While millennials did not mark the highest level as often as older generations, their combined confidence level came out similar. “They are less likely to choose the top category, but they are still believers. Compared to others in their same age group, LDS millennials are very certain. But compared to older Mormons, there are less certain,” Riess said in an interview with the Daily Herald. “They have similar values of their generation, but also some values of their beliefs. They are caught between the two worlds they are ne-
gotiating.” Riess also pointed out that millennials’ current confidence level may also be due to their age, and they “may grow into greater theological certainty with time.” Casey Griffths, assistant professor of church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University, sees this firsthand in his work with students. “Learning to navigate the relationships of policy, procedure, traditions, culture and divine doctrine is challenging for a person of faith in any age or any generation,” he said. “Generally the most difficult time for a person in regards to this is the transition from adolescence to adulthood, when you are pushing boundaries and
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 19
figuring out what your spiritual life as an adult will look like. We can negotiate ourselves out of following doctrine, but it is also important that we explore those boundaries and learn what being a person of faith looks like for ourselves.” Griffiths explained that many of his students tell him they are not “a cookie-cutter Latter-day Saint.” Riess found this also to be true. Her research showed that millennials, and even GenXers, are less tied to tenets, like the Word of Wisdom (the church’s dietary law), as core doctrine. For them, belief in God and Jesus Christ is core. Refraining from tea and coffee or R-rated movies, not as much. Riess’ research found that younger generations also want the church to be more gender equal, inclusive to minorities and LGBTQ people, accepting of political differences and involved in alleviating social ills, like poverty and homelessness.
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EVAN COBB, DAILY HERALD
John Moore, of Heber City, poses for a portrait at the Provo City Center Temple on Feb. 27 in Provo.
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Olivia Cobb, a Bountiful high school student, says seminary helps her remain true to her faith.
Despite these nuances identifying core beliefs versus culture, Riess found that faithful millennials look to their own conscience, promptings from the Holy Ghost, family members, the scriptures, local religious leaders and the church’s highest leaders for moral authority. John Moore, 27, is a lifelong member of the church who lives in Heber. He expressed a deep love for the church’s current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, born from his dedication to the people of the church, both locally and abroad. “He is a man to look up to, especially in these times. If there was ever a modern example of what it means to be a true man — he is the one. He is tender-hearted, he is Christ and family-centered, he gives women the respect and admiration that they deserve, he loves and respects all peoples and cultures of the world. He is kind, he is firm in his beliefs, he is a man of revelation, he is shockingly energetic, he is optimistic, he is ahead of the times, and he has enough hope to share with every person in the world, and even change the world,” Moore said.
He also feels Nelson speaks directly to him, and recalled a talk given to Latter-day Saint young adults about being “true millennials.” “After that, a switch was turned on for me, because I hadn’t really ever heard anyone over the age of 40 talk about millennials in such a positive way. It was one of the most refreshing things I’d ever heard. And it gave me hope and a renewed sense of purpose. At that moment something changed for me,” he said. Moore has had moments of struggling with his beliefs, but sees that as a good thing. “I think it is healthy for every member of the church — the born-and-raised and the convert alike — to come to a point where you question what you’ve been taught and what you have actively tried to learn,” he said. “Questions naturally come. Struggles naturally come. But many think you can’t struggle and be strong at the same time. It isn’t all or nothing. I’ve been fooled into thinking that, which led to the thought that I wasn’t strong, just because I struggled. The truth is the contrary: as we struggle, we get stronger.”
Daniel Urquhart, a 30-year-old Orem resident, agrees. At the age of 20, he encountered material that shook his faith, but through prayer, was able to gain stronger faith. He, too, believes in Nelson’s prophetic mission. “I believe that President Nelson is a truly inspired prophet of God. I think he is very tapped in to the issues currently facing the world, the church, and families, and he is making things happen to keep up with and keep ahead of those issues,” Urquhart said. Because of their strength, Griffiths has confidence in the church’s younger generations. “[T]his generation faces some serious challenges. They generally handle them with grace and courage, but the amount of temptation and the variety of ways it can infiltrate their lives is overwhelming,” he said. “Sometimes I hear comments about their apathy toward religion, but that is common refrain for every generation. There is always apathy, but among my students I see a strong desire to make the world a better place.”
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 21
LDS Church curriculum changes to bring a ‘new balance’ in members’ home study GENELLE PUGMIRE
Daily Herald
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not only reaching outwardly to teach the world, but they are reaching inward to church members and asking them to gain more knowledge and stronger testimonies. Calling for a “new balance and connection between gospel instruction and the home in the church,” President Russell M. Nelson, during the October 2018 Semi-Annual General Conference, made a major adjustment to how members of the church not only study the gospel, but how they define their relationship with the day-to-day church. The old three-hour block of meetings was reduced to just two hours in January, after the announcement made during the October conference. Each
Sunday is to have an hour for Sacrament meeting. Relief Society and priesthood meetings alternate weekly with Sunday School classes during the second hour. “As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of ‘church’ as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home,” Nelson said in making the announcement. “We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for home-centered church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings.” The announcement according to Nelson is, “part of an effort to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship.” Casey Griffiths, a professor of reli-
gion at Brigham Young University and specialist in 20th century LDS curriculum history, says that church curriculum has become more complex in a short period of time. He gives credit to modern technology and the church’s transparency in sharing historical documents and other resources. A case in point is the extensive release of the Joseph Smith Papers. According to Griffiths, in the past if a person wanted to research the papers, they would have to go to the church archives — where there is limited access — and dig for them. Now, they are available online. This also allows individuals to have more in-depth study of the church and its teachings. Griffiths said the publication of “Saints” has also opened up new stories and information about the history and organization of the church. In all, there will be four “Saints” volumes.
“One of the benefits of the revolution in digital communication we have seen in the last few years is a greater ability to update and disseminate Church curriculum in a short period of time, allowing the curriculum to be more timely and responsive,” Griffiths said. “I have to give credit to the people who prepare curriculum in the Church — especially the Church History Department — for the amazing amount of work they have done in the last few years to prepare really useful material for teachers and students. The amount of useful written and visual curriculum has multiplied exponentially, and it isn’t just the same old message.” Online helps at http://ChurchofJesusChrist.org (formerly LDS.org) include quick links at the bottom of the homepage for “Come Follow Me” resources, ministering helps and church magazines. Within the links are a
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number of photos, videos and other resources to aid members’ personal and family study. For instance new videos embedded in the lesson resource material help members with various issues and how to explain or deal with them. In the March 4-10 lesson is an example of how saints can do when their beliefs are questioned. This particular video deals with a discussion on LGBT issues and the church. Griffiths adds, “Church curriculum is pushing the boundaries and engaging on complex levels like we have never seen before. As a teacher of church history, I often tell my students that we are living in the golden age of writing and engaging with church history — there really hasn’t been anything like it before.” While Griffiths calls it the golden age, he admits that “Come Follow Me” is a little scary because it puts so much trust in the individuals and families in the church. It trusts that members will take advantage of the extra time to study together, and that PHOTO COURTESY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES. they will take on the responsibility of seeking greater knowledge and The LDS Church has announced it will be taking submissions for the new Hymns book and Children’s Songbook. The deadline is growing a deeper understanding of July 1, 2019. the scriptures. “At the same time, if ‘Come Fol- such as “The Star Spangled Banner” low Me’ is fully initiated it will be a will be deleted from the hymnbook. wonderful thing, especially for the Publication of a new hymnbook and younger people of the Church,” Grif- a children’s songbook is expected by fiths said. “To go to a class and have a or before 2022. teacher instruct you is one thing, but With the church no longer followthere is a whole other level of learning ing the program provided by the Boy that happens when families meet to- Scouts of America, all youth throughgether, or an individual engages with out the world will be following not the scriptures in a deep way.” only the same Sunday curriculum but Griffiths said he loves the time fam- newly designed activity programs as ilies are spending together, and he is well beginning in January of 2020, achopeful for his own children that they cording to the church. will have more scriptural literacy; he Michael Goodman, religion prowants them to know the scriptures fessor at BYU, said the church has and church history better than any provided many tools and resources to previous generation. help members in their studies and to Over the past two years and looking help them have a great understanding toward 2020 and beyond, the church of church history and the scriptures. has announced major curriculum ad“I don’t see a major shift in the subjustments and changes to all children, ject matter of the curriculum at all,” youth and adult programs, and all Goodman said. “But rather, the emhymnbooks will be redone with new phasis is to get the members to take hymns added to reflect the interna- greater responsibility for their learntional nature of the church. Instead of ing and thus their discipleship. The LDS.ORG hymnbooks for various nationalities, message seems clear – the old way of Beginning January 2018, LDS adults were introduced to a new priesthood and Relief there will be one hymnbook and chil- doing things – church centered – will Society curriculum entitled “Come, Follow Me.” It replaced the study of the moderndren’s songbook in several languages. not be sufficient for the needs of the day prophets that has been used since 1998. A portion of the hymns will in- coming days.” clude new selections that all members Goodman added, “The united mes- of the Twelve is that each member the most effective way to do that is throughout the world can learn. Ac- sage from President Nelson and the must do more to get the power of the through individual and family study cording to the church, patriotic songs entire First Presidency and Quorum gospel into their own lives and that and worship.”
Daily Herald March 31, 2019 23
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