In a fun, visual, and interactive design, the Church has posted the most impactful Church news from 2015. From five new temples built in Argentina, Utah, Peru, Indiana, and Mexico,to three new apostles being called to the Quorum of the Twelve, we've experienced a lot of joy and even a little heartache as we've moved forward in the work of the Lord.
Take a look back at some of the significant Church-related stories and events covered on MormonNewsroom.org in 2015.
Three Named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Three Church leaders — Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Elder Gary E. Stevenson and Elder Dale G. Renlund — were named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Saturday.
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, presented their names at the Saturday afternoon session of the Church's 185th Semiannual General Conference in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Millions of Church members around the world watched or listened to the meeting in more than 80 languages.
It’s been over a century since the Quorum of the Twelve had three vacancies. Additionally, with the call of Elder Renlund, 100 apostles have now served since the Church was organized in 1830.
Mormon Leaders Call for Laws That Protect Religious Freedom
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Tuesday for legislation across the United States that protects vital religious freedoms.
At the same time, the Church said it would support legislation where it is being sought to provide protections in housing, employment and some other areas where LGBT people do not have protections, while ensuring that religious freedom was not compromised.
Church Donates 'Meet the Mormons' Proceeds to the American Red Cross
LDS Charities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave a $1.8 million donation to the American Red Cross Thursday from the proceeds of “Meet the Mormons,” a film the Church released last October. Gary E. Stevenson, the Church’s presiding bishop, presented the check to Cliff Holtz, president of Humanitarian Services of the American Red Cross, at an event in Salt Lake City.
“Because of this long-standing relationship [with the American Red Cross],” said Bishop Stevenson, “it was decided that when ‘Meet the Mormons’ was released we would take the net proceeds of the movie and give it to the American Red Cross.
“The release of ‘Meet the Mormons’ exceeded everyone’s expectations."
The feature-length documentary opened in theaters October 10, 2014, and was shown in more than 400 theaters across the country.
Women Church Leaders Appointed to Leadership Councils
Several women general officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been appointed by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to priesthood leadership councils within the Church.
Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson talked about her new assignment on the Missionary Executive Council in a Facebook post.
I still vividly remember President Thomas S. Monson announcing the lowered missionary age for young women. Today I... Posted by Bonnie L. Oscarson on Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Church to Go Forward with Scouting Program
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement Wednesday from the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles regarding the Church’s relationship with the Boy Scouts of America:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appreciates the positive contributions Scouting has made over the years to thousands of its young men and boys and to thousands of other youth. As leaders of the Church, we want the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to succeed in its historic mission to instill leadership skills and high moral standards in youth of all faiths and circumstances, thereby equipping them for greater success in life and valuable service to their country.
New Essays Address Topics on Women, Priesthood, Mother in Heaven
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published two new Gospel Topics essays on LDS.org today. One essay outlines the teachings of Church founder and prophet Joseph Smith on women, temple and the priesthood. The second explains Church teachings regarding a Mother in Heaven, which it describes as "a cherished and distinctive belief among Latter-day Saints."
These essays complete a series of 13 that the Church began publishing in 2013 to provide an accurate resource for its members to gain insight and understanding into some of its teachings, practices and history. The 13 essays published to date were prepared through extensive research by men and women Church scholars and carefully reviewed by members of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other General Authorities and women leaders to provide an official, authoritative and transparent source of information.