by Lisa M. | May 17, 2013 | About Mormons
Utah is emerging as a leader in school-language initiatives, building “one of the largest and most ambitious programs in the nation.” Given that the state passed an English-only law in 2000 and routinely ranks at the bottom nationally on education spending, Utah may seem an unlikely champion for the cause. But the state’s drive has its beginnings in a tradition of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. “From the beginnings of Utah, it’s been part of our culture, the missionary effort of going out and living in foreign lands,” said Gov. Gary R. Herbert. [1]
For generations, members of The Church of Jesus Christ have embarked on proselytizing missions, and many have learned a foreign language so that “every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language” (Doctrine & Covenants 90:11—the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of modern revelations).
Educators and parents say the program is about academic development and preparing students for the global job market—not preparing Latter-day Saint students for future missionary service. “Yet they said Utah’s immigrant communities and the overseas peregrinations of its large Mormon population make it fertile ground to teach foreign languages.” [1] (more…)
by Ben | May 14, 2013 | About Mormons
There’s a lot of junk in this world. Pornography, abuse, kidnappings, not to mention each person’s individual trials, including depression and other challenges. And that’s just close to home. Further away, there are wars, government upheavals, famines, outbreaks of various diseases, civil unrest, discrimination; the list could go on. For the most part, though, I am relatively happy.
But why? How can I be happy when I turn on the nightly news and hear about kidnapping victims in Ohio or a tragic building collapse in Bangledesh? Or when I call my family and hear about the cousin whose marriage has failed, just the latest in a long line of family tragedies? The answer is twofold: knowledge and action.
Knowledge of the Truth
The number one reason I am happy is because of what I know. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church, the things I believe give me the greatest opportunity for peace and happiness. Some pieces of knowledge that bring me the most peace and happiness are as follows (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 13, 2013 | Mormons in the News
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called the Mormon Church) was restored in the United States, but has since spread to the whole world. The Church of Jesus Christ has a presence on almost every continent and seeks to influence the world for good. Its leaders and members seek out opportunities to serve communities, reach out to those in need, and share its message of hope and faith. [1]
The Church of Jesus Christ Donates to the Community
Some humanitarian service is headed up by the official Humanitarian Services department of The Church of Jesus Christ. Recently the Humanitarian Services donated large kitchen equipment—including stoves, ovens, and freezers—to an orphanage in Snyatyn, a town in southern Ukraine. With this equipment the orphanage can better prepare healthy meals for the children.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ don’t need the official Humanitarian Services department to give back to their communities, however. Church members in the Jinja district of Uganda recently rounded up footballs (what Americans call soccer balls) to donate to the Federation of Uganda Football Association. The giving of the donation was done in conjunction with the kickoff of the annual Presidential Under-16 Cup. The Church of Jesus Christ has offered loyal support to this organization, and this relationship is a great way for Ugandan Church members to involve themselves in their community. (more…)
by Lisa M. | May 10, 2013 | Meet Some Mormons
Valerie Hudson Cassler is a feminist—and “as a feminist, I remain a steadfast member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church. Hudson Cassler, who converted to The Church of Jesus Christ from Roman Catholicism, writes, “How remarkable and in some senses ironic it still seems to me to have experienced ‘women’s lib’ by conversion to Mormonism!”
Men and Women are Equal Before God
Hudson Cassler shares what she believes are “the main points of doctrine that make Mormonism the most feminist of all the Christianities.”
“The Restored Gospel teaches that the term ‘God’ means an exalted woman and an exalted man married in the new and everlasting covenant (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20—the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of modern revelation). We are taught that there is no God without men and women loving each other as equals. …” (more…)
by liviw | May 9, 2013 | About Mormons
Liza Morong, a student in Boston, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often inadvertently called the Mormon Church, in an unusual way. On her profile on mormon.org, Liza explains how she lives her faith:
Boston is filled with individuals from all walks of life and I strive every day to find ways to help others. I serve in my ward as a Ward Missionary. This calling is so rewarding to me, as it gives me so many opportunities to share the amazing Gospel with others. Everyday I pray for missionary opportunities and strive to live the example the gospel provides…I know that by living my faith with courage and charity in my heart, I can be an example to others.
Liza joined The Church of Jesus Christ when she went to see the controversial and inaccurate Broadway musical, “The Book of Mormon.”
Deseret News reports,
With her interest piqued, Morong, who was raised Congregationalist, found herself on the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon.org, simply to continue her amusement with this seemingly bizarre faith. When she found a link for a live chat with missionaries, Morong felt like she had hit the jackpot. But what she found wasn’t what she expected.
It was when she started chatting with Elder Trevor Boardman, a missionary in the referral center at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, that everything changed. [1] (more…)
