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February 28, 2007
African Members Strengthen International Church
Samuel Lumore and his cousins Christian Yao and Godwin Kofi Zometsi, all from Kpong, Ghana, discovered the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as young schoolboys and were later baptized members of the Church. For Evelyn Jepkemei, a curriculum specialist in Nairobi, Kenya, contact with the Church came through an American on a business assignment in Africa.
Evelyn and the young men from Ghana represent some of many recent converts to the Church who live beyond the North American continent. All signify the ever-increasing Church population in many areas across the globe and also indicate the rapid growth in Africa.
Days before presidential candidate John McCain visits Utah, his campaign says the Arizona senator condemns any attack against his opponent, Mitt Romney, over his Mormon faith.
It's an issue that has been popping up recently in South Carolina, a primary state that is home to many evangelical voters and one that Romney has visited often in recent months.
"A presidential contest is a leadership test, not a religious one," McCain spokesman Danny Diaz said Tuesday when asked whether the senator denounces such attacks.
LDS missionary charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a child
A missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been charged with fondling a 12-year-old Salt Lake County boy he had recently baptized, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in 3rd District Court.
Kyle Saucier, 20 - who was living in the Holladay area at the time - is charged with one count of first-degree felony aggravated sexual abuse of a child, which is punishable by 6, 10 or 15 years to life in prison.
One factor elevating the seriousness of the alleged crime is that Saucier "occupied a position of special trust in relation to the victim," according to the complaint.
Chances are, not many people in Utah would like to think of scripture as a violent medium that promotes hostility.
But a study of 490 students — 248 of them at Brigham Young University — suggests a correlation between exposure to scriptural violence that is condoned by God and increased aggression.
The statistics are startling. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are 960,000 incidents of domestic violence each year. Another survey of American families found 50 percent of the men who frequently assaulted their wives also abused their children. And the list goes on and on.
No one is immune to the social epidemic of domestic violence so The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has established LDS Family Services, a private, nonprofit organization, to help individuals and families.
Fred Riley, commissioner of LDS Family Services and himself a psychologist, recently served on the Department of Justice domestic violence task force that included representatives from over 20 religious faiths.
“The task force focused on how religions can be a part of dealing more effectively with domestic violence. We are all struggling with how to do a better job,” said Riley. “My experience is that the Church has listened and has put some really good things in place to help both its leaders and members.”
Family Services uses a holistic approach to help victims of abuse. Trained therapists work with a victim’s Church leader to provide emotional and spiritual counseling. The Church also stands by to help with any other physical necessities a victim might need.
Riley said: “If a woman were to call us and say, ‘I’m being abused; I need some help,’ our response to her would be, ‘When can you come in?’ And we wouldn’t charge her a thing.”
Besides providing counseling to victims at its 71 offices throughout the world, Family Services operates a 24-hour help line for Church leaders. The help line is staffed by trained therapists who have experience in dealing with child abuse, spouse abuse and other forms of domestic violence.
“The purpose of the help line is first to protect the victims, second to prevent any more victimization of those individuals or anybody else,” Riley said. “Next, we help the perpetrator get help, and that typically means to reporting the abuse.”
Family Services also provides counseling and resources to help children of abuse, which Riley said is critical to stop the cycle of violence. “If we can reach the children at a young age, then their tendency to have a different kind of parenting skill when they grow up is increased.”
Ultimately, education plays an important role in prevention and helping families help themselves. Family Services has created two courses of study called “Strengthening Family” and “Strengthening Marriage.” Addiction recovery support meetings are also available through LDS Family Services.
While Mitt Romney condemns polygamy and its prior practice by his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Republican presidential candidate's great-grandfather had five wives and at least one of his great-great-grandfathers had 12. Douglas C. Pizac, Associated PressParley P. Pratt, the great-great-grandfather of Mitt Romney, was a polygamist with 12 wives. Polygamy was not just a historical footnote but a prominent element in the family tree of the former Massachusetts governor now seeking to become the first LDS president.
Hillary Rodham Clinton is the clear favorite in early polls for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. So, what does that mean? Not a lot, if history is any guide.
Republican hopeful Rudy Giuliani, however, is sitting pretty.
For at least three decades, Republicans have been far better than Democrats in early polls at getting behind the candidates who end up winning the party's presidential nomination.
Family history: The next generation of genealogy sites
From the beginning, the Internet has attracted people seeking to research their family trees — and sites wanting to make money off their pursuits. The Web's search capabilities seemed custom-tailored to sorting through long-forgotten records that are now being dusted off and digitized. Hundreds of sites sprang up.
In practice, though, Web genealogy has led to a lot of frustrated consumers — the process has been expensive (most sites charge fairly steep subscription fees) and time-consuming.
Nation's porn prosecutor fronts war against obscenity
Maybe, from now on, the girls will be a little less wild, thanks to Brent Ward.
Ward, who was among the most strident adversaries of the porn industry as U.S. Attorney in Utah in the 1980s, is heading a new Justice Department task force aimed at enforcing federal obscenity laws.
In his first year, his biggest win came against the makers of the "Girls Gone Wild" videos - whose blurred-out party-girl ads are a late-night TV staple - who failed to document the ages of the women in the videos, as required by law, and agreed to pay $2.1 million in fines.
In two respects -- one visible, the other about to be -- LSU is at last Coach Les Miles' team.
The visible aspect comes in the final parting of the LSU faithful and former saint Nick Saban. With Saban at Alabama in real life, and banished to the darkness where there is much wailing and gnashing of teeth in many Tiger fantasies, Miles is unquestionably the man.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the creation of three new missions in Africa, Ukraine and the Caribbean, bringing the total number of missions to 347 worldwide. Church growth in these areas made it necessary to split three existing missions into six to accommodate the needs of the people. The new missions are headquartered in Freetown, Sierra Leone; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine
THE CHURCH of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons, has built a new temple at Ashaiman to serve its members in the community and its environs.
To this wise, a tour was organised for the people in the area last Sunday to have an insight of the new temple.
Ancestry.com has added a new records collection to its portfolio — one that will both help families with genealogy searches and bust misperceptions that few historical records exist for African-Americans.
The company is saying the collection, launched online this week at www.ancestry.com/aahistory, is the largest collection of African-American family history records that is available and searchable online. During February, the company is allowing people to search the collection and get free access to Ancestry.com for three days.
Genesis group seeks to nurture black LDS church members
Like many converts to the LDS faith, Don Harwell's first experience at a Mormon church was one he'll never forget.
"After the first hour I thought, 'This is nice. Chintzy snacks, but the people are nice.' " he joked, referring to his experience with the sacrament. "This is a lot better than the bars where I've been hanging out."
Gary Wilkinson's path to junior college basketball stardom is fantastic enough to have come straight from the pages of a Hollywood script.
Wilkinson, a sophomore center at Salt Lake Community College, didn't play a minute of basketball while he was at Bingham High. But shortly after returning from an LDS Church mission to Canada, he decided he wanted to tackle the sport. Wilkinson contacted the SLCC coaching staff and secured a tryout.
Missionaries free: LDS in Nigeria praised for resolving abduction
Top LDS Church leaders in Salt Lake City are crediting Nigerian church leaders for negotiating the release of four Nigerian LDS missionaries late Wednesday night in the west African nation, after the abductors were paid for expenses incurred during the time the men were held.
The four are Elders Akande Adebayo Egunjobi and Emeka Henry Ekufu of Lagos and Elders Uchenna Anthony Eze and Hope Aiboni Isaiah of Enugu, Nigeria.
Four Mormon missionaries abducted from their apartment Saturday morning in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, were released unharmed at 2:40 p.m. MST Wednesday to the home of LDS Church Bishop Sancho N. Chukwu, who helped negotiate their release, church officials said.
The motive behind the hostage takings was not fully known, said Quentin L. Cook, of the First Quorum of Seventy and executive director of the LDS Church's missionary department. However, the captors likely believed they had abducted oil company workers, for whom they would receive ransom payments, then quickly realized they had made a mistake.
A new book created for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints features invaluable memory techniques and tricks for remembering scripture.
Written by David Larsen, "How to Remember Everything in the New Testament and General Conference" is a companion work to "How to Remember Everything in the Old Testament." Both books are published by Cedar Fort Inc. in Springville.
Apostle teaches BYU-Idaho students how to deal with trials
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed Brigham Young University-Idaho students in a February 20 devotional, giving them four principles that will improve their education and help fulfill the mission of BYU-Idaho. He also taught how these principles would help students overcome trials in their lives.
Even before Mitt Romney's presidential announcement last week, his Mormon faith was becoming the hottest "religious issue" since 1960, when John F. Kennedy, a Catholic, became the first - and still only - non-Protestant to be elected president in U.S. history. This week, for instance, a USA Today cover story asked: "Will Mormon faith hurt bid for White House?" In December, Time magazine wondered: "Can a Mormon be President?"
While other Mormons hold important posts in Washington - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is the highest-ranking elected Mormon in the land - Romney is the first member of what is officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to have a shot at a major party nomination for president. Thus the questions about a church that some have accused of being little more than a cult.
Mitt Romney ventured to redrock country Wednesday in hopes of raking in more campaign green.
And Dixie delivered, aides say, to the tune of $250,000 to $300,000 in what is believed to be the largest political fundraiser ever staged in southern Utah.
Haynes: Romney’s religion shouldn’t matter, but it does
Where Mitt Romney goes to church doesn’t disqualify him for public office: Article VI of the U.S. Constitution famously declares that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”
But when the former Massachusetts governor declared his candidacy for president Feb. 13, news coverage focused heavily on one issue: Romney’s Mormon faith. Officially we have no religious test — but unofficially, religious affiliation (or lack thereof) can determine the outcome of elections.
Nigerian missionary describes working amid chaos, violence
A missionary who recently returned to Salt Lake City from Nigeria described a region of turmoil and relentless violence.
Prowling gangs and thieves robbed senior missionary couples, stole the mission president's car, and broke into church buildings and stole computers and other equipment, said Roger Thompson, an attorney and former Salt Lake City councilman who returned in November from an 18-month assignment as executive secretary to the LDS West Africa Area Presidency, which governs the church in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
“The future of family history researching may be closer than you think,” said Rich Running at a lecture held on January 9, 2007, as part of the annual Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy sponsored by the Utah Genealogical Association.
Nearly 200 people attended the lecture, “Opening the Granite Mountain Vault,” where production management leaders of the Church and Family History Department of the Church explained technological advances in two facets of genealogical research—scanning and indexing.
As a manager of product management of the department, Brother Running describes these changes as steps in building a “digital highway” for genealogical researchers.
Utahns shell out up to $2,300 each to help boost Mitt
Some 500 Utahns contributed as much as $2,300 each to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign at a Tuesday evening fund-raiser in Salt Lake City that included an endorsement from a majority of state GOP lawmakers.
Four young Nigerian men serving as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were taken hostage near Port Harcourt, Nigeria, on Saturday, and top leaders in Salt Lake City are expressing gratitude for the local leaders who are working to free them.
Church Statement on the Status of Nigerian Missionaries
Every effort is being put forth to secure the release of four missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Nigeria.
The four young men, all Nigerian nationals in their early 20s, were taken Saturday morning from their apartment near Port Harcourt. Local Church leaders continue to review security and safeguard the health and well-being of the missionaries.
A local bishop of the Church has been able to speak with each of the missionaries by phone this morning and has confirmed that they are well. We continue to be optimistic about the outcome. Missionaries from the Church serve at great personal sacrifice to them and their families. The missionary work in Nigeria continues to go forward.
Their message is one of peace and love and they are well respected in Nigeria.
We are grateful for the help of local community leaders in Nigeria working for the missionaries’ release. We also appreciate the prayers of people worldwide in behalf of these missionaries.
Mormon Athlete Credits Mission for Baseball Success
Matt Lindstrom’s road to major league baseball took a sidetrack as he served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is currently training with the Florida Marlins and is known for his 100 mph pitch.
In an interview with The Miami Herald, Lindstrom said he wouldn't have the extra velocity today if not for a two-year Mormon missionary trip to Sweden.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who, as an elementary-age student, was grateful that the library was strategically located across the street from the Thomas Judd general store, returned to his native city of St. George Monday to dedicate a newly constructed Washington County Library.
Introduced by Douglas Alder, chairman of the Washington County library board, as one who learned to love books, Elder Holland of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve "rhapsodized" about childhood memories.
Lindstrom's next mission: Make the Marlins' roster
Are you ready for the Swedish fastball?
That might just be what they start calling Matt Lindstrom's heat.
Honest.
Lindstrom, who throws more than 100 mph, said he wouldn't have the extra velocity today if not for a two-year Mormon missionary trip to Sweden, where he traveled through seven cities and -- like all young Mormons -- filled his commitment preaching the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A fund-raising arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that supports higher education and humanitarian aid is getting new digs in Provo.
LDS Philanthropies is an organization within the church that is charged with encouraging and facilitating donations to church-sponsored higher education institutions, Humanitarian Services and the Perpetual Education Fund, which provides low-interest loans to students around the world for college and other advanced training.
Politics and religion were front and center on the campaign trail in a heated exchange for Mitt Romney this weekend. Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints are trying to make the topic of faith a polite conversation.
Traditional Christians have long had problems with some Latter-day Saint beliefs, as was the case in Florida this weekend. This is the reason for an ongoing event called "An Evangelical and a Mormon in Conversation."
Evangelicals Urged not to Shun Romney over his Mormonism
A law professor and conservative talk-show host says Republican presidential candidate "Mitt Romney has a Mormon problem -- and so does the rest of the country." He cautions Christians against criticizing the candidate's Mormon beliefs during the campaign, saying such an approach will inevitably backfire.
More than 1,000 mourners gathered this weekend at funeral services for a pregnant woman and two of her children killed Feb. 9 when their car collided with a suspected drunk driver.
Forty-one-year old Michelle Williams was remembered as an upbeat, enthusiastic and perfect mother. She was five months pregnant with a baby boy.
Mitt Romney spent last week on a presidential candidate announcement tour, speaking in Michigan and Iowa on Tuesday, then hitting South Carolina, New Hampshire and Boston before heading to Florida. Today, in the second installment of Outlook's occasional series on the presidential candidates, classmates, colleagues and competitors from the past remember Romney and his journey from former governor's son to former governor. Also inside: a crash course on the Mormon faith and public life.
Even before Mitt Romney's presidential announcement last Tuesday, his Mormon faith was becoming the hottest "religious issue" since 1960, when John F. Kennedy, a Catholic, became the first -- and still only -- non-Protestant to be elected president in U.S. history. This week, for instance, a USA Today cover story asked: "Will Mormon faith hurt bid for White House?" In December, Time magazine wondered: "Can a Mormon be President?"
Feb. 18, 2007 — Following is a transcript of George Stephanopoulos' interview with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, and Romney's wife Ann on "This Week."
Am I the only practicing Mormon who's not excited about Mitt Romney's run for president? It's not like his first order of business will be a $10,000 tax credit for all Latter-Day Saints. (But imagine what that would do for the missionary effort.) In my mind there's very little to be gained from Romney's candidacy, and a great deal to be lost.
Old-fashioned quilting bee to produce warmth, comfort
They will come armed with needles, threads, fabric and scissors. More importantly, they'll bring a desire to comfort the less fortunate by joining dozens of others to work in an old-fashioned quilting bee.
The son of a co-founder of the Sundance Film Festival is home safe after being kidnapped in Iraq and held for more than a week, according to sources close to the family.
Kidnappers grabbed 29-year-old Brigham Young University and Harvard Divinity School graduate William Clifton Van Wagenen on Jan. 27 and released him Feb. 4, said Neena Andersen, a friend of the family.
While mourning 15-year-old Kirsten Hinckley and praying for her wounded mother, Carolyn Tuft, their family takes solace in what they say was one miracle at the Trolley Square shooting.
Yesterday, Mitt Romney formally announced his candidacy for president. All three nightly newscasts covered the announcement, but not at the top of the show: Romney was the sixth story on ABC's "World News Tonight" and the ninth on the "Evening News" and NBC "Nightly News."
Conversation With Ann Romney, Wife of Republican Presidential Contender Mitt Romney
Ann Romney is a mother of five, grandmother to ten and the wife of Republican presidential contender and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
Ann Romney was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998, but she insists that she's "totally onboard" with her husband's bid for the White House.
The Salt Lake City Planning Commission on Wednesday unanimously signed off on four 100-foot-plus residential buildings planned for downtown, including one that would be among the state's tallest structures.
Katie Millar was really an outside-the-box contestant for Miss America.
Not only was Miss Utah the only one to wear a one-piece, modest swimsuit in the physical fitness segment, but she played her electric violin with only three working strings. (The fourth broke just as she started the fast-paced "Souvenir d'Amerique.")
In Harlem, an African-American bishop leads his congregation in prayer. In Miami, neighbors enter a bright yellow chapel and greet each other in Haitian. In Salt Lake City, a teacher instructs her Bible class in Chinese. Meanwhile, in Florida, an entire congregation sings in American Sign Language in poetic gestures, and in California a young child gives his first talk in Sunday school in Spanish.
In honor of Valentine's Day, Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, urged Brigham Young University students Tuesday to open their hearts and serve.
Church Offers Condolences to Victims of Salt Lake Shooting Tragedy
On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Merrill J. Bateman, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, issued the following statement regarding the shootings that occurred last night at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City:
“We are deeply saddened at the deaths and suffering caused by this senseless tragedy. Our sympathy and prayers go out to all who have been affected, especially the families and friends of the victims.
“Although it is difficult to explain the conflicts and incongruities of life, we are certain that through the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ death is not the end and life continues in the hereafter.
“We pray that His spirit will bring comfort, peace and healing to all at this difficult time.”
Elder Bateman said the Church is also offering grief counseling to t
