2015 Mormon News

Another year over. And what a big year it’s been for the Church. With so much change and growth, there was a lot to report. Here are the highlights of Mormon News from 2015:

January-March (Late Winter Headlines)

New Missions and Mission Presidents Announced for 2015

In the first week of January, the Church announced the addition of 11 new missions to become effective in July. There are over 100 missions worldwide. Even since the mission age change announced in 2012, the number of missionaries has stayed about the same.

MoTab Inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame

In February it was announced the the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would be inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. They are honored for their 140 year dedicated to classical music and now have a engraved pavement stone bearing the name of the choir on display at the American Classical Walk of Fame in Washington Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Meet the Mormons Proceeds Donated to the Red Cross

After a successful debut for the movie that told the world how we live as Latter-day Saints, the Church donated the proceeds to benefit the Red Cross. This further showed that not only do we believe in Christ but that we follow His teachings.

April-June (Springtime Happenings)

100 years of Family Home Evening

This year marks 100 years of Family Home Evening for families of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon families the world over share in this tradition of making time to be with our eternal family units.

Oppositions to Sustaining in Conference

In the April 2015 General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a dissenting vote was counted. For many members, this was the first time a dissenting vote was heard within the Conference Center. Media blew up as articles came forward explaining protocol for dissenting votes, as well an overwhelming amount of additional support of our leaders as expressed on social media outlets.

Tithing Went Digital

(I want a photo of the digital form but I can’t get it.)

In April the donating of Tithes and other offerings became electronic. Instead of the old paper slip in the gray envelopes, members can now submit their donations online through their churchofjesuschrist.org account.

Passing of Elder L. Tom Perry

In May, Elder Perry was the first of three apostles to pass away this year. He died at the age of 92 of Thyroid Cancer, which he was diagnosed with in April.

July-September (Summer Hot Topics)

Passing of Elder Boyd K. Packer

At age 90, Elder Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles died at his home.

Pornography Video

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/video/2015-08-001-what-should-i-do-when-i-see-pornography?lang=eng
In an effort to fight the devastating effects of Pornography, the Church put out a new video explaining pornography and how children can combat it.

New BYU-I President Installed

Clark G. Gilbert was made President of BYU-Idaho in September of this year. BYU-I continues to grow as a University, boasting the highest number of students of the four secondary education institutes owned by the Church.

Joseph Smith Seer Stone Photographs Released

In an attempt to foster transparency and as a part of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, the Church released photos of Joseph Smith’s seer stone which was used in the translating of the Book of Mormon.

Addiction Recovery 12 Steps to Change Videos

In August of this year, the Mormon Channel put out 12 videos about the Church’s 12 Step Addiction Recovery Program. While this program had been in place prior to the creation of the videos, the release of these videos has made the program more public.

BSA to Go Forward

In July The Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board ratified a resolution that removes the national restriction on openly gay adult leaders and employees. The resolution allows religious chartered organizations—like the troops of Latter-day Saint wards—to continue to use religious beliefs as criteria for selecting adult leaders, including matters of sexuality. BSA’s official website claims: “This change allows Scouting’s members and parents to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families. This change also respects the right of religious chartered organizations to choose adult volunteer leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own.”

Because of this, the Church responded with an official statement of continuance with BSA, stating: “At this time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will go forward as a chartering organization of BSA, and as in the past, will appoint Scout leaders and volunteers who uphold and exemplify Church doctrine, values, and standards.”

Passing of Elder Richard D. Scott

September found General Authorities and members alike mourning the loss of Elder Richard D. Scott. Elder Scott died at age 86 from natural causes of age.

October-December (Autumn Announcements)

World Congress on Families held in SLC

The annual meeting of The World Congress on Families was held in Salt Lake City, Utah this year. Elder Ballard spoke at the conference as a keynote speaker on the importance of traditional marriage.

Handbook Changes Affecting Same-sex Marriages

Social and news media blew up with the news of the changes made to the Church’s Official Handbook in early November. Church officials sent out official statements to local church leaders, as well as releasing a contextual discussion on the changes by Elder Christofferson.

Church Aids Refugees

First Presidency Expresses love to French Citizens following Paris Attack

Following the devastating terrorist attacks in Paris in November, the First Presidency expressed love and concern for French Citizens. Though our hearts broke for the citizens of Paris and France, members were relieved to know that none of the missionaries serving in Paris were harmed. French flags were flown on several Church buildings around Temple Square.

Church Launches “A Savior is Born” Initiative

Year-Round Occurrences

26 Temples in various stages of Completion:

1 Open House—Tijuana Mexico

1 Scheduled for Re-dedication

2 Rededicated—Montreal Quebec, Mexico City Mexico

2 Closed for Renovation—Frankfurt Germany, Jordan River Utah

3 Announced—Abidjan Ivory Coast, Port-au-Prince Haiti, Bangkok Thailand

4 Grounds Broken—Cedar City Utah, Concepcion Chile, Lisbon Portugal, Tuscon Arizona

4 Dedicated—Indianapolis Indiana, Trujillo Peru, Payson Utah, Cordoba Argentina

9 Under Construction—Fort Collins Colorado, Hartford Connecticut, Meridian Idaho, Paris France, Philedephia Pennsylvania, Provo City Center Utah, Rome Italy, Sapporo Japan, Star Valley Wyoming

Push for Greater Sabbath Day Observance

This year the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve  have made a push for greater Sabbath Day observance this year. Members are encouraged to remember that Sunday is the Lord’s day, attend the entire three-hour block, and live in such a way that the spirit can be present  on the day of rest.