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As another year draws to an end, we’re taking a moment to look back on the biggest news stories of 2019. From temple dedications and policy changes to exciting events yet to come, these headlines about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped light the world all year long.
January 2, 2019 – First Presidency Releases Statement on Temples, Adjustments to Ordinances
As temple-going patrons noticed adjustments to the wording of the temple ordinances, the First Presidency released a statement discussing the restoration of temple worship and small details that have been periodically modified. Read the full article here.
February 15, 2019 – Missionary and Family Communication Expanded
In February, the guidelines regarding the communication between missionaries and their families were updated. Missionaries could now communicate weekly via text messages, online messaging, phone calls, and video chat. Read the full article here.
March 9, 2019 – President Nelson Meets Pope Francis at the Vatican
The first meeting between a pope and the Latter-day Saint prophet was held in March when President Russell M. Nelson visited with Pope Francis inside the Vatican. The meeting took place a day prior to the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple. Read the full article here.
April 4, 2019 – Policies are Modified Regarding LGBT Couples & Their Children
Prior to General Conference in April, President Dallin H. Oaks shared modifications to policies regarding LGBT couples, their children, and the Church. Policy changes included allowing children of same-sex couples to be baptized and blessed as babies. Later in September, President Nelson would speak on the announcement, stating it was motivated by love. Read the full article here.
April 19, 2019 – Salt Lake City Temple to Close for Four Years
In a live broadcast, it was announced the pioneer-era temple would close on December 29, 2019, and would remain closed for approximately four years while undergoing major structural and seismic renovations. Read the full article here.
May 6, 2019 – Couples Married Civilly Authorized for Immediate Temple Marriage
A new policy set a single global standard for Latter-day Saints around the world by removing the policy that required a man and a woman to wait for a year before being sealed in the temple if they were married civilly first. Read the full article here.
September 20, 2019 – Book of Mormon Videos Released
After nearly two years of waiting, the first episodes in the Book of Mormon Video series were released online. Through 2019, videos covering the first 138 pages of the Book of Mormon were released on a weekly basis. Additional videos will be released throughout the next two years. Read the full article here.
October 2, 2019 – New Witness Policy Announced Ahead of Conference
President announced three changes in the Church’s policy related to witnessing sacred ordinances. This included allowing any baptized man, woman, or child to witness the baptism of a living person while allowing women to serve as witnesses in the temple. Read the full article here.
October 6, 2019 – President Nelson Announces Special April 2020 Conference
To celebrate the bicentennial year of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s First Vision, President Russell M. Nelson announced a very special General Conference. While full details of the Conference are not available yet, the First Presidency announced the Saturday session of the conference, usually for either men or women, will be for all Latter-day Saints ages 11 and up. Read the full article here.
November 17, 2019 – Leaders Outline Church’s New Children and Youth Program
Church leaders, including Elder Gerrit W. Gong from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, introduced the Church’s new “Children and Youth” program in a live Face to Face broadcast. The new program will replace the existing children and youth programs on January 1, 2020. Read the full article here.
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