Mormon Land Weekly Highlights: Empowering LDS Women and Community Engagement
The latest Mormon Land newsletter discusses actions towards gender equity within the LDS community, the Tabernacle Choir’s recent performance in Peru, and implications of educational shifts at BYU. Additionally, it examines interfaith collaborations, changes in church materials, and community impact initiatives, while addressing cultural tensions related to Latter-day Saints.
The Mormon Land newsletter from The Salt Lake Tribune highlights recent developments in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, featuring topics such as microfeminism, a concert tour, and educational shifts. Notably, Linda Hamilton suggests implementing “microfeminisms”—small acts that promote gender equity—like mentioning Heavenly Mother in prayers and focusing on women speakers in church.
The Tabernacle Choir made their inaugural performance in Peru, attracting an audience of over 33,000 at Lima’s National Stadium, marking a significant milestone in their “Songs of Hope” tour. Choir members, including Apostle Ulisses Soares, engaged with local leaders, fostering goodwill and strengthening community ties.
The Dubai Temple, anticipated as the first LDS temple in the Middle East, is progressing without public timelines or specific site details. Apostle David Bednar’s collaboration with the Sikh community in Dubai underscores the interfaith connections built through projects addressing public needs.
Brigham Young University faces criticism as its shift towards rigidity under Clark Gilbert is seen as detrimental to students’ intellectual and spiritual engagement. Grad Ryder Seamons warns that this could contribute to a decline in church activity among youth, emphasizing the need for critical engagement with difficult spiritual questions.
Recent developments also include changes to educational materials on polygamy, insights from a new study reflecting Latter-day Saints’ devoutness, and updates regarding the church’s investment portfolio. Additionally, incidents of backlash against Latter-day Saints in sports settings continue, highlighting ongoing cultural tensions.
A former Latter-day Saint chapel is now part of efforts addressing homelessness in Utah, reflecting the church’s evolving community role. Lastly, new architectural drawings have been shared for the Lehi Temple, part of the broader expansion of Latter-day Saint temples in Utah.
This edition of the Mormon Land newsletter emphasizes ongoing efforts towards gender equity through microfeminism, the Tabernacle Choir’s expanding reach in Latin America, and the crucial dialogues occurring around education in line with church teachings. It also highlights practical community involvements and the cultural responses affecting Latter-day Saints today, illustrating the complex dynamics of faith and society.
Original Source: www.sltrib.com
