David NoyceThe Mormon Land newsletter is The Salt Lake Tribune’s weekly highlight reel of news in and about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Join us on Patreon to receive ad-free podcast episodes, the full newsletter and access to all of our religion content.
‘Instead, they get a piece of jewelry’
A By Common Consent blogger, like church President Dallin Oaks, sees “more to do” to enhance gender equity in the global faith.
Michael David Huston points to the recently announced refinements coming in January to the youth program to highlight that female Latter-day Saints “simply do not have the same opportunities for engagement that men do.”
The year girls in Young Women classes turn 16, for instance, they will receive a locket. Their male counterparts will get an oil vial for use in priesthood blessings.
“So … males will get an ‘emblem’ that represents both (1) the authority they have and (2) the expectation that they will exercise that authority as part of their role in the church,” the blogger writes. “The females get a medallion. Why don’t the ladies get an oil vial? Because ladies don’t have the priesthood and can’t give blessings. Instead, they get a piece of jewelry.”
(In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Latter-day Saint women actually gave healing blessings with consecrated oil. The practice ended in the 1920s.)
Huston also notes posters that the young people can print out on “Becoming a Covenant Daughter of God” and “Becoming a Covenant Son of God.” There are notable and noticeable differences. For example:
Daughter of God • “God has chosen me for a great work. I will stand as his witness at all times and in all things and in all places as I prepare the world for the Savior’s return.”
Son of God • “I will prepare to become a diligent missionary by being a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I will help prepare the world for the Savior’s return by inviting all to come unto Christ.”
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) During Sunday meetings in 2027, Young Women groups will learn about helping with God’s work.
“So, again, male language is connected to authority and clearly defined church roles,” the blogger writes. “The female charge is a generalized statement about discipleship, which is applicable to any church member, including 8-year-old children who have just been baptized.”
Huston concludes with a warning: If these disparities aren’t addressed, “retention will continue to be a problem.”
And, as the latest data shows, women are now more likely to leave the church than men, and younger women step away more frequently than older women.
An attitude of gratitude
(Goldener Hirsch) A past Thanksgiving meal at Goldener Hirsch at Deer Valley in Park City.
The Roman statesman Cicero called gratitude the “greatest of virtues.”
In that spirit, we invite you to exercise this virtue and share with us here what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving season.
Latest ‘Mormon Land’ podcast: Lingering racism
(James Jones) Theologian and Latter-day Saint James Jones is a guest on this week's "Mormon Land."
Black members still would like an apology for the church’s former priesthood/temple ban, says African American Latter-day Saint scholar.
Listen to the podcast.
Around the world
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Cast members depict Mary and Joseph in a Temple Square production of "Savior of the World."
• The Christmastime show “Savior of the World” will run only two days this holiday season on Temple Square as crews continue to prepare for next year’s reopening of the Salt Lake Temple.
Performances in the Tabernacle are planned for Nov. 27-28, according to a news release, along with a live broadcast.
• A 10-day tour took apostle Gary Stevenson to France, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Austria last month for meetings with government representatives, civic officials, religious authorities, mission leaders and members.
• Episodes of Season 5 of “Saints: The Podcast” are now available.
This batch of shows will focus on personal stories, emphasizing the faith’s vast multicultural reach and taking listeners from Australia to Zambia.
“I hope this podcast helps listeners recognize themselves in church history,” historian Michelle Graabek-Wallace, from Denmark, said in a news release, “and see that the restoration and the work of building Zion has always been global.”
• A leading Louisiana news website recently featured two female missionaries from Utah serving in Baton Rouge.
The NOLA.com story summarized mission life — from daily schedules and frequent disappointments to never-ending challenges and heartfelt fulfillment.
“It’s a grind,” 20-year-old Adilyn Connor said, “and we love it.”
Added her companion, 19-year-old Addison Bringhurst: “You love something so much. You spread it with others, and people don’t want to listen to you. … We can’t be discouraged.”
From The Tribune
(Vatican Media) Pope Leo XIV gathers with religious leaders from a variety of faith traditions Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at the Palacio San Martín in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Latter-day Saint apostle Ulisses Soares is in the back row, far right.
• Brazilian apostle Ulisses Soares attends an interfaith gathering in Argentina with Pope Leo XIV.
• The church leases some of its ranchland for a data center.
• BYU researchers have developed a promising new weapon in the battle against cancer.
• The tide may be turning for U.S. Latter-day Saint voters as they join the midterm election’s blue wave.
(Illustration by Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune)
• A crumbling Provo apartment complex will be turned into new BYU housing.
• A new documentary explores how dirty sodas popped up in Latter-day Saint culture.
• What would Jesus say? Our interview with the star of “The Chosen.”
(Studio 5&2) Jonathan Roumie, left, who plays Jesus in "The Chosen," talks with director Dallas Jenkins.
