During the week of February 1-7, Church President Dallin H. Oaks issued a special invitation to young people from around the world to attend the Institute. Additionally, Elder Patrick Kearon and his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to young adults about how faith in Jesus Christ can overshadow doubts and fears.
Cindy McCain, executive director of the United Nations World Food Program, traveled to Salt Lake City to see the humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church has pledged support for the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Games. And members of the church are in Italy to compete on Team USA’s four-person bobsled team.
A new portrait of Joseph Smith has been unveiled at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Presidency of the Seventy also addressed hundreds of world faith leaders at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, DC.
Elder Stephen D. Shumway, Elder John D. Amos, and Elder Ronald M. Barcelos, all General Authority Seventies, spoke to students at BYU, BYU-Hawaii, and BYU-Pathway Worldwide, respectively.
On this week’s episode of the “Church News” podcast, BYU-Pathway Worldwide Vice President of Advancement Tanise Chun-hoon talks about the importance of self-reliance and the far-reaching impact of the Church’s educational initiatives. Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, along with other interfaith, government and civic leaders, toured the new Harare Zimbabwe Temple during a special open house.
Read the overview and find links to articles below.
1. To commemorate the institute’s 100th anniversary, President Oaks issues a special invitation to young people from around the world.
During a devotional broadcast to young people, President Oaks issued a special invitation.
“Dear young adults, I encourage you to continue attending institute,” he said. The Prophet then listed six specific blessings that come from attending the Institute and encouraged young adults to invite their friends to experience these blessings.
Click here to learn more about President Oaks’ special invitation.
2. Elder and Sister Kieron tell young people at global devotion, “Let us sing with saving love.”
Elder and Sister Kearon spoke to an audience of young people from around the world to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Institute of Religion. Their statements focused on the Savior’s power to increase, deliver, and provide true hope. They also paid special attention to some questions from young people.
Click here for more information on worship broadcasts.
3. World Food Program leaders visit church humanitarian facility and express gratitude for 12 years of cooperation
Cindy McCain, executive director of the United Nations World Food Program, visited Salt Lake City on Friday, January 30, to tour the Church’s humanitarian efforts, including the Episcopal Central Storage and Welfare Plaza. After the tour, Mr. McCain and other guests had lunch with the presiding bishopric and the Relief Society general presidency.
Read more about this story here.
4. See the connection between the church and the Olympics
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has pledged “significant donations” and the use of church resources and volunteers to support the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Games. Bishop Sean Douglas, Second Counselor of the Presiding Diocese, made the announcement at the Foreign Press Association office in Milan, just days before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic Games.
Additionally, Caleb Farnell, 24, is a pusher on Team USA’s four-man bobsled team and a member of his church. He is coming to Italy to compete in the 2026 Olympics.
Learn more about the church’s pledge of support. Learn more about Latter-day Saint Olympic bobsledders.
5. What Joseph Smith’s portrait at Morehouse College means to local Latter-day Saints
A new portrait of Joseph Smith was unveiled on Sunday, February 1, at Morehouse College’s Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel.
Joseph Smith’s portrait will be displayed next to portraits of President Russell M. Nelson and Abraham Lincoln in the Hall of Fame, which features more than 300 oil paintings of world leaders in the international civil and human rights movement.
Learn more about Joseph Smith’s portrait here.
6. Elder Nash Addresses Religious Leaders and Those Advocating for the Protection of Religious Freedom
Elder Nash emphasized the importance of protecting religious freedom in front of hundreds of world faith leaders at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C.
“There is abundant evidence of the power of religious freedom in building families, communities, and nations,” Elder Nash said.
Read Elder Nash’s speech here.
7. Leader speaks at church school devotional
Elder Shumway spoke to BYU students, faculty and staff about removing unnecessary distractions from their lives.
Elder Amos encouraged the BYU-Hawaii students to stop overthinking the gospel and to keep it simple.
As a dedication to BYU – Pathway Worldwide, Elder Barcelos encouraged the audience to become seekers of truth.
Click here to learn more about Elder Shumway’s devotional. Click here to learn more about Elder Amos’ devotional. Click here to learn more about Elder Barcelos’ devotional.
8. Church News Podcast Episode 279: Tanise Chung-hoon of BYU – Pathway Worldwide talks about the impact of church education.
On this week’s Church News Podcast, Chung-Hoon, BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s vice president of advancement, spoke about the far-reaching impact of the church’s efforts, how it’s all “one job,” and the importance of self-reliance.
Listen to the podcast episode here.
9. President of Zimbabwe attends the opening ceremony of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple
During a special open house, President Mnangagwa toured the new Harare Zimbabwe Temple. Elder Erich W. Kopischke, deputy executive director of the temple division, and Elder Viangina Sikahema, second counselor in the Africa South Area Presidency, led the tour and presented Mr. Mnangagwa with the temple’s Christ statue and artwork.
Click here to learn more about the Temple Open House.
