In 1976, Alex Haley published his groundbreaking book Roots. The book tells the story of an African teenager who is taken from her home in what is now the Republic of Gambia and transported to slavery in North America. The story follows his life and the lives of his descendants in the United States.
Roots became a best-selling book, a popular television series, a cultural sensation, and sparked tremendous interest in genealogy and family history.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles mentioned “roots” in a media interview following his and Sister Melanie Rasband’s presentation on March 7 at RootsTech Family Discovery Day. He said it shows how family history can inspire people around the world to explore their heritage and forge new and meaningful connections.
“People are drawn to and interested in their roots. In our church, we call it the ‘Spirit of Elijah’ (a manifestation of the Holy Spirit). There is something about the Holy Spirit that makes us hear the words of our ancestors. Obviously, in our faith tradition, it is for the work in the temple.”
Elder Rasband continued: “Across the world, there is a trend and a deep feeling to care about our ancestors. I think that’s why Roots Tech resonates with so many people of all faiths and traditions, because we’re all interested in our roots.”
While total attendance numbers are yet to be confirmed, RootsTech 2026, a three-day global family history event, is expected to be the largest in history, attracting millions of participants online and thousands in person.
As someone who has covered Roots Tech for the Deseret News and Church News since the event began in 2011, I have felt the power and truth of Elder Rasband’s words many times over the years, strengthening my faith and testimony in Jesus Christ. This vibrant, soul-invigorating feeling was on my mind again at RootsTech 2026.
It’s easy to marvel at how advances in technology are driving growth and increasing participation in RootsTech around the world, thereby furthering the Lord’s work and providing more people with a way to experience discovery and feel the spirit of Elijah.
The Family Tree app’s “Ritual Ready” feature allows more members, especially young people, to find family names and bring them home to the Lord, changing the perception that family history is a project just for everyone’s “Aunt Sally.”
And it can be invigorating. Primary general president Susan H. Porter suggested a shift in thinking at RootsTech 2023: “We use the term ‘family history work.'” Get rid of the “work.” What do you mean by “family history experience” or “discovery”? How about “The excitement of family history”? ” she said. “It’s emotional. It’s amazing. It’s a connection.”
Elder Rasband believes this change is already occurring among emerging generations.
“Some of our greatest genealogists are our children and grandchildren. They were once my mothers,” he said. “Now our young people have access to the Internet. They can search for family trees and they are the wizards. Some of our children and grandchildren have been to the temple many times and some go searching for their ancestors. It’s exciting. It’s exhilarating.”
Although temple and family history service takes time and effort, it has never felt like “work” to me. I gained strength and courage by learning about the interesting lives and trials of my ancestors, and I found greater meaning, peace, and hope in performing temple ordinances for them.
It was also great to see my 12-year-old daughter’s enthusiasm and interest in doing the same thing.
As we all strive to become more involved in temple history service and family history service, Elder Rasband’s message to all Latter-day Saints post-RootsTech is what I most appreciate and will always keep in mind. “It’s all for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Everything we do in Family History Service, including our temple worship, is to bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Elder Rasband said. “That’s the bottom line.”
— Trent Thune is a reporter for Church News.
