A Mormon walks into a megachurch
By Jana Riess — May 26, 2021
(RNS) — Five things Latter-day Saints can learn from Crossroads, one of the largest and fastest-growing churches in America.
Why so many new Mormon temples when LDS growth is flat?
By Jana Riess — May 20, 2021
(RNS) — If yesterday’s temple was a prize bestowed on area members when they had achieved certain milestones related to growth, today’s temple is a jumper cable, a tool to re-energize the sputtering engine of the LDS Church.
If Mormons could just hang out in the church building
By Jana Riess — May 14, 2021
(RNS) — LDS leaders want members to view the church building as a genuine 'third place' in their lives. But it's hard for the church to surrender control and let organic community activities develop outside the chain of command.
From Mormon missionary to Lutheran pastor
By Jana Riess — April 27, 2021
(RNS) — Langston ‘tried millions of ways’ to make Mormonism work, but she eventually found peace in the Lutheran Church (ELCA) and began to pursue a path toward ordination. Her parents and husband, who are still Latter-day Saints, were supportive, but ‘they were heartbroken.’
Mormon excommunication: Need not be present to win!
By Jana Riess — April 22, 2021
(RNS) — I find excommunication to be not only a theologically barbaric practice but also one of dubious utility. It doesn’t come from the example of Jesus. It also doesn’t work.
