LDS Retention Drop, Church Opposes Abortion Rights in Idaho, Nevada - Mormon News 9.25.26 | Ep. 2200
Mormon Stories PodcastShow Notes
Today on Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan examine new Pew data on Mormon retention, the Church’s opposition to Idaho Proposition 1, questions surrounding David McConkie’s employment at BYU, a response from Suzie Greco, Elizabeth Smart’s Survivor Files, and Colorado State’s apology following anti-Mormon chants at a BYU football game.
ARE MORMONS STAYING? New Pew data gives us another look at LDS retention in the United States. We compare the new findings with Church-focused retention research released earlier this year. https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/ https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/
CHURCH OPPOSES IDAHO PROP 1 The LDS Church has asked Idaho members to oppose Proposition 1, a reproductive freedom ballot initiative. We look at what has transpired since. https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/09/read-letter-from-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saint-leaders-on-idaho-abortion-prop-1-initiative/
DAVID McCONKIE AT BYU Questions are being raised about BYU’s employment of David G. McConkie, who appears on a public offender registry. We look at the available records and what is being reported about his work at BYU. https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries?search= https://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=31038418&AgencyID=54438 https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1wj58fx/byu_employs_convicted_sex_offender_david_g/
SUZIE GRECO RESPONDS Survivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco responds following our previous coverage of the warning she says she received from LDS leaders.
ELIZABETH SMART: SURVIVOR FILES Elizabeth Smart is sharing a new series, Survivor Files, centered on survivor stories and experiences. https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_official/reels/
COLORADO STATE APOLOGIZES TO BYU Colorado State apologized after fans directed derogatory chants at BYU during their football game. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49986309/colorado-st-apologizes-byu-derogatory-chants-fans
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YouTube Show Notes
At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
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