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The Impacts of Colorism (with Dr. David-James Gonzales)

What does sunshine have to do with family history? Well, besides helping our plants and vegetables grow, sunshine has a profound effect on our bodies. One of those effects is melanin production. Melanin is a dark pigment in our hair, skin, and iris of the eye that protects us from the sun’s radiation. Tragically, throughout history some have used melanin to create caste systems that determine social status, ultimately affecting our family history. In this episode, Dr. David-James Gonzales discusses how these caste systems and resulting colorism began and the impact they still have on us as we seek to learn more about ourselves and our ancestors.

Feature Stories

I’m a Pioneer: First Black bishop in one South Carolina stake

By Sherry Dial

This Pioneer Day, it is our hope that we can celebrate every kind of pioneer and remember the sacrifices that have been made by so many to make The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints what it is today.

50: “We Believe” (The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2)

If you’re thinking, “Wait, didn’t we just finish the Doctrine and Covenants? Why are there more lessons this year?” Well, yes, we did technically finish the sections, but did you know there are three very important documents included at the end of the Doctrine and Covenants? And so this week, we’re going to study those three documents: Official Declarations 1 and 2 and the Articles of Faith. But we also have a little something extra for you that is going to set up the discussion so well for these documents and we can’t wait to share it with you. So friends, grab your scriptures and let’s dig in.

What Does it Mean to Be Offended?

I’ve noticed that often expressions of concern about the church’s actions are met with comments about being offended. Recently I posted quotes from Randy Bott’s recent comments on blacks and the priesthood. A friend responded with this:

Huntsman condemns anti-Mormon ad, denies his involvement

Presidential candidate Jon Huntsman is condemning a YouTube video purporting to come from his campaign that attacks rival Mitt Romney for his belief in the LDS Church and the faith’s previous ban on blacks holding Mormon priesthood.

Latter-day Saint Life

Church Updates, Adds New Topics to Gospel Topics

By LDS Living

The Church has recently updated multiple Gospel Topics and added new ones to its website.

Latter-day Saint Life

Batchlor Johnson IV: How the path of discipleship brings me confidence and freedom

By Batchlor Johnson IV

“My journey of trying to be the best disciple I can be has given me the confidence and the freedom to live at my best unapologetically.”

"BuzzFeed" Features Mormons' Responses to the Church's Statement Condemning White Supremacism

By Jim Dalrymple II @ BuzzFeed

After the Church released a statement Tuesday that declared "members who promote or pursue a 'white culture' or white supremacy agenda are not in harmony with the teachings of the Church," many media sources have reported on the statement. Recently, BuzzFeed shared how this statement was celebrated among the majority of the LDS community.

For Huntsman, a little faith could go a long way

One of the more intriguing questions posed by Mitt Romney's presidential run is whether a Mormon can win the Oval Office. Now that former Utah governor John Huntsman Jr. (also a Mormon) has announced his candidacy, a new question emerges: What sort of Mormon might be elected president?

Wendy Ulrich: How God Expects Women to Use Priesthood Power

Are women meant to simply be recipients of the blessings of the Priesthood or do women actively participate in the Priesthood? Wendy Ulrich, who recently authored a book on the topic of women’s access to God’s power, explains that there are many ways women are able to, and even expected to, exercise Priesthood power.