There's a significant possibility that 2012 will be the year that America confronts the question of whether a Mormon can be president. It seems like a question with an obvious answer ("I don't know. Can he?"). But surveys in recent years have consistently found that a large minority of voters are set against the idea, and the prejudice may be even more deeply rooted among a Republican primary electorate that is, as my colleague puts it, "struggling to decide which it hates most—being a Mormon or being sensible."

As I prepare to marry a wonderful girl in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on Saturday, I can’t help but reflect on how my church has striven mightily to bring this about. From singles wards (congregations) at Brigham Young University to singles conferences throughout the world, singles in the LDS dating pool are brought together on a weekly basis to worship, have fun, date, and marry, preferably in a temple. I have not always enjoyed exploring the Mormon singles scene, but am eternally grateful that the church’s singles program encouraged and guided my fiancée and me towards the ultimate goal of a temple marriage. While I love pointing out areas in which Mormons can learn from Jews, in this case I think that Jews could learn a thing or two from Mormons about providing opportunities for singles to marry within the faith.

For a quick overview of the sessions, watch this video of highlights from the April 2014 general conference.

The depth of Roman Catholicism is so great it can keep those in the the faith captivated for many lifetimes. And because of the Church’s position in society — a religion with one billion adherents, a head office that is actually a state, and endless criticism for moral positions that grate secular society — it is no wonder that can become obsessed with their own position in the world. I spend an inordinate amount of time reading Catholic web sites and a theme that seems to emerge is that we are part of a mistreated, misunderstood minority. Catholics should absolutely defend themselves against prejudice and repression. And if nothing else, combat plain ignorance. It is also important to overcome the horrendous stereotype that the Church is a breeding ground for sexual abusers. But once in a while it is good to look around and see what religious group is really is taking it on the chin these days.

Michael Otterson, director of public affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says that something "transformational" happens in downtown Salt Lake City twice each year as general conference time approaches. "Temple Square becomes thronged with people of every nationality," Otterson wrote in his regular "On Faith" blog posting in the Washington Post this week. "Across the (downtown LDS Church headquarters) campus the flavor becomes decidedly cosmopolitan, from the cafeteria crowds to the tourists packing the (Main Street) Plaza, the nearby Family History Library or the adjacent Church Museum.

This is one of the first times Claire's mother, Ashley, has joined in creating beautiful vocal harmonies with her family.

Mount Liberty College offers a serious alternative to the political correctness and “diversity” madness infecting higher education, in Utah and elsewhere. The MLC curriculum is organized around a traditional Great Books education, building on the kind of education Thomas Jefferson received, as offered in the best charter, private, and home schools.

A thread of complexity is woven throughout the life of Emma Smith. Her love for her husband, the Prophet Joseph Smith, was enduring despite her struggles to understand his participation in polygamy. Her family was the most important thing to her, yet she suffered familial losses over and over again. She gave her all for the gospel of Jesus Christ but chose not to go west with the Saints. Many have asked, “Did Emma fall short?" This week, we talk with Jennifer Reeder, the author of the new biography, “First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith," about why the answer to that question is no—Emma gave all that was asked of her.

Neylan McBaine was raised in New York City by a single mother who also happened to be a singer in the Metropolitan Opera. She watched as her mother was applauded and recognized within her faith community for her accomplishments. But as a young student at Yale, Neylan began to realize that many women perceived a woman’s role in the Church as something different—something prescriptive. Neylan has since dedicated her time and talents to helping women see there is no one way to be a Latter-day Saint woman.

Elder Neil L. Andersen went the extra mile to show how much he is paying attention.