Organized in 1967, the Utah Sports Hall of Fame Foundation honors members of the community who have either participated or contributed to athletics in Utah. Each inductee receives a plaque, displayed in the Energy Solutions Arena. Recently, the USHFF honored a Church leader, Brother Devin G. Durrant, for his basketball career.

Supplement from "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" by The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles

These are the words of the 16-year-old boy.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cares deeply about the quality of life in Utah, home to nearly two million of its members — 13 percent of total membership — and the Church’s worldwide headquarters. The Church's concern, however, is not to promote the health code we embrace as Church members, but to support legislation that advances the safety and well-being of all state residents, particularly minors, and to avoid the societal costs and harms that often result from alcohol excess consumption and abuse, underage drinking and DUIs. The Church also believes strongly that alcohol policy in Utah is closely tied to the moral climate of the state and legislation should not enable, promote or contribute to an “alcohol culture.” Nevertheless, the Church does not contest the fact that alcohol is socially acceptable in our society and should be available to those who want it.

We live in the latter days, a time when the fullness of the gospel is on the earth but so are many challenges and struggles unique to this time.

I was reminded last week, upon reading Simon Critchley’s opinion piece in the New York Times, what a unique stretch of time we’re in. Much has been written about the Mormon Moment. As a columnist, I’ve been watching this moment snowball for more than a decade, from the rustlings that came during the 2002 Winter Olympics up until now. A lot has changed in that period of time. The number of famous Mormon faces has grown, thanks to reality shows, business success, blogging, politics and some best-selling books. The way we’re scrutinized has changed. A decade ago, the media often deferred to non-Mormon experts on Mormonism. Now they reach more from within the faith to source their stories.

The devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010 shattered and changed millions of lives, but the relief efforts and outpouring of support by organizations and individuals worldwide offered hope. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working diligently since the disaster to provide aid to the people of Haiti through its humanitarian aid program. In January of 2010, Bishop H. David Burton, presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who oversees the Church’s humanitarian program said, “Our hearts ache for the people of Haiti and our prayers are with them as we witness the unimaginable suffering they are experiencing. We are grateful for the many generous donations that enable the Church to provide extensive relief in Haiti, as well as other parts of the world.”

Southern Utah University continues to celebrate the excellence of achievement by both faculty and students. Friday, May 2, marked the graduation of 1,764 students at the university’s 115th commencement celebration. Valedictorian Kori Ann Corbridge maintained a 4.0 GPA while tutoring fellow students in math for more than 30 hours a week. Sociology major Sarah Pirzada spoke at the 58th session of the commission on the status of women at the U.N. headquarters. And Ann Middleton led a group of fellow students in getting a compilation of art book published as part of a senior project.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines has taken precautions in anticipation of Typhoon Haiyan. Church leaders have been evaluating resources and making specific preparations for the storm for the past week, and they will work with local authorities and relief agencies to provide assistance as the storm progresses.The storm is forecast to hit the Visayas region of the Philippines, and it may impact nearly two-thirds of the country. Officials are warning that the storm has the potential to cause widespread damage.

It was a hot summer day as Tarin Virgil headed to the college bus stop in Rocklin, California. As the heat of the afternoon took its toll, Tarin decided to take a breather under a tree on the side of the road. As she paused, Tarin didn’t notice the sign indicating that she was standing outside of an Institute of Religion building for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What she also did not know was that her life was about to change. Earlier that day Brother Paul Watkins, the institute director, had come to the building, to complete some work. Though classes were not in session, he had agreed to have the institute building open for the missionaries to teach a young woman they had previously met. When she did not show up at the appointed time, the missionaries continued to wait.