The year 2023 has been eventful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here were the ten largest stories of the year.
Our editors end the year with public accountability and a review of what we did and did not do well.
Does the effort to craft a magical Christmas morning teach us something about the heart of a Father seeking to bring endless joy to us all?
Can Christmas heal sorrow? Those present for Jesus’ birth reveal how the holiday’s true meaning offers solace and hope.
Who is this Jesus Christ we worship? Knowing His true character is the key to our eternal progress.
Many believe dramatic upheaval is needed. But the small things may ultimately create more change.
In our increasingly divisive country, public libraries stand as one of the few neutral civic spaces. But pervasive ideological tilt may prove a death knell. Librarians, however, can save the library as a sanctuary for all.
Marital success hinges on humility over pride, with faith playing a key role in relationship harmony.
Does modern life suffer from a widespread lack of passion and wonder? And if so, what can we do about it?
Elder Patrick Kearon was born on July 18, 1961, in Carlisle, Cumberland, England. He married Jennifer Carole Hulme in January 1991 and they have four children. Kearon joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1987. He has served in various church roles, including stake president and Area Seventy. Professionally, Kearon has worked in multiple countries and industries, and ran his own communications consultancy. He has been involved in civic and community service, including on boards of charities and educational institutions. For more details, please visit his bio on the Church’s website. Elder Patrick Kearon’s messages in General Conference convey a strong emphasis on compassion, healing, obedience, and resilience through Christ’s Atonement. In his 2016 talk, “Refuge from the Storm,” he calls for empathy towards refugees, linking this to the Church’s history and Christian responsibilities. Kearon says, “Our response to refugees […] is a litmus test of our discipleship.” His 2022 talk, “He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings: We Can Be More Than Conquerors,” offers solace and empowerment to those facing abuse, underscoring the transformative power of Christ’s Atonement. “No matter our suffering,” he affirms, “we can find comfort in Him.” His 2010 address, “Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You,” highlights the importance of obedience to gospel teachings, using a personal story to stress the necessity of full-hearted dedication to Christ for genuine peace. These messages collectively illustrate his unwavering commitment to fostering a Christ-centered life marked by deep compassion, adherence to spiritual guidance, and the pursuit of healing and strength through faith. For more details and the full context of these quotes, please visit the talks on the Church’s website: Refuge from the Storm He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings: We Can Be More Than Conquerors Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You
The fact that accusation clouds religious epistemology is a lesson we can all learn from a debacle on a popular YouTube channel.
Honey the chicken’s bond with her owner reflects on human trust dynamics, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and emotional resilience as key factors.
