In this episode, John and Meggan examine several major stories shaping the current state of Mormonism, including new research on LDS disaffiliation and decline, increasing institutional strain on local leadership, financial fraud tied to prominent Utah business figures, and the continuing controversy surrounding the Fairview Texas temple.•Drawing from <a href="https://www.tornbyjeffstrong.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">research and analysis by Jeff Strong </a>and team of researchers, we discuss what current membership and retention trends may reveal about blind spots devout Latter-day Saints have, the primary reasons for disaffiliation, how LDS trends compare with other denominations, gender differences in the decline, institutional trust, and why many members appear to be quietly disengaging from traditional LDS expectations.•We also examine a recent <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/2026/05/08/utah-county-prosecutors-alerted/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Salt Lake Tribune report</a> detailing how some Utah County prosecutors notify the church’s law firm when LDS bishops submit letters on behalf of criminal defendants, raising questions about ecclesiastical influence, legal systems, and institutional boundaries.Additional topics include:•A <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/05/14/young-men-general-presidency-livestream-discusses-bishops-support-to-youth/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Church News livestream</a> acknowledging how overwhelmed many LDS bishops have become while supporting young men•The <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ut/pr/utah-jury-convicts-business-owners-fraud-after-victims-were-scammed-more-30m" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Noah’s Event Centers fraud convictions </a>involving active Latter-day Saints and ongoing questions surrounding discernment• The <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/fairview-leaders-again-plead-church-110000502.html" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">final public plea from the mayor of Fairview, Texas</a> asking the church to reconsider the height of the proposed temple steeple in an effort to preserve community trust.•<a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/mormon-church-battles-insurers-over-sex-abuse-settlement-coverage-at-10th-circuit/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The church battling insurers over sex abuse settlement </a>coverage before the 10th Circuit Court•And <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYkm-zvJxMZ/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Charlie Bird and Ryan Clifford</a> announced via social media this week that they have already begun the process to add a child to their family.Together, these stories paint a larger picture of a church navigating growth, decline, public scrutiny, generational change, and increasing tension between institutional authority and individual experience.___________________<a href="https://www.mormonstories.org/40-of-mormons-raised-in-the-u-s-have-left-the-church/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Show Notes</a><a href="https://youtube.com/live/rso-20j8i1k" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a>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.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

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40% of Mormons Raised in the U.S. Have Left the Church - Mormon News 5.22.26 | Ep. 2151

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