Mormon Minute: Weekly News Recap for November 17, 2015

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Whitney Thomas

Joined: Aug 2014

The Mormon Minute recaps news that’s happening in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This week, we cover: the additional statements released to explain updates to Handbook 1, the First Presidency’s response following the Paris attacks, and a change for missionaries serving in their native tongue.

0:07 – Prayers for Paris

Following the devastating terrorist attacks on Paris over the weekend, the Church is asking members around the world to join in prayer for those affected. The France Paris Mission reports that all missionaries in the area are safe and accounted for. The First Presidency also requested that Temple Square lower its flags to half-mast, and that a French flag be flown to show the Church’s love and support.

0:29 – Additional Commentary on Handbook 1 Changes

The Church issued additional statements regarding the updates to Handbook One in efforts to clear up confusion that has circulated online. The first is a letter from the First Presidency briefly explaining the purpose of the update and signed by President Monson, Eyring, and Uchtdorf. The second is commentary from Michael Otterson, the Managing Director of Church Public Affairs, who explains in detail the purpose of the handbook, and key points to understand about the changes made.

0:56 – MTC Training Lengthened for Native Tongue Missionaries

The Church Missionary Department will now require missionaries serving in their native tongue to spend three weeks in the missionary training center, instead of two. The missionary department says the change is optimal and could affect start and release dates for some missionaries. The change will go into effect March 2016.


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