LDS Retention Drop, Church Opposes Abortion Rights in Idaho, Nevada - Mormon News 9.25.26 | Ep. 2200

Today on Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan examine new Pew data on Mormon retention, the Church’s opposition to Idaho Proposition 1, questions surrounding David McConkie’s employment at BYU, a response from Suzie Greco, Elizabeth Smart’s Survivor Files, and Colorado State’s apology following anti-Mormon chants at a BYU football game. ARE MORMONS STAYING? New Pew data gives us another look at LDS retention in the United States. We compare the new findings with Church-focused retention research released earlier this year. https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/ https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/ CHURCH OPPOSES IDAHO PROP 1 The LDS Church has asked Idaho members to oppose Proposition 1, a reproductive freedom ballot initiative. We look at what has transpired since. https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/09/read-letter-from-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saint-leaders-on-idaho-abortion-prop-1-initiative/ DAVID McCONKIE AT BYU Questions are being raised about BYU’s employment of David G. McConkie, who appears on a public offender registry. We look at the available records and what is being reported about his work at BYU. https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries?search= https://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=31038418&AgencyID=54438 https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1wj58fx/byu_employs_convicted_sex_offender_david_g/ SUZIE GRECO RESPONDS Survivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco responds following our previous coverage of the warning she says she received from LDS leaders. ELIZABETH SMART: SURVIVOR FILES Elizabeth Smart is sharing a new series, Survivor Files, centered on survivor stories and experiences. https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_official/reels/ COLORADO STATE APOLOGIZES TO BYU Colorado State apologized after fans directed derogatory chants at BYU during their football game. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49986309/colorado-st-apologizes-byu-derogatory-chants-fans ___________________ YouTube Show Notes 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 theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. 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 today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117