SALT LAKE CITY -- The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being sought for a deposition in a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse involving his daughter and son-in-law.

In a motion filed in federal court, an attorney representing six unnamed plaintiffs is demanding an early deposition of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson.

"Russell N. Nelson is simply a witness," Craig Vernon, the attorney for the plaintiffs, told FOX 13 on Thursday.

The lawsuit accuses President Nelson's daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Richard Miles, of participating in the abuse of children in a Bountiful ward in the 1980s. The allegations claim a number of people were involved in the abuse and suggests it was covered up.

The Miles have repeatedly and vigorously denied the accusations. Their attorney, James Jardine, has said the accusations of a "child sex abuse ring" were the product of false memories from a therapist and that police investigated and found nothing. They have asked a judge to throw out the lawsuit.

Jardine has also asked the judge to delay the case until the Utah Supreme Court rules on the issue of statutes of limitations in sexual abuse lawsuits. It's that request that prompted Vernon to take the deposition of President Nelson and Craig Smith, who was the stake president over the Bountiful ward at the time of the allegations.

"We simply don’t know how long that Supreme Court case is going to last," Vernon said. "If the court decides to wait, we don’t have any time frame when our discovery is going to start."

Vernon argued that President Nelson is 94 and, given his age, a delay could impact their case.

"Russell M. Nelson has information that’s relevant. He was there right after this came to light," Vernon said.

Jardine told FOX 13 on Thursday he had no comment on the motion, but would respond to it in court.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also declined to comment, but previously has called accusations of a coverup "baseless and offensive."

This isn't the first time Vernon has attempted to depose LDS Church leaders. He represents a number of clients who have sued the Church alleging abuse. In 2017, he sought to depose then-President Thomas S. Monson as part of a lawsuit by Native American children alleging sexual abuse. A judge threw that out.

He is also pursuing depositions against church officials in McKenna Denson's lawsuit alleging she was raped at the Missionary Training Center in the 1980s.

Vernon told FOX 13 he believes President Nelson's deposition is necessary in this lawsuit.

"Because he’s got relevant information we have a right to take his deposition to find out relevant information to prove our case. Nobody is above the law," Vernon said. "Even though he is the current president of the Church, nobody should be above the law."

Read the filing here (refresh the page if it doesn't immediately load):

SALT LAKE CITY — Young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will now progress through the faith’s priesthood and youth programs starting in January of the relevant year rather than when their birthday arrives.

The LDS Church announced the changes in a press release issued Friday, saying that starting in January of 2019 children will complete Primary and begin attending classes for older youth “at the beginning of January in the year they turn 12”.

Previously youth moved to the next stage when their birthday arrived.

In addition, youth will move from priesthood and young women’s classes to the next stage in the year they turn 14 and 16 rather than waiting for those respective birthdays.

The changes also mean that young men will become eligible for priesthood ordination to the appropriate office in January of the year they turn 12, 14 and 16.

Young women and young men will be eligible for limited-use temple recommends in January of the year they will turn 12.

More details and a list of frequently asked questions are available here. 

(KSTU) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement Thursday updating dress standards for women serving in missions all over the world.

Sister missionaries in each of 407 missions around the world now have the option to wear dress slacks. The changes will take effect immediately.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said the move is primarily motivated by safety concerns. Sister Bonni H. Cordon, the general president of the young women’s organization in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, elaborated on Uchtdorf’s statement.

“There are a lot of vector-borne diseases because of mosquitoes and ticks and fleas,” Cordon said. “This helps the sisters to prevent any of those bites or at least minimizes them.”

Until now, sister missionaries in about half of the Church’s missions around the world have been wearing dress slacks during wet seasons to protect them from diseases such as dengue fever, Chikungunya and Zika virus. This change will allow women to wear slacks year-round, as they prefer.

“This is truly optional,” Cordon said. “This sisters can wear dresses, they can wear slacks, whatever will help them in their service as they’re out amongst the people.”

Cordon said the change will also help sister missionaries serving in cold climates stay warm, and make it easier for sister missionaries to ride bicycles, as is common in some areas.

Female missionaries will continue to wear skirts and dresses when attending LDS temples, Sunday worship services, mission conferences and baptismal services, according to the press release.

Read the full press release here.

SALT LAKE CITY - In a big announcement Thursday from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sister missionaries will now be allowed to wear pants.

For the first time since missionary work began in 1830, women serving in all 407 missions across the world will now have the option to wear slacks, instead of just skirts or dresses.

“So many women are going to be thrilled that this isn’t a problem anymore,” LDS feminist April Young Bennett said.

“Oh it’s fantastic news!” said Elaina Lundquist as she left temple grounds.

It is almost 2019, but until Thursday women serving LDS missions weren’t allowed to wear pants.

“It was really a problem,” Young Bennett said. “[That LDS women] have been talking about for a long time. Just something that really bothers us, that’s really concerning and that we’ve been trying to change for a long time.”

It’s a change 188 years in the making.

“It shouldn’t have taken this long for women to be able to wear pants while doing missionary work,” Young Bennett said.

In an announcement Thursday, the Church said the change was primarily motivated by safety concerns — helping to protect women serving in warmer climates from mosquito borne diseases.

For women serving in colder climates, like 19-year-old Lundquist, she’ll get to wear slacks to stay warm.

“I’m going on the Sweden Stockholm mission, Swedish speaking April 10th of next year,” Lundquist said. “It’s going to be a little bit liberating actually since I’m going to Sweden and it’s cold there."

However, this change isn’t all encompassing – women will still be required to wear skirts or dresses at the temple and during various conferences and services.

“It doesn’t go all the way,” Young Bennett said.

For some that’s not a problem.

“You’re stepping into a different place when you go into the church or the temple than if you’re just walking out on the street, so it’s important to wear something that kind of reflects that,” Lundquist said.

But for Young Bennett, that’s part of the issue.

“It’s disappointing that even though, as I see this new policy and it’s going through to everyone throughout the world and now it will affect all sister missionaries, not just those in certain countries… it’s a little bit disappointing to see that they still have to risk it [safety] on Sunday, when there’s really no doctrinal reason to do so,” Young Bennett said.

Still, Young Bennett said the announcement makes her feel hopeful.

“I hope that this will lead to more women-friendly policies in the future."

In the meantime, LDS women can put their pants on one leg at a time, just like their male counterparts.

SALT LAKE CITY — Many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended their last three-hour church service Sunday.

The church announced earlier this year that the three-hour sessions would be shortened to two-hour sessions beginning in January of 2019.

“We’re so excited,” said Tammy Romero, an LDS Church member. “We have young kids and three-hour church is tough with nap time.”

During the faith’s semi-annual General Conference at Temple Square on Oct. 6, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the LDS Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles outlined the schedule.

“The Sunday Church meetings will consist of a 60-minute sacrament meeting each Sunday, focused on the Savior, the ordinance of the sacrament, and spiritual messages. After time for transition to classes, Church members will attend a 50-minute class that will alternate each Sunday,” he said. “Sunday School will be held on the first and third Sundays. Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women meetings will be held on the second and fourth Sundays. Meetings on the fifth Sunday will be under the direction of the bishop. Primary will be held each week during this same 50-minute period and will include singing time and classes.”

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the locations for four new international mission zones and changes to the boundaries of 12 other mission zones.

The new missions will open in July in the following areas:

• Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Antigua, Guatemala
• Limatambo, Peru
• Antipolo, Philippines

The church will realign boundaries and merge them with adjoining missions for the following areas:

• Posadas, Argentina
• Irvine, California
• Long Beach, California
• Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Halifax, Canada
• Tallahassee, Florida
• Macon, Georgia
• Nampa, Idaho
• Sendai, Japan
• Daejon, Korea
• Utica, New York
• Chesapeake, Virginia

“Changes to mission boundaries occur regularly based on the needs and demands of each area around the world. This is particularly the case as the number of missionaries has leveled off after the change in ages for missionary service took effect in 2012. The number of missionaries initially surged to over 88,000 before receding to 65,000 missionaries today, as expected,” a statement from the LDS church said.

SALT LAKE CITY — Amid widespread reports of significant changes in Latter-day Saint temple rituals, the faith’s governing First Presidency issued a general statement Wednesday, explaining that alterations have been made many times in the past, The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

SALT LAKE CITY — Attorneys for a couple being sued over decades-old accusations of sexual abuse are urging a federal judge to reject a demand for a speedy deposition of the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In a filing on Friday, attorneys for Brenda and Richard Miles called the motion “aimed at publicity rather than any real litigation need.” They pointed to an interview the plaintiffs’ attorney did with FOX 13 last month about the court filing.

“Plaintiffs recognize their claims of a satanic ritual sex abuse ring in Bountiful in the 1980’s have been long debunked. Plaintiffs apparently perceive value in creating a media spectacle around the fact that Mrs. Miles father, Russell M. Nelson, is the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” wrote attorney Samuel Straight.

Six people, unnamed in court documents, are suing the Miles, accusing them of participating in abuse in a Bountiful LDS Church ward in the 1980s. The Miles — who were originally sued under a pseudonym but chose to disclose their identities — have vigorously denied the accusations. Their attorneys have said the claims are the product of false memories planted by a therapist. The Miles’ attorneys have asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit.

The Miles’ attorneys have also asked to delay the litigation until the Utah Supreme Court rules in an unrelated case dealing with statutes of limitations in sexual abuse lawsuits. That request prompted the plaintiffs’ attorney, Craig Vernon, to seek “early” depositions of President Nelson and a man who was stake president over that Bountiful ward at the time.

“The only ‘urgency’ behind Plaintiffs’ motion is a recognition that their entire case —and any hope of deposing President Nelson — may be mooted as soon as the Utah Supreme Court rules on the statute of limitations question posed in Mitchell v. Roberts,” Straight wrote in his filing. “That case is fully briefed, with oral arguments presented eight months ago. A ruling is imminent.”

Straight said there is considerable irony in the plaintiffs’ cries of “delay,” with the accusations dating back more than 30 years and a lawsuit filed only last year.

Vernon has argued President Nelson is of advanced age. Straight countered that he is not in bad health.

“The implicit argument appears to be that President Nelson or Mr. Smith may pass away prior to opening of the discovery period. But Plaintiffs offer no evidence that President Nelson or Mr. Smith are in poor health. In fact, it has been widely reported that President Nelson recently completed a world tour — hardly an indication of an impending demise,” he wrote. “Mr. and Mrs. Miles should not be forced to incur the expense and harassment of having their friends and family deposed while their Motion to Dismiss is pending. Plaintiffs’ publicity seeking motion should be denied.”

SALT LAKE CITY -- President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Russell M. Nelson's daughter has died after a battle with cancer.

The LDS Church said in a statement Saturday that Wendy Nelson Maxfield, a daughter of President Russell M. Nelson and Dantzel White Nelson, died Friday afternoon peacefully in her home.

Maxfield was 67, the church said.

Maxfield is married to Norman Maxfield and is survived by seven children and 20 grandchildren, according to the church.

"We express our love to the entire Nelson and Maxfield family as they remember her life and mourn her passing," the church wrote.

SALT LAKE CITY — A federal magistrate judge has rejected a demand for a hasty deposition of the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In an order signed Tuesday night, U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooke Wells denied a demand to conduct a speedy deposition of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson. It’s part of a lawsuit alleging decades-old sexual abuse involving relatives of the faith leader.

Craig Vernon, the attorney for the unnamed plaintiffs, argued Nelson is of advanced age and it made a demand for a deposition necessary. But Judge Wells said in her ruling he presented no evidence showing President Nelson’s age is a problem.

“Without offering any supporting evidence, Plaintiffs offer the conclusory allegation that failure to allow the expedited discovery will risk ‘irrepairable prejudice by a delay,'” she wrote. “Again, there is nothing on the record to corroborate these claims. Conclusory allegations are not enough to establish ‘good cause.’ As such, this court has no choice but to DENY Plaintiffs’ motion for leave to take early depositions.”

The ruling means the case will proceed as normal. Attorneys for Brenda and Richard Miles have asked the judge to delay the litigation while awaiting a Utah Supreme Court ruling in an unrelated case on statute of limitations in sex abuse cases.

The Miles have vigorously denied the accusations arguing they are decades old, that police investigated and found nothing and suggesting the claims are the product of false memories planted by a therapist. The Miles’ attorneys have asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit.

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said it would step away from legislative spats over medical cannabis in the future.

In an interview with FOX 13 on Thursday, Marty Stephens, the Church's government and community relations director, indicated they would not be weighing in on every cannabis bill that came through the legislative session.

"We think the state is in a pretty good position right now for medical cannabis. It’s our intent now to let the legislature manage this issue. We’re not going to get involved in which doctor should be prescribing, which conditions should be covered. We believe there’s a good compromise in place now and it’s not an issue the Church intends to engage on further going forward," Stephens said.

"Unless something wildly different comes up, certainly if recreational marijuana comes in, we may engage. But as far as tweaking the compromise that’s there, this is not an issue the Church will engage in going forward."

The LDS Church was a major figure in the fight over Proposition 2, the medical marijuana ballot initiative that voters approved in November. At first, the faith was strongly opposed to Prop. 2, but then entered into negotiations with legislative leaders, sponsors of the initiative and other opponents.

That led to a "compromise" bill that replaced Prop. 2. It eliminated more objectionable parts of the ballot initiative, while still creating a medical cannabis program in Utah.

The bill -- and the Church's involvement in the talks -- has sparked some public pushback. The replacement bill is the subject of a lawsuit filed by Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education (TRUCE). Part of their litigation accuses the LDS Church of exercising an inappropriate level of influence over the legislature in getting the bill through, usurping the will of the voters.

Reacting to Stephens' comments, the Utah Patients Coalition (which sponsored Prop. 2) said it was hopeful the law could still be modified.

"Our goal has always been to provide patients a medical cannabis plan where medical decisions are made between patients and their doctors," said Desiree Hennessy, the group's executive director. "We look forward to working directly with legislators to expand the Utah Medical Cannabis Act, allowing patients and their medical providers access to the best treatment options."

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said it will not oppose a bill that would expand Utah's hate crimes law to include protections for LGBTQ people.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been the recipients of hate crimes over the years. We understand that," Marty Stephens, the Church's Director of Government and Community Relations, said in an interview Thursday with FOX 13. "We believe all our sons and daughters of God should be protected and no group should be targeted for hate based on their beliefs."

The LDS Church has faced accusations it hindered any hate crime legislation when in 2016 it called for a moratorium on similar legislation after a landmark non-discrimination bill was passed that provided protections for LGBTQ people in housing and employment. Then-Sen. Steve Urquhart accused the Church of "snuffing out" his bill.

"We simply chose to make no comment which is what we do on most pieces of legislation. It’s gotten over the last year or two and it started to focus again on us this year that we were the ones causing the bill not to pass," Stephens said Thursday. "So that’s the reason we wanted to make a statement."

On Capitol Hill, a hate crimes bill enhancing penalties has largely stalled over protections for LGBTQ people. Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, is proposing to add an enhancement to crimes based on targeting someone for race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity. He said the bill was modeled after legislation crafted by the Anti-Defamation League.

"We would not propose that anyone be excluded," Stephens said of the protected categories list.

Sen. Thatcher said he was glad to hear comments from the Church as he prepared to run the bill for another year.

"I am very, very grateful that they are finally on the record," he said.

Sen. Thatcher still anticipated he would have to work to get the bill passed in the Utah State Legislature. But he said he has assured skeptical colleagues that the bill does not target thought.

"This bill has nothing to do with speech or opinions, thoughts or feelings. This isn’t about hurting someone’s feelings or offending somebody. This is about criminal actions," he said.

A racially-motivated attack on a man at a Salt Lake City tire shop last year has spurred new demands for a hate crimes law.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Governor Gary Herbert also indicated some support for the bill. At his monthly news conference on KUED, the governor said the LDS Church's statement "can't hurt" when it comes to odds of passage.

"The message we want to put out there is members of the gay community, LGBTQ, are loved and welcomed and appreciated for who they are. They ought to feel safe. They ought to feel loved. So anything we can do to enhance that, we ought to do," Gov. Herbert said.

The LGBTQ rights group Equality Utah told FOX 13 it was hopeful the bill would pass.

"Many Utah faith communities have already come out in support of inclusive hate crimes legislation," said Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams. "So with the news that the Latter-day Saints now won’t oppose, we remain hopeful and optimistic."

The Anti-Defamation League also called on the legislature to pass the bill.

"We are so grateful for the warm welcome and friendship that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has extended to the ADL and to the Jewish community. Comprehensive hate crimes legislation is imperative to the safety and well-being of all Utahns," said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. "At a time when our society is polarized and hate crimes are on the rise, we urge legislators in Utah to make the bill currently being considered a high priority."

SALT LAKE CITY — A young missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Brazil died after collapsing during a soccer game Monday in Portugal.

The LDS Church confirms 20-year-old Elder Joao Victor Rodrigues Gondim collapsed during a soccer game he was playing with other missionaries.

The cause of his death is unknown.

Elder Gondim has been serving in the Portugal Lisbon Mission since July of 2017 and is from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“Our hearts go out to his family as they mourn his passing,” a statement from the LDS Church reads in part. “We pray they will feel peace and support during this difficult time. The Church is working to provide counseling to those missionaries who witnessed this tragedy.”

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is helping prospective missionaries choose the optimal time to file their mission paperwork in order to accommodate their individual goals.

Some missionaries, for example, have asked to be released from their missions a few weeks early in order to start a semester of college on time.

In some cases, prospective missionaries would prefer to begin their mission training outside of peak times in order to receive more individualized attention at one of the church’s missionary training centers.

The new planning tool, available here, allows prospective missionaries to enter their desired release dates, then tells them when to submit their application forms in order to increase the likelihood of returning from their missions at the intended time.

“This planning tool uses actual data updating continuously based on the Church’s missionary needs worldwide,” said Brent H. Nielson, executive director the LDS church’s missionary department, in a news release. “While it does not guarantee a missionary will leave on a certain date, it will help our young men and women be more deliberate and thoughtful as they decide when they will be best prepared to serve the Lord as a missionary.”

SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday that they will be closing the Argentina Missionary Training Center, located in Buenos Aires, in July.

Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff said that following the closure, missionaries who would have gone to the center would be trained in Mexico and Brazil.

The decision came as church leaders, “continue to seek the best use of resources worldwide according to the needs and demands of each area,” Woodruff said. “Specifically, this closure is designed to better utilize the Mexico and Brazil MTCs, among others, which train large numbers of missionaries who are assigned to serve in Latin America.”

Other Missionary Training Centers were closed by the LDS Church this month in Spain, Chile and the Dominican Republic.

Following the closure, the church will operate 11 missionary training centers worldwide, in Brazil, Colombia, England, Ghana, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Provo and South Africa.

HYDE PARK, Utah -- A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Utah who was serving in the Dominican Republic died Wednesday after falling from a roof.

According to the LDS Church, 18-year-old Brennan Conrad of Hyde Park fell from the roof of his apartment building. He died Wednesday morning.

Conrad began serving in August of 2018 and was assigned to the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family," the statement from the LDS Church said. "We pray they will be comforted as they deal with this tragedy and mourn Elder Conrad's passing."

Hyde Park is in Cache County between Logan and Smithfield.

Loved ones have created a GoFundMe account to assist Conrad's family. 

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released information about the “Children and Youth” program, which will replace the Boy Scouts and Personal Progress programs churchwide in 2020.

The announcement comes just over a year after the church’s First Presidency announced the development of the initiative, replacing existing children and youth programs in the church.

“For years, church leaders have been preparing a new initiative to teach and provide leadership and development opportunities to all children and youth, to support families, and to strengthen youth everywhere as they develop faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” said the First Presidency in the May announcement.

The introduction to Children and Youth said the program is designed to help youths in the church develop integrity and deepen their conversion through gospel learning, service, activities, and personal development.

The church said principles and roles outlined in the introduction, which was emailed to local congregation leaders on Monday, are adaptable to congregations’ needs and experiences.

Children and Youth programs will be home-centered and church-supported, according to the introduction.

“This is going to be an exciting, wonderful enhancement to everything we have done before,” said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “This new initiative is not only going to point them all to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it’s going to give opportunities for large gatherings and personal development through goals and achievement of goals.”

Guidelines for church leaders and parents are included in the introduction and the church said an official announcement for local congregations will be made on September 29.

The Boy Scouts of America released the following statement:

“The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) deeply appreciates the long-standing relationship we’ve had with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a chartered organization, and we wish it all the best as it pursues programming to serve its increasingly global membership.

“There are many religiously-affiliated programs that are offered alongside Scouting, and we anticipate that many youth/families from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will want to continue to participate in Scouting. For Latter-day Saints families who want to continue the tradition of Scouting, the BSA will ensure a smooth transition to community-sponsored units that will welcome youth previously served by Church sponsored units. We have been in regular communication with those families and have had many successful informational events about how they can continue their participation in Scouting, including by forming new units or joining existing community units.

“We believe our organization is more empowered to serve families in our communities today than ever before, and we are confident that our decision to be responsive to our families and welcome boys and girls into our programs will attract even more families and youth to Scouting.”

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will require all leaders who oversee youth and children to complete training to prevent and respond to abuse, the church announced Friday

The online training will initially launch in North America, with other areas to follow. The training will be completed as new leaders receive assignments to work with children and youth.

“We take Jesus Christ’s teachings about children and youth very seriously,” said Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary general president. “He welcomed them into His presence and gave stern warnings against abusing, bullying or hurting them in any way. Jesus said of children, ‘Of such is the kingdom of God’ [Mark 10:14]. His deep concern for children and youth must continue to be our deep concern.”

Friday's announcement included references to Jesus Christ's love for children and the statement: "His Church does not tolerate abuse of any kind."

Church leaders sent a notice indicating all leaders in the following positions are asked to complete the training:

• Stake and district presidencies, bishoprics and branch presidencies
• High councilors
• Stake, district, ward, and branch Primary, Young Women, Young Men and Sunday School and Relief Society presidencies; elders quorum presidencies
• Secretaries, teachers, advisers, camp leaders, activity day leaders, music leaders, pianists and others serving in positions in the Primary,
• Young Women and Young Men organizations
• Teachers of youth Sunday School and seminary classes

The release also states that Latter-day Saint leaders registered in Scouting should also complete the youth protection training required by that group for 2019 before the faith ends its participation with the BSA in 2020.

Parents are also encouraged to complete the training, which is available here. 

The release states:

"The training is designed to increase awareness, highlight policies and identify best practices for supervising and interacting with children and youth. It also helps leaders know how to prevent and respond to abuse. Leaders and specialists from child protection organizations, family therapists and other professionals participated in the creation and evaluation of the new training."

The new system includes notifications for local leaders regarding the members who need to complete the training, who should "ensure that members access and complete the training."

The Latter-day Saint faith has faced criticism regarding leaders' interactions with children, including an organized effort called "Protect LDS Children" that focused on doing away with one-on-one worthiness interviews between bishops and youth.

Sam Young, a former bishop and the founder of the group, said it's a step in the right direction.

“Score one for the children,” he told Fox 13 from his office in Houston. “This is really good.”

However, he argued it doesn’t go far enough.

“I’m looking at 30 minutes? Really? That’s what our training is? How important are our children? We are going to train people for 30 minutes,” Young said.

Craig Vernon, an attorney who represents people who sued the church over abuse allegations, also praises the training but believes it's not enough.

“In addition to telling people that it won’t tolerate abuse, the Church needs to show it as well. Protecting sexual predators harms survivors and puts others at risk. This must stop," he told FOX13 in a statement. "Youth leaders need to be directed to report abuse crimes directly to the police/child protective services and then report to bishops.”

The training begins with multiple-choice questions about situations adults may have with children during church services and activities.

“Sister Brimley is about to start her Sunday school class and there is only one young woman present. What should she do,” asked the first question.

Latter-day Saint leaders say they worked with child abuse specialists and other professionals to identify best practices on how to prevent and respond abuse.

In a statement, Young Men General President Stephen Owen said quote, “We…must do all in our power to bless and protect each child entrusted to our care. This online training is one important way we can help ensure our children have the loving parents and devoted leaders they deserve and need.”

Members will access the training by logging onto their church profile, so completed training can be tracked. Parents are also encouraged to participate.

VANCOUVER — A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has died after he was involved in a crash in Canada last week.

Bryant Keck, 19, of Sanford, Colorado died Tuesday. He had been serving his mission since August 2018.

Keck’s mission companion, 19-year-old Dallin Thompson, of Sahuarita, Arizona, remains in critical condition.

According to a statement from the Latter-day Saint church, the missionaries’ vehicle collided with a truck in Kamloops.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Elder Keck as they mourn his passing and honor his life and missionary service. We continue to pray for Elder Thompson and his family as well as the individuals in the other vehicle. We hope everyone involved in this tragedy will feel the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit during this difficult time,” the Latter-day Saint church’s statement said.

Kamloops is about 265 miles northeast of Vancouver.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is giving the public its first look at what the “Feather River Temple” in Yuba City, California will look like.

An exterior rendering of the new temple shows the planned design of the temple, which was first announced last October.

Further design plans for the 38,000 square foot building are still under development. A groundbreaking date has not yet been set.

This Feather River Temple will the Latter-day Saint church’s eight temple in California. Other temples are located in Fresno, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Oakland, Redlands, Sacramento and San Diego.

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