Rasband's Big Claim, Prison Garments, 55 New Missions - Mormon News 7.3.26 | Ep. 2168

On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This week we take a closer look at Elder Ronald A. Rasband's patriotic address, where he claimed God preserved the United States for the Restoration, taught that Noah's Flood fractured the continents to protect the promised land, reaffirmed the Garden of Eden in Missouri, and described America as a stepping stone to eternal life. We'll also discuss the Church's invitation for members worldwide to participate in a unified fast for religious liberty. Links: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.... https://www.thechurchnews.com/members... Next, we'll discuss a federal lawsuit alleging that Utah prison guards sexually assaulted female inmates, including allegations that one correctional officer's LDS temple garments were found in an inmate's cell and questions about whether prison leaders attempted to cover up the abuse. Links: https://kutv.com/news/2news-investiga...   / spencer-kilpack-99a137364   We'll also examine the Church's announcement that it is creating 55 new missions, what "new" actually means, why Africa is receiving nearly one-third of them, and the decision to lower the missionary age for women from 19 to 18. Links: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.... https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.... We'll cover the case of a Rexburg man accused of setting his parents' home on fire after allegedly telling police God instructed him to do it, raising questions about revelation, mental illness, and claims of divine communication. Link: https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/07... We'll also discuss the dedication of the new Nauvoo Temple Visitors' Center, including the Church's installation of a historic Tiffany stained-glass window that sold at auction for $237,500. Links: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.... https://www.antiquetrader.com/auction... Next, we'll examine the plea agreement involving former LDS Young Men leader Virgil Larson, accused of giving nude massages to minors, and why the amended charges would allow him to avoid registering as a sex offender. Links: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ8lym2pU... https://floodlit.org/a/b051/ Finally, we'll discuss the viral video: Did the Mormon Church pass the test? We'll explore what that conversation reveals about missionaries and training around child safety in the church. Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikalie.monro... Join us live as we provide context behind the headlines, separate fact from speculation, and discuss what these stories reveal about Mormonism today.