LDS Scholar Warned? 50 Million Members? Anti-Immigration? Early Marriage? - Mormon News | Ep. 2197

In today's Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan are back with six stories raising questions about LDS leadership, institutional accountability, and the future of Mormonism. We respond to Skye's criticism of our previous coverage, examine abuse survivor advocate Suzie Greco's reported warning, and unpack Elder Kevin W. Pearson's striking remarks about a future Church with 50 million members. Plus, a new report explores the Church's emphasis on marrying young and having children, a video raises questions about service missionaries providing legal assistance, and BYU appears in a report on universities criticized for their treatment of LGBTQ students.SKYE RESPONDS TO MORMON STORIESSkye says John disparaged his marriage. We revisit the criticism and discuss how to address disagreements about mixed-orientation marriages without dismissing the people living them.https://www.instagram.com/p/DdFKB3iSzao/SUZIE GRECO WARNED?Survivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco reports receiving a warning. We examine her account, her research into abuse and institutional structures, and the specific reforms she has proposed for the LDS Church.https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19QPkf4ApB/50 MILLION MORMONS?Elder Kevin W. Pearson speaks about the Church moving from 18 million to 50 million members. Is he describing an expectation for future growth?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqVNtE5pV3UMARRY YOUNG, HAVE MORE BABIES?A new KUER report examines the LDS Church's messaging around younger marriage, family formation, and modern motherhood. We discuss what that messaging means for young adults making decisions about their futures.https://www.kuer.org/health/2026-09-16/lds-church-younger-marriage-more-babies-modern-motherhoodSERVICE MISSIONARIES PROVIDING LEGAL HELP?A video prompts questions about the role of service missionaries in providing legal assistance. We look at what's being described and what questions it raises about missionary service and professional expertise.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H10ajNFcXABYU AND THE 15 WORST UNIVERSITIESThe Advocate includes BYU in its coverage of universities criticized for anti-LGBTQ policies and practices. We discuss the concerns behind the report and what they mean for LGBTQ students attending religious universities.https://www.advocate.com/news/education/15-worst-anti-lgbtq-universitiesJoin us today for the latest Mormon news, analysis, and conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to Mormon Stories Podcast for more coverage of the LDS Church.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt 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 donations⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠Venmo ⁠⁠PayPal ⁠Our Platforms:🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠✳️⁠Spotify⁠🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠📱⁠TikTok ⁠🎮⁠Discord ⁠Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117