EP 544 - The Battle Over Masks

The man, the legend, Devin Thorpe is back after a little hiatus. He has a new book about being a force for good, and you can order it here!

It's been a curious week in Latter-day Saint news. We're now two Sundays removed from the First Presidency's letter asking ("urging") all of us who are able to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and to wear masks as appropriate at church meetings. So how is that going? Are members in your ward wearing masks? Did bishops have the letter read from the pulpit?

* Brigham Young University moves from encouraging masks to flat-out requiring them for fall semester

* Has Church guidance on masks made any impact?

* A Utah ICU doctor feels betrayed by his fellow Latter-day Saints

Of course, there's this little gem:

* BYU also established an Office of Belonging, an effort to root out racism and bigotry on campus

* In the wake of President Worthen's announcement of the Office of Belonging, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave an impassioned speech about the importance of protecting BYU's name and purpose.

* Deseret News focused on BYU's unique academic mission and our responsibility to uphold it

* Salt Lake Tribune focused on Elder Holland calling out the valedictorian who used his commencement speech to come out as gay

* A 90-year-old graduate from BYU! But beneath the headline lays a story that's not quite as cool as you might think.

* Our own Jeff Borders wrote about his perspective as a convert experiencing major Church history sites for the first time

* The Church has long said its investment opportunities aren't paid for with tithing, but it's come to light that City Creek was paid for on the interest and gains from investing tithing

* Groundbreaking for the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple

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