YOU WILL STAY!, Ken Jennings, Arizona Ruling, Young Women Leaving | Mormon News 8.8.26 | Ep. 2179

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.

We begin with a major Arizona Supreme Court ruling protecting clergy confidentiality when abuse is disclosed during religious confession. We'll discuss what the decision means, why it matters, and the broader questions it raises about protecting vulnerable people, religious freedom, and institutional accountability.

Links:

The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/03/arizona-clergy-child-abuse-confessions-court

We'll also discuss a new column from Jana Riess examining why more than half of young adult women raised in the LDS Church have now left, exploring the data behind the trend and what it may say about the future of Mormonism.

Links:

Religion News Service (Jana Riess): https://religionnews.com/category/opinion/columns/jana-riess/

We'll react to Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings publicly reaffirming his support for transgender people after being pulled into an online controversy, and discuss why his comments have resonated with many current and former Latter-day Saints.

Links:

Them: https://www.them.us/news/ken-jennings-trans-rights

We'll also look at a new documentary telling the story of WordPerfect, the Utah software company that helped transform Utah Valley into today's Silicon Slopes. We'll discuss the legacy of founders Alan Ashton and Bruce Bastian, and why this important chapter of Utah history deserves to be remembered.

Links:

KSL: https://www.ksl.com/article/51602368

Finally, we'll react to a viral YouTube Short featuring Elder Corbridge that's been making the rounds online and share our thoughts on the conversation it sparked.

Links:

YouTube Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/pxgJiJqQTOs?si=jISqasfwWwHTWyZE

Thanks for joining us! If you enjoy Mormon News, Church history, thoughtful conversations, and nuanced discussions about Mormonism and faith, please like, subscribe, and share this episode.

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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

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