In this episode, John and Meggan examine several major stories shaping the current state of Mormonism, including new research on LDS disaffiliation and decline, increasing institutional strain on local leadership, financial fraud tied to prominent Utah business figures, and the continuing controversy surrounding the Fairview Texas temple. •Drawing from research and analysis by Jeff Strong and team of researchers, we discuss what current membership and retention trends may reveal about blind spots devout Latter-day Saints have, the primary reasons for disaffiliation, how LDS trends compare with other denominations, gender differences in the decline, institutional trust, and why many members appear to be quietly disengaging from traditional LDS expectations. Link: https://www.tornbyjeffstrong.com/ •We also examine a recent Salt Lake Tribune report detailing how some Utah County prosecutors notify the church’s law firm when LDS bishops submit letters on behalf of criminal defendants, raising questions about ecclesiastical influence, legal systems, and institutional boundaries. Link: https://www.sltrib.com/news/2026/05/08/utah-county-prosecutors-alerted/ Additional topics include: •A Church News livestream acknowledging how overwhelmed many LDS bishops have become while supporting young men Link:https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/05/14/young-men-general-presidency-livestream-discusses-bishops-support-to-youth/ •The Noah’s Event Centers fraud convictions involving active Latter-day Saints and ongoing questions surrounding discernment Link:https://www.justice.gov/usao-ut/pr/utah-jury-convicts-business-owners-fraud-after-victims-were-scammed-more-30m • The final public plea from the mayor of Fairview, Texas asking the church to reconsider the height of the proposed temple steeple in an effort to preserve community trust. Link:https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/fairview-leaders-again-plead-church-110000502.html •The church battling insurers over sex abuse settlement coverage before the 10th Circuit Court Link:https://www.courthousenews.com/mormon-church-battles-insurers-over-sex-abuse-settlement-coverage-at-10th-circuit/ •And Charlie Bird and Ryan Clifford announced via social media this week that they have already begun the process to add a child to their family. Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYkm-zvJxMZ/ Together, these stories paint a larger picture of a church navigating growth, decline, public scrutiny, generational change, and increasing tension between institutional authority and individual experience. Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog here: https://www.mormonstories.org/40-of-mormons-raised-in-the-u-s-have-left-the-church/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction to guest 00:02:04 - Stories covered today 00:03:57 - Bishop abusing boys 00:11:19 - How abuse is handled 00:16:52 - When bishops defend abusers 00:18:10 - Clip from Salt Lake Tribune 00:29:10 - Handbook of instructions 00:32:19 - Finishing Tribune clip 00:33:32 - Church battles insurers 00:37:53 - Main story (Torn by Jeff Strong) 00:45:14 - Reasons for disaffiliation 00:53:10 - Disaffiliation is accelerating 01:00:30 - Current LDS beliefs 01:04:35 - Clip of Jeff Strong 01:09:59 - Missionary Program 01:18:49 - Declining more than other denominations 01:31:55 - Declining for decades 01:34:36 - Helpful/unhelpful resources 01:44:44 - Young Men’s Presidencies 01:51:04 - $30M business fraud 01:54:25 - Fairview Texas Temple Steeple 01:56:12 - Pregnant queer Mormon couple 01:59:19 - Clip from Charlie Bird and Ryan 02:04:05 - Maddy Packer’s response 02:11:15 - Church response 02:18:13 - Closing remarks