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Zawya
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
7th edition of Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) champions women's empowerment and child protection across Sierra Leone
The 7th edition of the Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) ( 2025 unfolded in Freetown as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and collaborators joined government leaders, faith communities, and civil society to champion women's empowerment and child protection across Sierra Leone. The two-day conference officially opened on Thursday, June 26 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre under the theme 'Building Stronger Communities through Women Empowerment and Child Protection'. Delivering the keynote address on the first day, Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, stated that the conference presented a unique platform to drive lasting change and consequently challenged stakeholders to turn dialogue into action. 'Let me use this as a call to us all to not let this be just a conference. Let us use this platform to design policies that will make women change-makers in our society,' she urged. She emphasized that promoting women's empowerment should not be reduced to tokenism, as genuinely empowering women has tangible and far-reaching effects. 'Women are agents of transformation. They build up the families, and our families are what build up our society,' the First Lady added. Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, echoed this conviction, highlighting the role of women in the home and across various facets of society. 'Women create harmonious and resilient communities. We need more women of virtue, purity, and empowerment, and this begins with the family,' he said. Other dignitaries reinforced the shared mission. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, President of the Inter-Religious Council, described empowerment as a spiritual responsibility, and consequently, must be spearheaded by religious institutions. 'Religious institutions must champion gender equality and child welfare,' he noted. Traditional leader Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III similarly said, 'It is in our homes, towns, and villages that true transformation must begin. When women are given a seat at the table, nations prosper.' Goodwill messages came from Ambassador Bob Sheriff of Liberia and Amir Musa Mewa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, in a show of regional solidarity. The first day also featured an exhibition showcasing solutions in family welfare, women's advancement, and child protection, along with a panel discussion led by Madam Isatu Jabbie Kabbah and Aminata Turay exploring policy and grassroots strategies. Child protection at the heart of resilient communities The second day of the conference turned the spotlight to child protection as the cornerstone of strong families. Delivering the keynote, Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, underscored the benefits of dedicated care for the young. 'Children are shaped by their experiences; hence, families must create a conducive environment that contributes not just to their physical well-being but to their emotional and spiritual health,' he added. He further stressed the power of love over fear in raising children. Sheik Ibrahim Barrie, a respected religious and political leader, reiterated the role of women's empowerment in Islamic teachings. 'Empowering women is not just a moral obligation; it is a necessity for the progress of our communities, ' he noted. Young gender activist Grace Ada Brown moved the audience with her personal testimony, adding that the strength of a nation depends on the strength of families. 'When families are strong, communities thrive,' she said. Speakers such as Tonya Waite of Protect Child Health Coalition–USA, Jennifer Hogge Ellsworth of Engage Now Africa, and Sharon and Greg Slater of Family Watch International offered practical strategies for safeguarding children's well-being. Panelists Daniel F. H. Kettor, Blessing Kutubu, and Christiana Ogbemoye Oliko shared insights on regional collaboration and community-based support systems. 'Protecting children starts with building trust between families and the institutions designed to help them,' Mr. Kettor said. Safe house for gender-based violence victims In a landmark announcement, Elder Kyungu, revealed plans to build a 54-bed safe house in partnership with the office of the First Lady. 'This facility will not only provide shelter but also counseling sessions to help survivors regain their footing in society.' The closing ceremony concluded with awards recognizing the First Lady's leadership, including honors from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Social Welfare Department, and the Government of Liberia. ICU renovation and donation underscore commitment to health Ahead of the conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commissioned a comprehensive renovation of the Intensive Care Units at Connaught Hospital, the nation's main healthcare facility. Elder Isaac Morrison described the project as faith in action. 'This project represents our deep commitment to alleviating burdens and bringing hope to communities around the world.' Acting Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie, highlighted the alignment between this initiative and national goals. 'The collaboration between the Church and the government is vital for improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone,' he noted. Hospital leaders called the upgrades for changing life. 'This is not just an upgrade; it is a lifeline,' Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager said. The donation included ICU beds, defibrillators, vital sign monitors, and other critical equipment, reinforcing the message that healthy families are the foundation of strong nations. As the 7th Strengthening Families Conference concluded, one message resonated clearly: Empowering women, protecting children, and investing in health are inseparable pillars of a thriving, resilient Sierra Leone. Outlook and future conference The conference is scheduled to next go to Monrovia, Liberia in June, 2026. All stakeholders are looking forward to Liberia hosting a successful event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Strengthening Families Conference (SFC). Additional Link:
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
I'm taking drastic measures to restore my virginity after God gave me an eight-word message
A Mormon OnlyFans star has opted to undergo surgery that will restore her hymen in a bid to get closer to her religious roots, having been excommunicated years ago. Holly Jane, 42, was exposed in 2022 for operating a lucrative OnlyFans account that kept her and her three children afloat after her husband died in 2017. After being expelled from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oregon for breaking its rules on pornography and 'immoral' content, she felt cut off from her faith and community. Since then, Jane and her children have moved to Texas, where she said she's grown stronger in faith. Shortly after the move, she experienced what she called a 'divine directive' in which she felt God speak to her, 'You are not broken. Go and be restored.' 'I had already made peace with God about my job and what I've had to do to put food on the table after my husband died,' she said. 'This felt like the final layer of that healing.' A hymenoplasty is a surgical procedure where a doctor reconstructs the hymen, often torn during first intercourse, by stitching remaining tissue to form a thin membrane. Jane maintains that the decision to undergo the outpatient surgery is not meant to appease her church or potential suitors, but she is now 'treating [her]self with reverence.' Jane hopes to be accepted into the Mormon church where she lives in Texas now. She said that despite being severed from her church community for years, she still feels attuned to her faith Hymenoplasty is most prevalent in conservative communities where cultural or religious norms place a high value on proof of virginity before marriage. Within about 60 minutes, a doctor can stitch the remaining hymenal tissue back together with dissolvable sutures. The 'sacred rebirth', as Jane calls it, costs about $3,000 without insurance, which does not cover such a procedure. Jane and her husband, Stephen, were devout Mormons and had been raising their three children, now 22, 16, and 12, in the Mormon church. When Stephen died unexpectedly at 31, Jane needed a way to support her family. She began taking risqué snaps of herself in lingerie or swimwear on the subscriber site, all while keeping it a secret from her family, friends, and church members. She spent years living a 'double life' as OnlyFans' 'Mormon Mistress', making tens of thousands of dollars a month in the process. After a fellow churchgoer alerted the bishop to her side hustle, Jane was shunned. After a fellow churchgoer alerted the bishop to her side hustle, Jane was shunned from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oregon 'That warm feeling I had for the people in that church, the connection I thought we shared – it turned out to be one-sided. I cared more than they did,' she previously told this site. 'I moved and cut ties with them all, and no one ever called or reached out... I've experienced a lot of loss.' She and her children moved to Texas, where Jane continued posting. While she felt judged and betrayed by her community, Jane kept her faith alive. The divine voice telling her to undergo the hymen restoring procedure, she said, 'gave me everything I needed.' She added that, without a doubt, Stephen would have been supportive of her decision. 'I am not trying to erase him or what we had together,' she said. 'On the contrary, I believe that by doing something to strengthen the faith we both shared, we are brought closer together – even though he is no longer with us.' Her decision was not borne out of shame, she added, though she previously told that she believes women in the LDS church are conditioned to feel ashamed of their sexuality. 'The church says purity can be lost – but I believe purity is claimed,' she said. 'It's not about your body, it's about your soul.' Despite not agreeing with all of the Mormon views, Jane still practices the religion and is trying to be accepted into the church in her new town. 'I felt like there was an emptiness since I stopped attending [church]. But I'll never stop [my OnlyFans career],' she told this site.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chinese government officials ban LDS Church activities in Beijing
BEIJING, China () — Government officials in Beijing released an announcement last week banning activities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On Sunday, June 22, the it was banning the 'Mormon Beijing Branch.' The bureau cited a . The agreement reads as follows: 'The registration and management bureau must cancel the registration of social organizations that engage in fraudulent or deceptive activity when applying for registration or that have not conducted activities within one year of receiving the 'Social Organization Legal Entity Registration Certificate.'' In response, Doug Anderson, global director of Media Relations for the Church, said, 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strives to honor, obey, and sustain the law in every country and encourages its members to do the same.' Arizona cuts ties with Kane County ambulance services leaving large part of Northern Arizona without coverage The ban comes amid recent crackdowns by the Chinese Government on foreign religious groups. In March 2025, implementing tighter restrictions on many religious groups, according to Chinese State Media. The order requires foreign religious organizers to 'have no hostile words or deeds against China, have no negative records.' Groups are now required to provide city officials with a number of details of the religion's activities including 'time arrangement, activity methods, number of activities, number of participants, security measures, etc.,' the order states. 'In places where laws are evolving and subject to interpretation, it seeks understanding through dialog and adapts to changing environments as needed,' Anderson added. On April 5, 2020, in a stunning announcement, President Russel M. Nelson announced . However, no groundbreaking date has been released. Several injured, including officer, after firework explodes in July 4th celebration crowd France canyon fire remains below 35,000, slight improvement in air quality Two men arrested after Taylorsville fight turns deadly Missing man last seen at Logan restaurant, abandoned vehicle found in southern Idaho Jazz trade John Collins in three-team deal Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
LDS Church hits milestone on Salt Lake City Temple renovation project
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Following several years of renovation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced significant progress on the . Some of the upgrades include a new foundation, new footings, and base isolators which will limit the temple's movement in the case of an earthquake, according to a recent release by the Church Newsroom. The upper foundation, which the temple sits on currently, is separated from the ground. Adjustable footings and careful monitoring across the temple base allow crews to raise or lower the entire temple, while keeping the several metric tons level. The extensive construction project, which has been in progress since 2020, has focused on improving its ability . While other important aspects of the renovation have been completed, the seismic upgrade is extensive and difficult, which contributed to the long timeline. Church officials say the project is reportedly in final stages. Utah's next earthquake could hit harder, U of U research suggests The Salt Lake City Temple is expected to open in April 2027. It seems the long timeline will be well worth it, though, as these renovations will be essential to long-term seismic protection. Senior project manager Robert Belvin notes that the temple 'can move in and out, left and right and up and down just a little bit at all times'. Fortunately, church leaders say the seismic upgrades shouldn't impact patron experience, when the temple reopens. Ultimately, only a small stainless-steel band aligned with the paved plaza should be visible. As construction crews work on the temple's stability, artists have been working on restoring the pioneer-era interior. Inside the Salt Lake City Temple — a look at the ongoing interior renovations 'Not only am I carrying on the family's tradition in such a real way, but I'm carrying on the tradition of the pioneers who were able to make something so beautiful,' says Isabella Riccio, whose family's art studio has been working on the renovation. The public now has access to newly renovated areas including the Joseph Smith Memorial Building lobby and garden restaurant, main street plaza, and northwest and southwest corners of Temple Square. The Church will rededicate the temple in October 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Historic Joseph Smith Memorial Building reopens after extensive renovation
Following 2½ years of renovation work, and representing just a portion of the expansive ongoing project at Temple Square, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the partial reopening of the historic Joseph Smith Memorial Building. In addition to numerous aesthetic and design improvements, the building underwent improvements to its mechanical systems, including energy efficiency upgrades, seismic improvements to the roof tower, enhanced accessibility and additional elevators. Starting June 30, visitors can once again enjoy access to the lobby and mezzanine levels of the building. The chapel and other parts of the building remain under renovation. The building ended its duties as a marquee hotel in 1987 and was later converted into office and meeting space operated by the Church of Jesus Christ. It also provides space for public event hosting and dining options. 'We tried to create a space that appeals to everyone,' said Melody Riches, the project's lead interior designer, in a press release. 'We wanted to create what might feel like the family room of Temple Square. We wanted everyone of every age to come to this gathering space and really feel welcome.' The 10-story Beaux Arts structure on the corner of South Temple and Main Street began life in 1911 as Salt Lake City's premier luxury hospitality venue, Hotel Utah. It hosted presidents and celebrities including John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Stewart, George Harrison, Ella Fitzgerald and many others over its 75 years as a hotel. The new-look facility now features lighter and brighter lobby and mezzanine areas with a more varied assortment of seating in its central gathering space. The overall design has been simplified to highlight enhanced historical elements such as the original plaster detail and stained glass ceiling. The color palette is muted with an energizing turquoise accent, according to the project designers. Riches said she and her team also wove historical elements into the Garden Restaurant (formerly known as the Nauvoo Café). The restaurant now has its own separate public entrance on Main Street right off the Temple Square Plaza as well as South Temple Street — harking back to the building's days as the Hotel Utah. The black tile walls in the entrance area are a nod to the same pattern and color as was once found in the Crossroads Grill in the lower level. The mosaic pattern of the floor tile is the same pattern that was originally found in the hotel. The Garden Restaurant features numerous familiar, and much beloved, items including Lion House rolls, turkey pot pies and a selection of soups, salads and made-to-order sandwiches. The Roof Restaurant, on the 10th floor of the building, is slated to reopen in November, offering diners a stunning view of the redesigned Temple Square landscape. The latest improvements to the former hotel reflect the building's history of constant evolution, with Riches noting it has undergone significant renovations about every 20 years over its 114-year lifespan. 'This building has had to continue to evolve and work for the generation that is using the building during that time,' Riches said. For example, she noted that the lobby was entirely red in the 1970s, and the building once had an area that was sometimes used for car shows. 'Sometimes things shift and change.' Beside serving as the work venue for hundreds of church employees, and the home of favorite Salt Lake City eateries, Riches said the building also offers a place of respite and rejuvenation for Temple Square visitors. 'Some spaces on Temple Square are exhibit-focused. This is a place with a come-and-stay feel,' Riches said. 'We have places to eat. There are areas where mothers can take their kids to a quiet corner and sit for a few minutes. 'The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is a place where people feel different and they want to be here. I hope everyone will feel that way when they come and see it.' Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can once again access the lobby, the Garden Restaurant (located in the lobby), the mezzanine and first level of the building.
