Peggy Fletcher Stack
Peggy Fletcher Stack is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Peggy Fletcher Stack
New almanac offers look at the world of Mormon membership
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — January 13, 2014
(RNS) A 1,900-page, two-volume survey of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has just been issued. The almanac is considered unprecedented in its scope and resources.
Overlooked in nativity drama, Joseph is the quiet hero
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — December 23, 2013
(RNS) Joseph’s quiet heroism often goes overlooked in the Christmas story. Yet there is something profound and compelling in Joseph, a patron saint to Roman Catholic stepfathers and a role model for all Christian dads.
Mormon Church: Justifications for black priesthood ban rooted in racism
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — December 10, 2013
(RNS) The new statement says the LDS Church “disavows the theories advanced in the past ... [and that ] church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form.”
Early-returning Mormon missionaries often face stigma
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — December 9, 2013
(RNS) Mormon missions are often described as "the best two years." Many who serve talk about spiritual highs, miracles and mind-expanding experiences. Few detail how tough the work can be, how rigorous, how stressful.
Gluttony is a sin, but not on Thanksgiving
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — November 27, 2013
(RNS) Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate food with gusto.
Ex-Mormons aren’t ‘lazy or sinful,’ church leader Dieter Uchtdorf says
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — October 7, 2013
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) “To be perfectly frank,” Mormon leader Dieter Uchtdorf said, “there have been times when members or leaders in the church have simply made mistakes."
After Prop 8, Mormons take different tack in Hawaii gay marriage fight
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — September 19, 2013
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) The Mormons' involvement in the Hawaii gay marriage fight is far different in tenor and tactics than the 2008 all-out push to pass California’s Proposition 8.
Writer sees growing gay acceptance among Mormons
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — August 5, 2013
(RNS) Jerry Argetsinger compiled "Latter-Gay Saints: An Anthology of Gay Mormon Fiction." It comes at a time when the LDS church seems more open to discussing the real-life experience of its gay members.
Inside the Mormons’ elite Missionary Training Center
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — July 23, 2013
ROVO, Utah (RNS) It’s no “Animal House,” with raucous frats, food fights and binge drinking. This is Mormonism’s premier Missionary Training Center, where young Latter-day Saints are molded and mentored. It’s the place they are built up and, sometimes, dressed down.
Heat poses challenge to Muslims fasting during Ramadan
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — July 10, 2013
(RNS) The 30-day fast known as Ramadan began Tuesday, and requires that believers forgo food and drink. At this time of year, that means 15 hours of parched throats and unquenched thirst.
Like father like son(s): Boys follow their father’s calling
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — July 1, 2013
(RNS) Was it nature or nurture that propelled two sons to dedicate their lives to the church as their priestly parent had?
Mormon missionaries to tap online tools
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — June 28, 2013
(RNS) Mormon apostle L. Tom Perry announced last week that the Utah-based missionary force -- more than 70,000 strong -- will tap online tools to help them connect with and teach people interested in joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
35 years later, some black Mormons see lingering prejudice
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — June 7, 2013
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) 35 years after Mormons allowed blacks to join the priesthood, some black Mormons say prejudice continues to fester within Mormonism because members are uncomfortable talking about it.
Mormons say they’re OK with change in Scouts’ gay policy
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — April 26, 2013
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) Mormon officials, who sponsor more Boy Scout troops than any other organization, say they are "satisfied" with the Scouts' latest compromise on allowing gay members.
Brigham Young and Jesus Christ would break the Mormons’ no-beard rule
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — April 2, 2013
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) If they lived today, nearly half of Mormon church presidents would be forbidden from serving in the faith’s 141 temples worldwide. That’s because being clean-shaven is generally a requirement for men to be Mormon temple workers.
