Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events in the areas of religion and faith from around the world and brings the information to our readers in bite sized chunks.
Here’s the latest from the Mormon Church.
Death of President Russell M. Nelson
Russell M. Nelson, the president of the church and the oldest person to have held that office in its history, died at age 101.
Nelson became president in 2018 and led numerous institutional and doctrinal shifts, such as discouraging use of the nickname “Mormon,” reemphasizing the church’s full name, making some policy changes regarding LGBTQ+ families, and overseeing expansion of global leadership.
The church announced a memorial and tributes, and Dallin H. Oaks (senior apostle) issued a statement mourning his passing and calling his teachings a guide for comfort amid recent tragedies. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org
Shooting and Arson Attack at Michigan LDS Church
On September 28, 2025, a gunman rammed a pickup truck into a meetinghouse of the LDS Church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, set it on fire, and opened fire. Four people were killed and eight others injured.
The attacker was shot by police and died at the scene. Investigators are probing motive; preliminary reports suggest anti-Mormon sentiment may have played a role.
In response, members of the church raised funds not only for the victims, but also for the shooter’s surviving family, citing principles of forgiveness. Over $200,000 was reportedly raised.
Church leaders expressed sorrow and rallied support; local LDS officials said the congregation would support survivors and mourn the senseless violence. FOX 17 West Michigan News
Fundraising by LDS Members for Shooter’s Family
In the wake of the Michigan church attack, LDS members initiated a crowdfunding campaign (via GiveSendGo) to support the widow and child of the shooter, Thomas Jacob Sanford. The campaign quickly surpassed its goal, reaching more than $200,000 (and in some reports over $300,000) in donations. The Washington Post
The donors framed the effort as an expression of Christian values: caring even for the families of perpetrators, showing compassion, and embodying forgiveness.
This fundraising garnered broad attention as an example of how some religious communities respond to tragedy by extending grace even in difficult circumstances.
Dismissal of Lawsuit over Use of Tithing Donations
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit accusing the Mormon Church of misusing tithing donations. The plaintiffs alleged the church improperly invested donations through its affiliate, Ensign Peak Advisors, rather than using them directly for charitable works.
The dismissal largely rested on statute-of-limitations grounds: the fraud claims were deemed untimely under Utah law. The judge also found the plaintiffs failed to adequately prove intent to commit fraud.
The case renews scrutiny of the church’s financial practices and transparency, especially given past controversies (e.g. the church’s fine by the SEC over disclosure practices). AP News
