LDS Church Publications and Periodicals History
The history of the Latter Day Saint movement is closely tied to its written word. From the early days of the restoration to the modern global era, various publications have served as vital tools for communication, doctrine, and community building. These periodicals are generally categorized by their relationship to the church leadership: official, semi-official, and unaffiliated.
Key Facts
- Official publications are those issued directly by the LDS Church or its institutional predecessors.
- Semi-official publications are managed by church-owned entities or informally adopted by church auxiliaries.
- Unaffiliated publications are independent entities with no formal connection to or support from the church.
- The Improvement Era (1897–1970) is a significant historical record, with archives available via the Church History Library and the Internet Archive.
- The Deseret News, founded in 1850, remains one of the longest-running semi-official publications.
Official Church Publications
Official publications are the primary voice of the church leadership. These journals and magazines have evolved over nearly two centuries to meet the needs of a growing membership.
Early efforts began with The Evening and the Morning Star (1832–34) and the Messenger and Advocate (1834–37). As the movement expanded, publications like the Millennial Star (1840–1970) provided a reach that extended far beyond the local community.
In the 20th century, the church focused on targeted demographics, producing the Young Woman's Journal (1887–1929), The Juvenile Instructor (1901–30), and the Relief Society Magazine (1915–70). Modern official communication is currently led by the Liahona (1995–present) and For the Strength of Youth (2021–present).
Semi-Official and Independent Media
Semi-official publications are often produced by entities owned or controlled by the church, or those adopted by specific auxiliaries. This category includes the Deseret News (1850–present) and the Church News (1931–present). Academic and specialized interests are served by titles such as BYU Studies (1959–present) and the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (1992–present).
Parallel to these are unaffiliated publications. These are independent journals and magazines that provide diverse perspectives on the Latter Day Saint movement without church support. Notable examples include Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (1966–present) and the Journal of Mormon History (1974–present).
Summary of Major Periodicals
| Publication Name | Status | Active Years |
|---|---|---|
| The Evening and the Morning Star | Official | 1832–1834 |
| Deseret News | Semi-official | 1850–Present |
| Improvement Era | Official | 1897–1970 |
| Ensign | Official | 1971–2020 |
| Liahona | Official | 1995–Present |
| Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought | Unaffiliated | 1966–Present |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between official and semi-official publications?
Official publications are published directly by the LDS Church or its institutional predecessors. Semi-official publications are published by entities owned or controlled by the church or are informally adopted by a church auxiliary.
Where can I find archives of the Improvement Era?
Complete issues of the Improvement Era can be found through the Church History Library and the Internet Archive. Additionally, an index to its poetry and prose is available via the Mormon Literature and Creative Arts Database of Brigham Young University.
Which publications are considered unaffiliated?
Unaffiliated publications are those published by entities unconnected to the LDS Church and independent of church support, such as Sunstone, Exponent II, and the International Journal of Mormon Studies.
What are some of the current official magazines?
Current official publications include the Liahona, The Friend, and For the Strength of Youth.