What's Happening?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made two significant books, 'Carry On: The Latter-day Saint Young Women Organization, 1870–2024' and 'At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women,' available as free digital books and audiobooks.
'Carry On,' released in hardcover in March 2025, is the first comprehensive history of the Young Women organization, tracing its evolution to meet the needs of young women globally. Amber Taylor, one of the book's authors and a history professor at Brigham Young University, narrated its audiobook. 'At the Pulpit,' originally published in 2017, is a collection of discourses by Latter-day Saint women from 1832 to 2016. Its new full-cast audiobook includes archival recordings and voice actresses for unavailable speeches, with Hillary Straga narrating introductions. These audiobooks are currently available in English through the Church’s Gospel Library and the Church Historian’s Press website. 'Carry On' is also on Audible, with 'At the Pulpit' expected soon.
Why It's Important?
This initiative significantly broadens access to the history and voices of Latter-day Saint women, making their experiences and testimonies more readily available to a wider audience. By offering these books as free digital and audio versions, the Church is removing financial and accessibility barriers, allowing individuals with limited time or those who prefer auditory learning to engage with the content. This move is particularly impactful for women who may find it challenging to sit down with a physical book due to daily responsibilities, as highlighted by Hillary Straga. Editorial manager Petra Javadi-Evans emphasized that making these resources available online helps people access Church history on their phones or computers, fostering a deeper understanding of how past experiences and teachings continue to inform the Church today. This increased accessibility can lead to greater appreciation for the faith and choices of these historical figures, potentially strengthening community bonds and personal spiritual growth.
What's Next?
Listeners can access 'Carry On' and 'At the Pulpit' through the Church’s Gospel Library app, where continuous playback is available, or via the Church Historian’s Press website, which requires individual chapter selection. 'Carry On' is already available on Audible, and 'At the Pulpit' is anticipated to be released on Audible in the near future, further expanding its reach. The Church History Department hopes that these accessible formats will encourage more readers and listeners to engage with the history and understand the enduring influence of these women's experiences and teachings. The availability of these audiobooks may also inspire similar initiatives for other historical or doctrinal texts within the Church, potentially leading to a broader trend of digital and audio content creation to enhance accessibility and engagement with religious scholarship and history.
Beyond the Headlines
The release of these audiobooks underscores a broader trend in religious organizations to leverage digital platforms for disseminating historical and spiritual content. By making these resources free and easily accessible, the Church is not only preserving its history but also actively promoting inclusivity and engagement among its members and interested individuals. This approach acknowledges the evolving ways people consume information and learn, particularly catering to those with busy lifestyles or different learning preferences. The emphasis on women's voices and experiences within these publications also highlights a growing recognition of their contributions to the Church's history and ongoing development. This digital accessibility can foster a more diverse and informed understanding of Latter-day Saint heritage, potentially influencing future scholarship, educational programs, and community discussions about the role of women in religious contexts.
