For the first time, families outside of English-speaking countries will be able to subscribe to magazines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints specifically for children and youth.
Some areas and languages will receive magazine content more frequently. And Church members worldwide will have access to the same magazines.
Beginning January 2021, the Church will replace its four current magazines with three global magazines, the First Presidency announced on Friday. Improved and expanded digital versions will also be available.
The three global magazines will be the Friend (for children), For the Strength of Youth (for youth) and the Liahona (for adults) — retiring the Ensign title and renaming the youth magazine, which was previously the New Era.
“Church magazines are a valuable resource for learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and feeling a sense of belonging in His Church,” wrote the First Presidency in a letter dated Aug. 14. “Our desire is that members everywhere will subscribe and welcome this faith-sustaining influence into their hearts and homes.”
Primary General President Joy D. Jones said with all of the challenges and opportunities in the world today, “children have never had a greater need for the strength, comfort and guidance offered by the Savior and His teachings.
“We are thrilled that the new global Friend magazine will now reach children in 47 languages around the world, inviting them to follow Jesus together and to serve as He did.”
Frequently asked questions enclosed with the First Presidency announcement further explained the adjustments. New subscription options will be available Sept. 1.
Format changes
For many years, the Church has published three print magazines in English — the Friend, New Era and Ensign — and the Liahona in other languages.
The length and format of the new printed magazines will undergo changes, including a reduction in print pages for adult English readers and more frequent publication in some languages. For example, families reading languages that currently receive only one magazine per year can now receive magazines every other month.
All three print and digital magazines will be available monthly in 23 languages and bimonthly in another 24 languages. An additional 40 languages will have access to selected digital-only magazine content. (To view the specific languages, visit the FAQ document).
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