Lisa Olsen Tait & Scott Hales: Our Beautiful, Messy, Unfolding Story
Saints Volume IV
This week, we’re thrilled to share a conversation with Lisa Olsen Tait and Scott Hales, two of the historians and general editors behind Saints, the Church’s official history series. With the release of Volume 4 which covers the years of 1955 to 2020, this monumental task of recounting the Church’s story from its founding to the present day is now complete.
And in this candid discussion, Lisa and Scott reflect on the Church’s evolving approach to its own history through the years. They both share a deep commitment to transparency and accuracy and discuss how this volume takes deliberate steps to address challenging topics—including the priesthood and temple ban, the Church’s rapid global growth and subsequent correlation efforts of the 1960s, and how those changes shaped women’s roles and autonomy within the community.
They share powerful stories of ordinary members navigating these pivotal moments. From Black Latter-day Saints who held onto hope during the painful years before 1978 to those who quietly and actively worked for change, these stories offer a vision of discipleship that embraced courage, resilience, creativity, and deep faith—a model that feels especially relevant today.
This conversation was a beautiful reminder that each of us is part of a rich, unfolding history—a history that connects us to generations of Saints who faced their own challenges and whose courage and faithfulness have blessed us today. We hope it inspires you to see your own place in this story.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE COMPASS
THIS WEEK IN WAYFARE
ISSUE 4 RELEASE PARTY
To celebrate the release of Wayfare Issue 4, we gathered on Friday November 15th, at The Compass Gallery in downtown Provo. There were readings by Terryl Givens, Robbie Taggart, Paige Crosland Anderson, Sharlee Mullins Glenn, Mikayla Johnson, Jon Ogden, and Zachary Davis. Music was performed by Andrew Maxfield, Kameron Kavanaugh, and Sadie Mortensen. You can find a few photos from the event below.
FROM THE FAITH MATTERS PODCAST NETWORK
Hi - can you please help many of on the edges (your market), to find the actual truth regarding the teachings around needing to be a member to qualify for salvation? This is an avoided issue nobody will take on. McConkie (Bruce) and many former prophets taught no salvation outside the church. If this is true, it leads to an image of God that is very controlling, shallow, and legalist. It discounts the power of Christ for many who put faith in Him and do their best. In fact, it creates terrible anxiety and hopelessness, despair for many - which is exactly what Satan wants! Thanks