During the past year, the Church has been blessed with some exciting announcements and changes, including a new edition of the LDS scriptures in English that was released both in print and electronically as well as a burgeoning missionary workforce with an accompanying expansion in the need to house and train the increasing number of missionaries. This edition of the Religious Educator highlights some of the important changes in the new edition of the scriptures and how those changes may shape lessons and gospel instruction. Additionally, this edition highlights the Church’s efforts in the creation of a new missionary training center in Mexico.

This issue begins with a piece by Elder Dallin H. Oaks from the Church Educational System’s Evening with a General Authority devotional on February 8, 2013, and two selections from the Seminaries and Institutes August 6, 2013, broadcast to educators. Each of them touches upon topics that are timely for our day.

In personally reflecting upon the recent edition of the LDS scriptures, it is interesting to see the subtle connection of an expansion in the missionary workforce and a new and improved edition of the scriptures. The two efforts go hand in hand, and there are many important changes to the scriptures that will shape the way we think for generations to come. An insightful press release with accompanying documentation can be found at lds.org (“2013 Edition of the LDS Scriptures”). I hope that we will all take full advantage of these important resources in the days to come.

Thomas A. Wayment

Editor