FAIR Conference 2026
August 5–7, 2026
Thanksgiving Point Showbarn | Lehi, Utah
Join leading voices in Latter-day Saint apologetics for three days of faith-building answers, thoughtful scholarship, and meaningful connection.
What is the FAIR Conference 2026?
The FAIR Conference is an annual gathering focused on answering questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Attendees hear from scholars, educators, and faithful voices addressing topics like Church history, doctrine, and common criticisms.
Who should attend?
This event is designed for Latter-day Saints, family members, educators, and anyone seeking faithful, well-researched answers to questions about the Church.
Why Attend?
- Faithful answers to difficult questions
- Trusted scholars and speakers
- Strengthen testimony and understanding
- Connect with a like-minded community
August 2026 FAIR Conference Schedule
Day 1 – Wednesday, August 5, 2026
7:10 PM – Scott Gordon: “The Church Has No Borders”
This presentation explores the global growth of the Church and what it means to belong to a worldwide faith community. It highlights how the restored gospel transcends cultural and geographic boundaries.
Scott Gordon has served as President of FAIR since 2001 and teaches business at Shasta College and BYU Pathway. He has served in many Church callings, including bishop and seminary teacher.
7:40 PM – Anthony Sweat: The Need for a Restoration
This keynote addresses why a restoration of the gospel was necessary and how it fits within God’s ongoing work. It provides doctrinal context for understanding the Restoration in today’s world.
Anthony Sweat is a professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU and department chair. He is a widely published author and artist focused on Latter-day Saint history and theology.
Day 2 – Thursday, August 6, 2026
9:10 AM – Mark Ashurst-McGee: Joseph Smith and Treasure Digging
This presentation examines historical questions surrounding Joseph Smith and treasure digging, providing context and faithful responses to common criticisms.
Mark Ashurst-McGee is a senior historian in the Church History Department and a leading contributor to the Joseph Smith Papers Project.
9:40 AM – Brian Hales: Joseph Smith: A Reluctant Polygamist
This talk explores the difficult topic of plural marriage, drawing on primary sources to better understand Joseph Smith’s experience and motivations.
Brian Hales is a retired physician and leading scholar on Joseph Smith and plural marriage, with multiple publications on the subject.
10:10 AM – Brett Dowdle: “Here is Brigham”: The Private Character of Brigham Young
This presentation offers a deeper look at Brigham Young’s personal life through his correspondence, revealing insights into his character and leadership.
Brett Dowdle is a historian in the Church History Department and has worked extensively on the Joseph Smith Papers.
10:45 AM – Gerrit Dirkmatt: Joseph Smith’s Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon
This session explores the translation of the Book of Mormon and addresses questions about how the process occurred.
Gerrit Dirkmatt is a researcher and speaker on Latter-day Saint scripture and translation.
11:15 AM – John Thompson: Framing the Facsimiles: The Book of Abraham’s Relationship to the Egyptian Vignettes
This presentation examines how Joseph Smith interpreted Egyptian facsimiles and what that reveals about his prophetic role.
John Thompson holds a PhD in Egyptology and researches ancient scripture and temple symbolism.
11:45 AM – John Gee: Book of Abraham Research Since the Pandemic
This talk surveys recent scholarship on the Book of Abraham and addresses ongoing questions surrounding the text.
John Gee is a professor at BYU specializing in Egyptology and ancient scripture, with extensive publications in the field.
1:15 PM – Casey Griffiths: Approaching Hard Questions in Church History and Doctrine
This presentation provides tools for understanding and addressing challenging questions using principles of epistemology and historical method.
Casey Griffiths is a BYU professor and co-host of the Church History Matters podcast.
1:45 PM – Thomas Alexander: The 1844–1847 Succession Crisis
This session explores how Church leadership transitioned after Joseph Smith’s death and the role of the Twelve Apostles.
Thomas Alexander is a renowned historian and professor emeritus of Western American history at BYU.
2:15 PM – Josh Coates: Black Saints and the Priesthood and Temple Restriction
This presentation examines historical context and frameworks for understanding the priesthood restriction.
Josh Coates is Executive Director of the B. H. Roberts Foundation and a former tech CEO.
2:45 PM – Janiece Johnson: Unravelling the Story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre
This session analyzes the complex history of the massacre and how narratives about it have been shaped over time.
Janiece Johnson is a historian specializing in Latter-day Saint history and the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
3:25 PM – Jasmin Rappleye: Sacred, Secret, or “Cultish”? Demystifying the Latter-day Saint Temple
This presentation addresses criticisms of temple worship by placing it in ancient and biblical context.
Jasmin Rappleye is a content creator and scholar focused on explaining Latter-day Saint beliefs and history.
3:55 PM – Keith Erekson: Which Sources Should I Trust?
This session teaches practical strategies for evaluating information and navigating misinformation.
Keith Erekson directs historical research and outreach for the Church History Department.
4:25 PM – Ron Rhodes: Understanding the Faith Crisis Industry
This presentation examines organizations critical of the Church and how their messaging shapes faith crises.
Ron Rhodes is the creator of Answering LDS Critics and a contributor to FAIR and Interpreter.
4:55 PM – Robert Stephenson: Representations of the Church in Media
This talk explores how the Church is portrayed in modern media and what trends are emerging.
Robert Stephenson works in the Church Communication Department coordinating with external faith-based organizations.
Day 3 – Friday, August 7, 2026
9:10 AM – Meagan Kohler: Joy in Discipleship vs. Happiness in the Church
This presentation explores the difference between happiness and true discipleship, helping attendees navigate disappointment while remaining rooted in faith.
Meagan Kohler is a writer for Deseret News who focuses on faith and modern culture. She is a convert to the Church and lives in Utah County with her family.
9:40 AM – Walker Wright: Nourishing the Roots: How Temple Recommend Questions Can Reground Faith
This session examines how focusing on core beliefs can strengthen faith and provide stability amid doubt and complexity.
Walker Wright works in academic program leadership and teaches as an adjunct at BYU-Idaho. He writes on economics, religion, and public policy for both academic and popular audiences.
10:10 AM – Wendy Ulrich: When Loved Ones Leave: Maintaining Faith and Relationships
This talk offers compassionate guidance for maintaining both faith and relationships when loved ones step away from the Church.
Wendy Ulrich is a licensed psychologist, former member of the Relief Society General Council, and author of several books on faith and personal growth.
10:45 AM – Matt Roper: Accidental Evidence for the Book of Mormon
This presentation explores how past criticisms of the Book of Mormon can, over time, become evidence supporting its authenticity.
Matt Roper is a researcher and writer for Scripture Central with extensive publications on Latter-day Saint scripture and history.
Paul Fields: Authorship Attribute Analysis of D&C 132
This session uses statistical analysis to examine authorship claims about Doctrine and Covenants 132 and addresses questions about its origin.
Paul Fields is a statistics professor with decades of experience in data analysis and authorship attribution studies.
11:45 AM – Michael R. Ash: Shaken Faith Syndrome
This presentation provides practical tools for navigating faith challenges and responding to criticism with confidence.
Michael R. Ash is a longtime FAIR contributor and author of multiple books addressing faith, doubt, and apologetics.
1:15 PM – Matt Grow: “A Record Shall Be Kept”: The Mission of the Church History Department
This talk explores the role of the Church History Department in preserving and sharing the history of the Church.
Matt Grow is Managing Director of the Church History Department and a general editor of the Joseph Smith Papers and Saints.
1:45 PM – Jennifer Roach Lees: Doctrinal Differences and “Heretical” Teachings
This presentation examines differences between Latter-day Saint beliefs and other Christian traditions and offers strategies for better dialogue.
Jennifer Roach Lees is a licensed therapist with expertise in religious dynamics and interfaith understanding.
2:15 PM – Kendall Buchmiller: What is (and is not) Doctrine
This session explores how doctrine is defined in the Church and how understanding those distinctions can strengthen faith.
Kendall Buchmiller is a religious educator and researcher whose work focuses on theology, psychology, and faith development.
2:45 PM – Jeffrey Thayne: By What Measure? Why the Same Doctrine Looks Different to Different Saints
This presentation teaches how to recognize faulty reasoning and cognitive bias, especially in discussions about faith.
Jeffrey Thayne holds a doctorate in instructional technology and studies the intersection of the gospel and culture.
3:25 PM – Brant Gardner: Can I Trust the Book of Mormon? My Half-Century Quest to Answer that Question
This session reflects on decades of scholarship and research supporting the Book of Mormon as a foundation for faith.
Brant Gardner is an anthropologist and author specializing in Mesoamerican context and Book of Mormon studies.
3:55 PM – Neal Rappleye: A Beginner’s Guide to Book of Mormon Apologetics
This presentation provides a structured introduction to defending the Book of Mormon using modern scholarship and resources.
Neal Rappleye is a researcher and co-host of the Informed Saints podcast, with extensive publications on Book of Mormon studies.
4:25 PM – James Perry: Historical and Contemporary Patterns: European Latter-day Saints, 1837–Present
This talk examines patterns of Church growth in Europe and offers insights into how faith is measured beyond numbers.
James Perry is a Church History Area Manager for Europe North and holds a PhD from Lancaster University.
4:55 PM – Daniel C. Peterson: Why Apologetics? The Case for Defending the Faith
This keynote presentation explores the importance of apologetics and why defending faith remains vital today.
Daniel C. Peterson is president of the Interpreter Foundation and a former BYU professor of Islamic studies and Arabic.
