Utah pageant to be scaled down following statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Mormon Miracle Pageant, held annually in Manti, Utah for more than 50 years, will be largely scaled down following its 2019 performance.

The change comes after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Saturday saying “larger productions, such as pageants, are discouraged.”

The decision is part of the church’s recent push for members to focus more on gospel learning in their homes and “to participate in Sabbath worship and the Church’s supporting programs for children, youth, individuals and families,” the statement says.

“As it relates to existing pageants, conversations with local Church and community leaders are underway to appropriately end, modify or continue these productions,” the statement continues.

KSL’s Sam Penrod spoke with local leaders in Manti Saturday, following meetings they had with general authorities from Salt Lake City. He tweeted: “Local sources tell me the Manti pageant is expected to continue one more season in June of 2019. Any event after 2019 will no longer be a large scale pageant, but a ‘locally sponsored celebration’ as determined by area stake presidents.”

Decisions regarding the church’s other major productions — such as annual pageants in Palmyra, New York; Nauvoo, Illinois; Mesa, Arizona, etc. — have not been announced.

This story will be updated as more information is available.

Here is the church’s full statement here:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing across the earth. As this occurs, local Church leaders and members are encouraged to focus on gospel learning in their homes and to participate in Sabbath worship and the Church’s supporting programs for children, youth, individuals and families. The goal of every activity in the Church should be to increase faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and to share His gospel message throughout the world. Local celebrations of culture and history may be appropriate. Larger productions, such as pageants, are discouraged. As it relates to existing pageants, conversations with local Church and community leaders are underway to appropriately end, modify or continue these productions.

This article was first published by KSL.com. It is used here with permission.