Those who grew up in the Restoration tradition will be familiar with the songs of Zion;   That place where God and community meet. 

But, despite his original intentions Joseph Smith was corrupted by his 'Kingdom' ego.  Kirtland and Nauvoo failed as intentional communities, and Utah has not been faithful to the promise and hope of Zion either.

So, can Zion ever be realized?

Andrew Bolton, former apostle of Community of Christ certainly likes to think so.

Nick Literski discusses the many and varied ways that he has found a vibrant spiritual life after leaving active involvement as a family man in this LDS Church.   It has surprised and delighted him that having a deep and rewarding spirituality did not depend on him denying his sexuality.   

Nick and I talk early faith needs; fundamentalism; faith changes and renewal.

After Debra Brown Gordy discovered that her husband, a BYU Professor, was gay her world fell apart.   They tried to keep the marriage together but it wasn't to be.   

After the divorce, Debra went back to graduate school and conducted research about the experience of women in relationships with gay men. She joins me to discuss her personal experience being married to a gay man;  the results of her research and the reconstruction of the lives of women divorced from gay men.

How can our service to the dying be improved?  What pastoral practices are helpful in order to help our loved ones or those to whom we’ve been called to minister pass away in peace.

Sue Bergin, a hospice chaplain and spiritual carer, with more than 10 years of experience in Salt Lake City and Utah County, joins me to offer helpful suggestions for ministering to the dying.