The scheduled 2024 soft launch of new hymns and 2026 release of a new book of sacred music have been revealed to be part of an elaborate “prank.” An anonymous Redditor posted pdfs of emails dating back to 2017 between several Church leaders, usually either originating from or received by Elder Dale G. Renlund, coordinating the prank. The post was accompanied by a simple caption: “lol get rekt [sic] Mack Wilberg.”

“Dale’s definitely the leaker,” said Elder David A. Bednar, one of Elder Renlund’s fellow Apostles. “He just couldn’t wait to reveal it until April, he got too excited.”

“What is a ‘Reddit?’” said Elder Renlund when asked. “I’ve never heard of a PDF. Wanna listen to my Spotify playlist of ‘Sacrament Meeting Approved Rock and Roll?’”

Contained in the emails were a variety of suggestions, including that a new hymnal be released only featuring Smash Mouth songs. This was a little much for some General Officers of the Church. “I like Shrek the Musical just as much as the next girl,” said President Camille N. Johnson of the General Relief Society, “but I don’t feel like All-Star fits with the reverent tone of our meetings.”

“Originally, it was going to be a new hymnal, combining old stand-bys with innovative visions, but it was too much work,” said President Russell M. Nelson, presiding officer of the Church. “Besides, you should have seen the look on the faces of the Tabernacle Choir when they found out.”

The ghost of Eliza R. Snow weighed in with her thoughts on the matter.

“See, the Mighty Angel Flying isn’t going anywhere,” she remarked from the spirit world.