Episode 883: Daniel Carter and Devan Jensen, New Church Hymn “Long Ago, Within a Garden”
About this episode
Daniel Carter and Devan Jensen discuss the creation of their hymn and Daniel's personal journey of self-acceptance and healing.
My friends Daniel Carter and Devan Jensen join us to share the story behind the beautiful new hymn “Long Ago, Within a Garden,” with text by Devan and music by Daniel, written in 1999 and added in February 2026 to Hymns—For Home and Church (no. 1210). Daniel, who worked in the Church Curriculum Department for 27 years before retiring in 2016, opens up about his personal journey. After coming out as gay, he made the decision to resign his membership—not out of anger, but as a step toward healing and “returning to love.” He shares moving insights about his path to self-acceptance, grace, peace, and his deep respect for others. Daniel is now married to his husband, Gale, and continues to express love for his Latter-day Saint roots and community. Devan, an active Latter-day Saint who worked alongside Daniel, reflects on their friendship and creative collaboration. They share their perspectives on the meaningful process of bringing this hymn to life. Elder Gérald Caussé Plays the Piano and Speaks About New Hymn, in Versailles, February 2026 (see show notes). The podcast then shifts as Daniel shares about his decision to resign his membership from the Church—and how that was not out of…
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- Episode 885: Emily Groves, Age 18, Lesbian, Blind, Super Brave, Episode Two
- Episode 884: Greg Prince Book “Gay Rights and the Mormon Church”, Episode One
- Episode 882: Jeff Strong, New Book “Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them”
- Episode 881: Duane Jennings, Longtime LGBTQ Advocate, Author
- Episode 880: Eli McCann, New Book “We’re Thankful for the Moisture”
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