President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently announced a plan to build 15 new temples during the April 2025 general conference. This announcement marks a significant milestone, with a total of 200 temples announced since he became president in 2018.
Here’s a quick look at where these new temples will be located:
- Reynosa, Mexico
- Chorrillos, Peru
- Rivera, Uruguay
- Campo Grande, Brazil
- Porto, Portugal
- Uyo, Nigeria
- San Jose del Monte, Philippines
- Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Liverpool, Australia
- Caldwell, Idaho
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Rapid City, South Dakota
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Norfolk, Virginia
- Spanish Fork, Utah
The new temples will bring the total number of temples to 382, including those already in operation or under construction. Each temple serves as a sacred place for worship, offering spiritual peace and inspiration to its visitors.
Insights on the Growth of Temples
Nelson remarked, “We are grateful to the Lord for the acceleration of temple-building in recent years.” He believes that this expansion is a sign of spiritual preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the number of temples reflects the growing membership of the Church, which recently surpassed 16 million worldwide, as reported in a 2023 survey.
In Mexico alone, over 1.5 million members participate in nearly 1,900 congregations, making it the country with the second-largest number of Latter-day Saints after the United States. Peru is also seeing growth, with approximately 650,000 members. This increasing interest highlights how the Church’s reach continues to expand globally.
The Role of Temples
Temples are crucial for the spiritual life of members. They are places for making sacred covenants with God, which many members believe brings peace and direction in their lives. Special ceremonies, blessings, and community events often take place in these spaces, strengthening bonds within and beyond the Church.
Cultural Reception
The announcement of new temples has generally been met with enthusiasm online. Social media reactions range from excitement in local communities looking forward to more accessible worship spaces, to discussions about the significance of temple-building in a modern context.
In conclusion, as temples continue to be built worldwide, they not only serve as places of worship but also symbolize hope and community for millions. The increase in temples indicates a commitment to spiritual growth and a response to the expanding needs of a diverse and growing membership.
For more information about the Church’s temples, you can visit Church of Jesus Christ Temples.