The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the construction of 15 new temples around the world. President Russell M. Nelson announced the new temples during the final session of the 193rd Annual General Conference held on Sunday, inspiring hope and joy among church members worldwide.
The locations
The new temples will be built in various locations including Guatemala, Peru, Brazil, Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Canada, and USA. The temple locations are Retalhuleu (Guatemala), Iquitos and Teresina (Peru and Brazil respectively), Natal and Tuguegarao City (Philippines), Jakarta (Indonesia), Hamburg (Germany), Lethbridge (Canada), San Jose and Bakersfield (California, USA), Springfield (Missouri), Winchester (Virginia), Charlotte (North Carolina) and Harrisburg (Pennsylvania).
Purpose
With the announcement of these new temples, the church’s total has increased to 315 temples around the world. The reason for building temples is to make covenants and receive essential ordinances that will bless the life of members in ways no other kind of worship can. The new temples will help make the blessings of the temple more accessible to members around the world.
Temple Building Worldwide
As stated previously by President Nelson, “We are building now for the future,” this announcement marks one more step in achieving his vision for temple building worldwide. The new temples in Brazil add to a total of nine for the country, which has 1.5 million Latter-day Saints. The Philippines will have a total of twelve temples with the addition of two more. Jakarta, Indonesia will get its first temple after having a membership of about 7,500 Latter-day Saints.
New Temples in Germany, USA and Canada
Germany received its third temple, but the first since 1987, sending the country into joy and celebration. Lethbridge will be the 10th temple in Canada and fourth in Alberta. San Jose and Bakersfield will be the 11th and 12th temples in California respectively. In Missouri, the state will receive its third temple overall and first since 2012. Winchester will become the second temple in Virginia, while Charlotte becomes the second in North Carolina after Raleigh.
Other Announcements
This is not the first time President Nelson has announced several temples at once; he had previously announced 20 new temples during his April 2021 session. He had also announced that there are now a total of 176 dedicated temples with three undergoing renovations and four more announced for renovation. Fifty-six temples are under construction or recently completed, which includes eight scheduled for dedication.
Conclusion
The Church has seen growth in recent times, as demonstrated by continuous temple building around the world. While some of these churches are still at the planning stage, others have been announced for groundbreaking ceremonies. Making covenants and receiving essential ordinances in the temple is important for Church members as it strengthens their faith and provides them with a sense of belonging to those who are faithful.
With this announcement of new temples by President Russell M Nelson, it is evident that the church is mindful of its members worldwide and dedicated to meeting their needs.
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