All articles tagged with #lds church
The First Presidency announced the San Luis Potosí Mexico Temple open house dates (Sept 21–Oct 10, 2026) and its dedication on Nov 1, 2026, the August 1, 2026 groundbreaking for the Santos Brazil Temple, and the locations for two new temples: Caldwell Idaho and Greenville South Carolina, with site details. These plans expand the church's global temple network announced by President Nelson in 2022.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that while The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has historically supported vaccines and urged vaccination during COVID-19, it has not issued a direct statement on measles vaccination amid Utah’s outbreak. A church spokesperson points to Utah Health Department policies and the General Handbook, which states vaccines protect health and that members should consult medical professionals and seek spiritual guidance; it also notes missionaries may be limited if unvaccinated. The story notes rising measles cases and a growing share of vaccine exemptions among Utah kindergartners, prompting public calls for the church to weigh in.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced changes to its class meeting schedule, effective Sept. 6: Sunday School, Relief Society, Elders Quorum, Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood meetings will be shortened to 25 minutes (Primary 55 minutes; Sacrament meeting 60). Units may adjust order to fit local circumstances, with Come, Follow Me lessons continuing for all ages. Youth curricula will adopt For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices for Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood groups, with additional content via the For the Strength of Youth magazine starting Sept. 2026. Relief Society and Elders Quorum will continue to focus on messages from the most recent general conference and daily application of teachings.
Sean Donnelly reflects on four decades of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Zimbabwe, tracing a journey from about 200 members in Harare to roughly 50,000 followers across six stakes, as the Harare Zimbabwe Temple opens for a temple dedication. The period includes a high-profile temple open house, interfaith and government engagement (including Zimbabwe’s president), and ongoing African church expansion with multiple missions, underscoring a coordinated effort that began with early mentors who baptized Donnelly in 1983 and continues to shape the Church's presence across the region.
After January 2026 wildfires in southern Chile killed at least 20 and displaced tens of thousands, hundreds of volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints turned church buildings in Concepción, Providencia, Los Ángeles and Buin into donation centers to collect and distribute food, hygiene kits and other essentials, coordinating with government authorities and other faith groups. The effort, praised by interfaith partners, reflected resilience and service as church leadership expressed sorrow and solidarity with affected communities.
The Church News reports that 11 new stakes were created worldwide and several stakes reorganized, detailing the new stake presidencies and ward configurations—from Antofagasta Chile East to Tarawa Kiribati North and the Vineyard Utah YSA Stake—as part of a broad global leadership reshuffling.
The First Presidency announced that the Puerto Montt Chile Temple will be built on a 5.8-acre site at Avenida Chamiza Lote 2 2015 in Pelluco, Puerto Montt, as a single-story, roughly 18,500-square-foot temple—the region’s first. Chile is home to about 613,000 Latter-day Saints in around 575 congregations; three temples currently operate there, with Santiago West under construction (began in 2024) and Puerto Montt and Viña del Mar announced. Temples are sacred houses of the Lord focused on covenants, marriages, and proxy ordinances, distinct from local meetinghouses.
Three months into his presidency, President Dallin H. Oaks says the 'mantle of the prophet' is a heavy, holy responsibility he is growing into, as he guides the church through initiatives including lowering the missionary age for young women and announcing new temples such as a Burley, Idaho temple, with Portland, Maine to follow, while urging adherence to a covenant path amid global challenges.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf has been appointed as the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the death of President Jeffrey R. Holland, with the appointment made by Church President Dallin H. Oaks on January 8, 2026.
President Jeffrey R. Holland, a beloved leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was remembered as a teacher, father, and apostle of love and hope during his funeral at Temple Square, highlighting his unwavering faith, dedication to education, and profound influence on others through his testimony of Jesus Christ.
Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader in the LDS Church and next in line to become its president, has died at age 85 due to complications from kidney disease, leaving a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and prompting a likely appointment of a new apostle.
Jeffrey R. Holland, a beloved LDS apostle known for his eloquence, benevolence, and impactful teaching, died at age 85 from complications related to kidney disease, leaving a legacy of spiritual leadership and personal kindness.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are sharing heartfelt Christmas messages on social media, emphasizing their testimony of Jesus Christ and sharing family traditions.
The December 2025 updates to the General Handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include clarifications on youth activity age requirements, guidance for baptism meetings, involvement of Primary presidency in meetings, updates on patriarchal blessings, missionary coordination, welfare assistance, Bible translations, and new guidelines for AI use, with translations available in multiple languages.
The LDS Church has appointed Dallin H. Oaks as its new president-prophet, with reactions highlighting his conservative stance on social issues and his emphasis on unity within the church, with expectations of continued traditional values and possible canonization of the family proclamation.