In a historic moment for >The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson announced 15 new temple locations during the April 2025 General Conference. This announcement marks a significant milestone as it raises the total number of temples — operating, under construction, and announced — to a remarkable 382.
Conference Highlights
During the April 2025 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to construct 15 new temples, bringing the total number of temples—operating, under construction, or announced—to 382. This announcement underscores the Church’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global presence and providing more members with access to sacred worship spaces.
The newly announced temple locations are:
- 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
Since becoming President of the Church in 2018, President Nelson has announced a total of 200 new temples, accounting for approximately 52% of all temples worldwide. This accelerated temple-building initiative reflects the Church’s dedication to making temples more accessible to its members across the globe.
In his closing remarks at the conference, President Nelson emphasized the spiritual significance of temple worship, stating, “Regular worship in the house of the Lord increases our capacity for both virtue and charity.” He further encouraged members to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of being ready for that “great and dreadful day.”
The Church’s temple expansion efforts have not been without challenges. In some regions, such as Las Vegas, proposed temple constructions have faced local opposition due to concerns over size and neighborhood impact. Despite these challenges, the Church continues to prioritize the construction of temples to serve its growing global membership.
As the Church moves forward with these new temple projects, members worldwide anticipate the blessings and opportunities that these sacred spaces will bring to their communities.
Reactions and Community Impact
The announcement of new temples has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the Church’s membership worldwide. Members expressed joy at the prospect of having more opportunities to worship and enter the temple, which many consider to be a profound spiritual sanctuary.
In locations such as Reynosa, Mexico, and Uyo, Nigeria, the promise of new temples is especially significant given the populations of Latter-day Saints in these countries. For instance, Mexico hosts over 1.5 million members, marking it as a vital area for temple construction and growth.
Global Reach of the Latter-day Saints
The Church continues to see exponential growth in various regions, particularly in South America and Africa, aligning with the emphasis on building new temples. With this growth comes increased demands on local congregations and needs for resources that support spiritual activities.
The construction of new temples indicates not only a thriving faith community but also the Church’s attentiveness to member needs. As areas with significant Church populations gain temples, it allows local congregations to hold more spiritual gatherings, thus fostering community bonds.
The Future of Temple Construction
Looking ahead, President Nelson’s leadership seems poised to further the Church’s mission of expanding its reach through increased temple construction. His commitment to serve the spiritual needs of the church community is unmatched, and it is evident that the template for future temple locations will continue to align with growth trends and member universality.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
In closing, President Nelson’s call during the April 2025 General Conference not only serves as a checklist for building structures of worship but also as a reminder for the faithful to actively engage in being peacemakers in their communities. As new temples arise, may the spirit of charity guide all members to extend love as a foundation for their interactions with one another.
For ongoing updates and additional information about temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit their official website.
