LDS Temples Around the World: Current Locations and Recent Announcements
An overview of the global distribution of Latter-day Saint temples and the process behind their ongoing expansion.
- Latter-day Saint temples are sacred structures for specific religious ordinances.
- New temple locations are prayerfully chosen based on membership growth and accessibility needs.
- Announcements for new temples are typically made by the Church President during general conferences.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is rapidly expanding its global temple footprint.
Latter-day Saint temples are dedicated houses of the Lord, distinct from regular chapels or meetinghouses, where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participate in sacred ordinances and make covenants. This explainer focuses on the geographic spread of these temples, how new locations are determined, and the significance of recent announcements to the global membership.
How New Temples Are Chosen and Announced
The decision to build a new temple is a significant one, made by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the senior leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This process involves prayerful consideration of several factors, including the density of Church membership in a given area, the travel distance members currently face to attend a temple, and the overall growth and stability of the Church in a region. The goal is to make temple worship more accessible to members worldwide.
New temple locations are typically announced by the President of the Church during the semi-annual General Conferences, held in April and October. These announcements are momentous occasions, often met with great joy and anticipation by members globally. Once announced, a temple project enters a multi-year phase of site selection, design, local government approvals, groundbreaking, construction, and eventual dedication.
The Global Temple Footprint
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has seen a remarkable expansion of its temple network, particularly in recent decades. From a handful of temples primarily in the Western United States, the footprint has grown to encompass every inhabited continent, reflecting the Church's global growth and commitment to making temple worship available to its members wherever they live. This expansion includes building temples in major metropolitan areas, as well as in more remote regions where members previously had to travel great distances.
- Dedicated Temples: Over 190 worldwide
- Temples Under Construction: Over 70 worldwide
- Temples Announced (awaiting groundbreaking): Over 90 worldwide
- Total Temples (dedicated, under construction, announced): Over 350 worldwide (numbers continually updated)
This rapid growth underscores the Church's emphasis on temple worship as central to its theology and practice. Each new temple represents a new opportunity for members to engage in sacred ordinances closer to their homes, strengthening their faith and communities.
Why Temple Locations and Announcements Matter
For Latter-day Saints, temples are much more than just buildings; they are considered sacred spaces where individuals can feel closer to God and participate in eternal covenants. The availability of temples directly impacts members' ability to engage in these essential practices. New temple announcements and the subsequent construction significantly reduce travel burdens for many, allowing more frequent temple attendance for ordinances such as endowments, sealings (eternal marriages), and baptisms for the dead. This increased accessibility strengthens individuals, families, and local congregations, fostering a deeper connection to their faith and community worldwide.
Sources
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom
- Official General Conference Reports of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
