Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced plans to build temples in Cedar City, Utah and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil today during the Saturday morning session of the faith’s 183rd Annual General Conference. Exact locations of the temples will be announced at a later date.
Cedar City, Utah
The Cedar City Utah Temple will be the 17th in Utah, including the announced Payson Utah and Provo City Center Temples as well as the Ogden Utah Temple which is currently under renovation. There are nearly two million Church members in Utah.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil is home to nearly 200 million people including over 1,173,000 members of the Church. Brazil is home to six operating temples, with an additional temple announced for Fortaleza Brazil, bringing the total to eight with today’s announcement. The São Paulo Brazil temple, the first in Brazil, was completed in 1978.
About Temples
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consider temples to be the “house of the Lord,” the most sacred places on earth. Unlike meetinghouses, where Sabbath worship and weekly activities take place, temples are open throughout the week and closed on Sundays.
Temple attendance strengthens Latter-day Saints in their efforts to follow Jesus Christ. In the temple, sacred ceremonies connect families forever and explain God’s plan for His children.
There are currently 141 operating temples worldwide and, with today’s announcement, 29 temples announced under construction.