Switzerland
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9,071
Total Church Membership
Population vs. Church Members
5
Stakes
35
Congregations
14
Family History Centers
1
Temples
History
Missionary work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began in Switzerland on November 24, 1850. A Church publication, the Millennial Star, reported that 20 converts were baptized in 1851, but many Church members emigrated to America up until the 1950s.
Today members total approximately 8,000, with many coming from second, third, and fourth generations of Church members in Switzerland. Forty congregations meet in 27 meetinghouses. These meetinghouses serve as the location for Church activities of all kinds. In addition to sacrament meetings, Primary classes for children, and meetings for women and youth groups, there are sport activities, such as table tennis, basketball, and volleyball. Additionally, there are cultural events, such as dancing, musical, and theatrical performances.
High ideals are taught with strong emphasis on family life, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and commitment to high moral principles that characterize Latter-day Saint beliefs.
Humanitarian services totaling millions of dollars have been given worldwide. Relief without regard to race, nationality, or religion is given. Food, clothing, medical supplies, and economic aid continue to alleviate the suffering of deprived people. European nations, and more recently, Eastern Europeans receive special assistance.
The first Church temple built in Europe was completed in Zollikofen, near Bern, September 11, 1955. Initially, it served Church members throughout Western Europe and the Nordic countries. Considered "houses of the Lord," and distinct from meetinghouses, temples allow faithful Church members to carry out various ordinances such as marriages, baptisms, and other sacred ceremonies. The temple was later remodeled and rededicated by future Church President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency in October 1992. In 1994, Switzerland was the first country President Howard W. Hunter visited as new Church President.
In May 2006, Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife Harriet held conferences for missionaries and members in Zurich. In June 2014, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second Counselor in the First Presidency, and his wife, Harriet, visited Switzerland to meet with Church Members, leaders and dignitaries. Among others, they were accompanied by Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife Kathy.
For Journalist Use Only:
National Director of Public Affairs and Communications
Yves Weidmann
Telephone : +41 78 821 99 91
Africa
Total Church Membership
666,508
Members
2,327
Congregations
Missions
35Missions
Family History Centers
Temples
4Temples
Asia
Total Church Membership
1,230,515
Members
2,130
Congregations
Missions
44Missions
Family History Centers
Temples
8Temples
Europe
Total Church Membership
497,436
Members
1,374
Congregations
Missions
34Missions
Family History Centers
Temples
14Temples
North America
Total Church Membership
9,419,307
Members
18,256
Congregations
Missions
173Missions
Family History Centers
Temples
110Temples
Oceania (Pacific)
Total Church Membership
572,895
Members
1,283
Congregations
Missions
17Missions
Family History Centers
Temples
10Temples
South America
Total Church Membership
4,178,375
Members
5,570
Congregations