How Many LDS Temples Are There?
The History and Significance of LDS Temples
LDS temples, also known as temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hold a significant role in the beliefs and practices of the church. They are considered to be the most sacred spaces for members of the LDS church, and only members who are considered worthy are permitted to enter.
The first LDS temple was built in Kirtland, Ohio, in 1836. Since then, the church has built over 160 temples worldwide. Each temple is unique in its architecture and design, but all of them share similar features, such as a baptismal font, endowment rooms, sealing rooms, and a celestial room.
Temples are not open for regular Sunday worship services or other meetings. Instead, they are reserved for sacred ordinances, such as baptisms for the dead, endowment ceremonies, and sealings. These ordinances are believed to provide spiritual blessings and help individuals progress in their eternal journey.
LDS temples are also significant because they represent a connection to the church’s pioneer heritage and the principles of sacrifice and dedication. Many of the early pioneers of the church made great sacrifices to build the first temples, and this legacy is celebrated and remembered today.
Overall, LDS temples hold a special place in the hearts of church members and represent a tangible connection to their faith, heritage, and eternal goals.
The Current Number of LDS Temples Worldwide
As of April 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates 168 dedicated temples worldwide. The majority of these temples are located in the United States, with 87 temples located in the country. Outside of the United States, the church has a significant presence in Central and South America, with a combined total of 34 temples.
In addition to the dedicated temples, the church also operates smaller buildings called “meetinghouses” where regular Sunday worship services and other meetings take place. Meetinghouses are open to the public and are used for a variety of community events.
The number of LDS temples worldwide has steadily increased over the years, reflecting the church’s growth and expansion. The construction of new temples is a significant event for members of the church, as it provides new opportunities for spiritual growth and the performance of sacred ordinances.
The current number of temples worldwide represents a tangible connection to the church’s global presence and the commitment to its members to provide access to these sacred spaces.
Temples Under Construction and Announced Temples
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continually evaluates its temple needs and builds new temples to meet those needs. As of April 2023, there are 18 temples announced or under construction around the world. These temples are being built in locations where there is a significant population of church members, and where existing temples are unable to accommodate the needs of those members.
Some of the announced temples include:
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Cobán, Guatemala
- Bengaluru, India
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Salta, Argentina
Construction of new temples typically takes several years, and each temple is unique in its design and features. Once a temple is completed, it is dedicated and open to worthy members of the church for the performance of sacred ordinances.
The announcement and construction of new temples are significant events for members of the church, and they are a reflection of the church’s growth and expansion worldwide. It demonstrates the church’s commitment to providing access to these sacred spaces to its members wherever they may be located.
How the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Decides Where to Build Temples
The decision to build a new temple is a significant one for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church’s leaders carefully consider a variety of factors when deciding where to build a new temple, including the following:
The number of church members in the area: Temples are built in locations where there is a significant population of church members who can benefit from access to a temple.
Accessibility: Church leaders consider the ease of access to the proposed temple location, taking into account factors such as transportation and local infrastructure.
Religious and legal considerations: The church works closely with local government officials to ensure that the proposed temple location complies with local laws and regulations.
Availability of suitable land: The church requires a significant amount of land to build a temple, so the availability of suitable land is an important consideration.
Local member support: Church leaders consider the support of local church members and leaders when deciding where to build a new temple.
Once a decision has been made to build a new temple, the church typically announces the location to its members, and construction begins. The construction process typically takes several years, and once the temple is completed, it is dedicated and open for sacred ordinances.
Accessing LDS Temple Services and Worship Opportunities
Access to LDS temple services and worship opportunities is restricted to members of the church who are considered worthy. To enter a temple, members must hold a current temple recommend, which is obtained through an interview with local church leaders. The recommend ensures that members are living according to church teachings and are prepared to participate in the sacred ordinances performed in the temple.
In addition to the recommend, members must also adhere to a dress code when entering the temple. This dress code includes conservative clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, and members must remove their shoes before entering the temple.
Inside the temple, members participate in a variety of sacred ordinances, including baptisms for the dead, endowment ceremonies, and sealings. These ordinances are believed to provide spiritual blessings and help individuals progress in their eternal journey.
Members of the church who are not eligible for a temple recommend can still participate in regular Sunday worship services and other meetings held in local meetinghouses. These meetings are open to the public and provide opportunities for members to worship together, learn from each other, and participate in community events.
Overall, accessing LDS temple services and worship opportunities requires a commitment to the teachings and principles of the church, as well as adherence to specific dress and behavior standards. For members who are eligible to participate, these opportunities provide a meaningful connection to their faith and help them progress in their spiritual journey.
