How Many Temples Has President Russell M. Nelson Announced?
Since becoming President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in January 2018, President Russell M. Nelson has placed an extraordinary emphasis on temple worship. One of the most visible results of that focus has been the historic number of new temple announcements made during his presidency.
Many members and friends of the Church ask, "How many temples has President Russell M. Nelson announced?" The answer continues to grow as new temples are announced during General Conference and other Church meetings.
His leadership has reshaped temple access for millions of members around the world, bringing sacred ordinances closer to people in countries, states, and cities that previously required hours—or even days—of travel.
How Many Temples Has President Russell M. Nelson Announced?
Since becoming Church President in 2018, President Russell M. Nelson has announced 200 temples, more than any previous President of the Church.
The exact total changes with each General Conference as additional temples are announced. His emphasis on expanding access to temple worship has resulted in one of the fastest periods of temple growth in Church history.
Many of these temples are already dedicated and operating, while others are under construction or in the planning stages.
Temple Announcements by Year
President Nelson has consistently announced new temples during April and October General Conference.
| Year | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Began his presidency with multiple temple announcements and established a new pace of growth. |
| 2019 | Continued announcing temples throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. |
| 2020 | Despite the global pandemic, temple announcements continued. |
| 2021 | A record-setting year with numerous temples announced worldwide. |
| 2022 | Continued expansion into both large metropolitan areas and smaller communities. |
| 2023 | Additional first temples announced in several countries. |
| 2024 | Continued emphasis on worldwide accessibility. |
| 2025 | More temples announced across multiple continents. |
Every General Conference brings anticipation as members wonder which cities and countries will be announced next.
Why Has President Nelson Announced So Many Temples?
President Nelson has repeatedly taught about the importance of making and keeping sacred covenants with God.
One of his goals has been to reduce the distance members must travel to attend the temple.
For many families around the world, attending the temple once required expensive flights, overnight accommodations, or several days of driving. New temples make regular temple attendance much more practical.
His temple-building efforts have strengthened local Church members while preparing the Church for continued worldwide growth.
Historic Temple Announcements
Several of President Nelson's announcements have been especially memorable.
First Temples in New Countries
Many nations have received announcements for their very first temple during President Nelson's administration. These announcements are often emotional moments for local members who have waited decades for a temple in their homeland.
Temples in Smaller Cities
Rather than focusing only on major metropolitan areas, President Nelson has announced temples in many mid-sized cities. This approach brings temple blessings closer to members who previously traveled long distances.
Record-Breaking Conferences
Several General Conferences under President Nelson have included unusually large numbers of temple announcements, demonstrating the Church's commitment to expanding temple access worldwide.
The Worldwide Growth of the Church
President Nelson's temple announcements reflect more than increasing numbers—they represent the continued growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world.
Today, temples are found across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.
As membership grows, additional temples allow more people to participate in sacred ordinances without the burden of extensive travel.
Why Temple Announcements Matter
Every new temple announcement is significant for local Church members.
A new temple can:
- Shorten travel times by several hours.
- Allow families to attend the temple more often.
- Make temple service more accessible for youth and older members.
- Strengthen local stakes and districts.
- Support future Church growth.
Although construction may take several years after an announcement, the announcement itself often brings excitement and hope to members in the surrounding area.
Following Temple Construction
After a temple is announced, several important milestones typically follow:
- The city or general location is confirmed.
- A site is selected.
- An exterior rendering is released.
- Groundbreaking takes place.
- Construction begins.
- An open house is held before dedication.
- The temple is dedicated and begins serving members.
Depending on the project, this process may take anywhere from a few years to several years.
Tracking Temple Growth
Many Church members enjoy following temple announcements during every General Conference and visiting newly dedicated temples whenever possible.
As the number of temples continues to grow, many families have made it a goal to visit temples throughout their lifetime.
My Temple Journey was designed to help members record every temple they visit. With scratch-off temple pages, space for journaling, and room to preserve special memories, it provides a meaningful way to document your personal temple journey as new temples continue to open around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has President Russell M. Nelson announced more temples than any other Church President?
Yes. President Nelson has announced more temples than any previous President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
How often are new temples announced?
Most new temple announcements are made during the April and October sessions of General Conference, although additional announcements occasionally occur at other times.
Are all announced temples already operating?
No. After a temple is announced, it must go through planning, site selection, design, construction, and dedication before it begins operating.
Why are so many temples being built now?
Church leaders have emphasized making temple worship more accessible as Church membership grows around the world. Additional temples reduce travel distances and allow more members to participate regularly in temple ordinances.
Conclusion
President Russell M. Nelson's presidency has marked an unprecedented era of temple growth. By announcing hundreds of new temples across the globe, he has helped bring the blessings of the temple closer to millions of members.
As additional temples are announced, constructed, and dedicated, his legacy of expanding access to temple worship will continue to shape the Church for generations to come.
Whether you're following each new temple announcement or working toward visiting temples yourself, every new house of the Lord represents another opportunity for individuals and families to draw closer to Jesus Christ through sacred covenants.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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