Temple Construction Progress Update

Here is the latest edition of my temple construction progress report. Enjoy!

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/31/16)

Current Temple Status: 151 operating; 4 scheduled for dedication; 1 rededication scheduled; 3 others undergoing renovation; 11 under construction; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:

152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Public open house tours underway through September 9; dedication scheduled on Sunday September 18, 2016.

153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Public open house underway through September 10; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.

154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting free reservations for public open house beginning September 1 2016 @ noon EST; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Rededication scheduled:

33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; preparing for rededication, scheduled for Sunday September 4, 2016.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication estimated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

Under Construction:

156. Paris France Temple: Exterior cladding of visitor’s center nearing completion; stained glass installation underway; courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in early-to-mid 2017.

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on July 20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Laying zinc shingles on tower roof; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Retaining walls in place; pouring parking lot curbing; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion estimated sometime in late 2018.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured; waterproofing applied to basement walls; completion estimated sometime between late 2018 and early 2019.

163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; Elder Renlund visits temple site in August; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

165. Durban South Africa Temple: Sinking piles for foundation and terracing soil; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

Announced:

167. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; construction anticipated beginning in late 2016.

168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking pending.

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; community open house held August 25, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated to be set for early in 2017.

170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Temple Construction Progress Update

Here is an update on the progress of temple construction:

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/29/16)

Current Temple Status: 151 operating; 4 scheduled for dedication; 1 rededication scheduled; 3 others undergoing renovation; 11 under construction; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:

152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Public open house tours underway through September 9; dedication scheduled on Sunday September 18, 2016.

153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Public open house underway through September 10; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.

154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Open house tickets available beginning September 1, 2016; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Rededication scheduled:

33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; open house tours underway through August 27; rededication scheduled on Sunday September 4, 2016.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

Under Construction:

156. Paris France Temple: Exterior cladding of visitor’s center nearing completion; stained glass installation underway; courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in early-to-mid 2017.

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on July 20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Laying zinc shingles on tower roof; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Retaining walls in place; pouring parking lot curbing; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion estimated sometime in late 2018.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured; waterproofing applied to basement walls; completion estimated sometime between late 2018 and early 2019.

163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; Elder Renlund visits temple site in August; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms in place for pouring foundation walls; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

165. Durban South Africa Temple: Sinking piles for foundation and terracing soil; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

Announced:

167. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; construction anticipated beginning in late 2016.

168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking pending.

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; community open house held August 25, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated to be set for early in 2017.

170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Thanks to you all for your interest and support.

Important posts by Matthew Martinich

Matthew Martinich has done a couple of excellent posts about Church growth. Click here for a report on the forthcoming creation of Belize's first stake. Click here to read about the creation of four new stakes, along with an analysis of the growth in the North America Southwest area. Enjoy!

Major Temple Progress Updates

Posting today with some major temple news. A decorative granite urn, the last piece to be installed, is now in place at the Hartford Connecticut temple, which has also had a three-tiered granite fountain installed. Based on information obtained from the general contractor of the project, work on the Arequipa Peru temple is anticipated to begin in October of this year. A groundbreaking for Rio de Janeiro is anticipated soon as well, though an estimation for the date of that has yet to be given. Additionally, the Winnipeg Manitoba temple has become the third announced temple whose groundbreaking is expected soon. Right now the Church is in the approval phase and busy getting permits for the temple, with a groundbreaking anticipated in the early months of 2017. Click here for more details of this tremendous news.

In the meantime, I thought about things and decided I was not happy with the way I was tracking temple progress. I have therefore reorganized my temple progress report. To me, it makes more sense to list the temples in this order: scheduled for dedication; scheduled for rededication; undergoing renovation (not including those scheduled for rededication); and announced, with those closer to a groundbreaking listed ahead of those that are still in the planning (and, if applicable, approval) stage. I like this version better than any other way I've done it in the past. I include a copy of the newly ordered report for your review. Let me know what you think. As always, thanks for reading these posts.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/26/16)

Current Temple Status: 151 operating; 4 scheduled for dedication; 1 rededication scheduled; 3 others undergoing renovation; 11 under construction; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:

152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Public open house tours underway through September 9; dedication scheduled on Sunday September 18, 2016.

153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Public open house underway through September 10; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.

154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Decorative granite urn added to temple; three-tiered fountain installed at temple entrance; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Rededication scheduled:

33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; open house tours underway through August 27; rededication scheduled on Sunday September 4, 2016.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

Under Construction:

156. Paris France Temple: Exterior cladding of visitor’s center nearing completion; stained glass installation underway; courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in mid-2017.

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on July 20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Laying zinc shingles on tower roof; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Retaining walls in place; pouring parking lot curbing; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion estimated sometime in 2018.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured; waterproofing applied to basement walls; completion estimated sometime between 2018 and 2019.

163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; Elder Renlund visits temple site in August; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms in place for pouring foundation walls; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

165. Durban South Africa Temple: Site grading and clearing underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

Announced:

167. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; construction anticipated beginning sometime in October 2016, groundbreaking announcement anticipated soon.

168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking announcement anticipated soon.

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; community open house held August 25, 2016; groundbreaking announcement anticipated soon and to be set for early in 2017.

170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

South America Northwest Area leadership change

There has been a change in the leadership of the South America Northwest Area Presidency. Effective August 15, Enrique R. Falabella succeeded Lawrence E. Corbridge as First Counselor in the Area Presidency. Carlos A. Godoy continues as Area President, and Hugo Montoya continues as Second Counselor.

Elder Falabella had been involved as an adviser to the Perpetual Education Fund. Elder Corbridge will now assume an assignment at Church headquarters. This is the first change in this particular area presidency since November of 2016, when the presidency was reorganized as a result of Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (who had been serving in that presidency) being called to the Presiding Bishopric when it was reorganized following Presiding Bishop Gary E. Stevenson's call to the apostleship. Probably more Church trivia than you wanted to know, but there it is.

My next post will focus on temple progress. As always, thanks for your readership and support.

In Tribute of the Memory of my Grandma Carol Stokes

I experienced a traumatic life event this last month and I finally feel ready to blog about it. My dad's mom, Carol Stokes, has been very sick for a while but worsened in the last month. Additionally, she was really missing her husband, who had died 16 years ago this month. After a valiant struggle, she passed away on the 11th of this month. Though she died of a kidney-related condition, I believe it was a broken heart that did her in. For years now she has watched a division of her family. The family was split pretty evenly between those that kept in close contact with her and those that refused to have anything to do with her, whether those differences arose due to actual or perceived wrongs.  She commented more than once that she didn't want a funeral when she died, because she felt convinced that no one would come.

I had the distinct privilege to speak with her via Skype before she died. She was lying in a hospital bed, too weak to do much. But she  seemed to perk up as she heard my voice, and mustered enough strength to let me know that she loved me. I tried to Skype with her once more before her passing, but it didn't work. I sent her a  message of love through my mom, and Grandma whispered that she loved me too. It would be my last chance to speak with her in this life.

When I got the news of her passing, there were tears, but also an overwhelming feeling of comfort  and love from my Heavenly Father. I gain solace in the knowledge that death is not the end of life, and that I will see her again.

With the tender feelings came the memories. I remember how Grandma always told me how proud she was of whatever I was doing. I remember she and Grandpa Stokes were there for every important event of my life. I remember one year, my school did a program for Grandparent's Day. They made special efforts to be there to hear us sing. I remember the cool tools her children played with that she lovingly held onto for her grandchildren's use. I remember her loving phone calls and cards sent over the years to her little "Jamesie." I remember they were there for baptisms, priesthood ordinations, Eagle Courts of Honor. By the time I was ready to serve my mission, her husband had passed away. Grandma didn't have much material wealth, but she said to just let her know if I needed anything. I remember well the day I called Grandma and told her I had found the woman I wanted to marry. She made a special trip up for the wedding.

When I thought of this remarkable woman, I thought, "How could I not be there to honor her life?" I was grateful that my unemployed status made the trip down easy to work around. My mom drove Amy and me down there.

The mood was somber and reflective when we entered the mortuary for her viewing. It was so hard to see her lying there still and peaceful, eyes closed in death. Then I found out I was to be one of the pallbearers, which had somehow not been mentioned to me before that night. I vividly recall greeting my family, some of whom made a flying trip to be there.

The next day was the funeral. It was mostly a good experience. As much as I could, I enjoyed the proceedings and the luncheon that followed.

Grandma's one desire for her family was that there would be no empty chairs in her house on the other side. Given what I know about the family drama, I don't know just how possible that will be.

I think it is tragic that some few people were not there by conscientious choice. I know there were those who were not there because they physically could not be. But I am very distraught that in this trying time, there were those who deliberately avoided this event.

If I had one message to those family members that did not attend because of their differences, or who were there grudgingly, it would be the words of the Savior when he said:

"My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil, they were afflicted and sorely chastened.

"Wherefore, I say unto you that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

"I the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

"And ye ought to say in your hearts--let God judge between me and thee and reward thee according to thy deeds."

I have often wondered why the Lord has said it is a greater sin not to forgive than to forgive, and I have come to the conclusion that it is because when we fail to forgive those who have wronged us, we are only hurting ourselves. Our resenting other people does not have an adverse effect on them, as oftentimes they are unaware of any offense they have given. But it can consume our souls and waste needless effort that could be spent on more important pursuits that would be for the greater good.

Forgiveness and the lack thereof has often been compared to a rattlesnake bite. When any man is bitten by a snake, he has two basic choices; hunt down the snake and kill it in revenge, thereby allowing the poison to destroy him or take the time to get the poison out of his system and thus save his life//I think we can all agree on what the better option is.

I realize that this post may make me very unpopular with family members who have nothing against me personally, but I have long wanted to say something to those family members to this effect and felt it couldn't be put off any longer. To you family members who have been estranged from the other half of the family, in the aftermath of Grandma's death, I plead with you: Let go of your hurt and the poison of resentment before it destroys you. Let Grandma's passing be your time to come back to the family circle. Please don't let there be empty chairs anymore.

That would be the greatest gift you could give the family at this time. In the meantime, I would also encourage those in the family who didn't have a problem with Grandma but might have had resentment against some of their siblings to do the same.

Thanks for reading this post, and may the Lord be with us all as we try to live in such a way that will allow us to be united with Grandma again after this life.

Yet Another Temple Progress Update

I am excited to share important developments I became aware of today in temple construction progress. Here is my updated report:

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/24/16)

Current Temple Status: 151 operating, 15 under construction (4 scheduled for dedication), 11 announced (2 groundbreaking announcements anticipated soon), 4 undergoing renovation (1 scheduled for rededication).

Dedication scheduled:

152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Public open house tours underway through September 9; dedication scheduled on Sunday September 18, 2016.

153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Public open house underway through September 10; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.

154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Roofing nearing completion; more scaffolding coming down; landscaping continues; president’s residence progressing; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:

156. Paris France Temple: Exterior cladding of visitor’s center nearing completion; stained glass installation underway; courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in mid-2017.

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on July 20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Monument sign installed; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Retaining walls in place; pouring parking lot curbing; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion estimated sometime in 2018.

 162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured; waterproofing applied to basement walls; completion estimated sometime between 2018 and 2019.

163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; Elder Renlund visits temple site in August; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms in place for pouring foundation walls; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

165. Durban South Africa Temple: Site grading and clearing underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

Rededication scheduled:

33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; open house tours underway through August 27; rededication scheduled on Sunday September 4, 2016.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

Announced:

167. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; construction anticipated to begin sometime in October 2016.

168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; announcement of groundbreaking pending and not likely to take place until after the Summer Olympics.

169. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

170. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose number already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on theorder in which their future groundbreakings are announced.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Most Recent and Near Future Apostolic Birthdays

5 apostolic birthdays have come and gone in August, and two more are coming up in September. Our youngest apostle, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, turned 61 on August 6. Elder Neil L. Andersen marked his 65th birthday on August 9. Elders Dallin H. Oaks and Robert D. Hales turned 84 on August 12 and today respectively. President Thomas S. Monson celebrated his 89th birthday three days ago. We have two apostles celebrating birthdays in September a day apart. Elder Quentin L. Cook will turn 76 on September 8. President Russell M. Nelson, the oldest living apostle, will mark his 92nd birthday on September 9.

Thanks for your readership and support. ;

U of U Building Named for President Thomas S. Monson/All Church members and properties safe after Italian Earthquake

Two major Church News Items have taken place today. After a horrendous earthquake in Italy, all church members, missionaries, chapels and temples had been reported to be safe. For more details on that, click here.

In the meantime, the Church News and KSL.com have run articles on how a new building has been named for Church President Thomas S. Monson on the U of U campus. It is interesting to note that among the attendees was the entire First Presidency, with President Henry B. Eyring speaking for the Church and for President Monson personally. To read the wonderful details of the ceremony that took place today, click here, here and here.

Thanks for reading this post.

Temple Progress Update

In light of the Sapporo Japan Temple dedication, I thought it would be fitting to post an updated temple progress report. Before doing so, I should like to note that the number of under construction temples changed (in the sense that there was one less of them) but stayed the same (in the sense that there was one I had forgotten to list as being under construction. Progress continues worldwide, and you can count on reading about it here on this blog. Here's the report:

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/23/16)

Current Temple Status: 151 operating, 15 under construction (4 scheduled for dedication), 11 announced (2 groundbreaking announcements anticipated soon), 4 undergoing renovation (1 scheduled for rededication).

Dedication scheduled:

152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Public open house tours underway through September 9; dedication scheduled on Sunday September 18, 2016.

153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Public open house underway through September 10; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.

154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, which is scheduled to take place between September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Roofing nearing completion; more scaffolding coming down; landscaping continues; president’s residence progressing; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:

156. Paris France Temple: Exterior cladding of visitor’s center nearing completion; stained glass installation underway; courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in mid-2017.

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on July 20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Monument sign installed; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Scaffolding removed from dome; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Exterior walls poured; completion estimated sometime in 2018.

 162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured; waterproofing applied to basement walls; completion estimated sometime between 2018 and 2019.

163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Subgrade work underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Excavation for foundation underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

165. Durban South Africa Temple: Site grading and clearing underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

Rededication scheduled:

33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; open house tours underway through August 27; rededication scheduled on Sunday September 4, 2016.

  

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime the first quarter of 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

Announced:

167. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; construction anticipated to begin sometime in October 2016.

168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; announcement of groundbreaking pending and not likely to take place until after the Summer Olympics.

169. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

170. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose number already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on theorder in which their future groundbreakings are announced.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Corrected List of Temples that may be announced soon

Here, once again, is my list of temples that may be announced soon. I have made some alterations and corrections based on past oversights and new information. Enjoy, and feel free to comment!

1.   Managua Nicaragua: Proposed in 2012 by Elder Russell M. Nelson; land has already been purchased for it and an announcement is imminent there when membership warrants it. Please also note that it is the #1 city in terms of church presence that does not have a temple in some phase.

2.   Port Moresby Papua New Guinea: Land has been purchased for it and an announcement is imminent there when membership warrants it. Please also note that it is the #2 city in terms of church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase.

3.   Bentonville Arkansas: Land has been purchased for it and an announcement is imminent there when membership warrants it; please also note it is the strongest contender for a temple in the United States. I favor this location because a good friend served his mission there.

4.   2nd Southwest Salt Lake Valley Utah: Proposed in 2005 by Gordon B. Hinckley; more than likely because land has already been purchased for it.

5.   San Juan Puerto Rico: Please note that this is the #3 world city in terms of church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase.

6.   Tarawa Kiribati: Please note that this is the #5 world city in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase.

7.   Freetown Sierra Leone: Please note that this is the #6 world city in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase. May be needed due to extensive growth in Africa

8.   Kampala Uganda: Please note that this is the #7 world city in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase. May be needed due to extensive growth in Africa.

9.   Nairobi Kenya: Publicly proposed by President Gordon B. Hinckley in 1999; please note that this is the #10 world city in terms of Church presence that does not have a temple in any phase. May be needed due to extensive growth in Africa.

10. Phnom Penh Cambodia: Please note that this is the #9 world city in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in any phase; I favor this location because my brother-in-law served a mission there.

11. Missoula Montana: Publicly proposed in 2016 by Elder David A. Bednar.

12. Lehi Utah: I favor this location because it is my wife's hometown.

13. Layton Utah

14. Budapest Hungary

15. Pocatello Idaho

16. Auckland New Zealand

17. La Paz Bolivia: I favor this location because my favorite bishop and good friend served a mission there.

18. Rapid City South Dakota: I favor this location because my dad served his mission there. 

19. Richmond Virginia

20. Lagos Nigeria (may be needed due to extensive Church growth in Africa)

21. Pago Pago American Samoa: Please note that this is the #9 city in the world in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some stage.

22. Tacoma Washington

23. El Paso Texas

24. Ulaanbaatar Mongolia: I favor this location because a good friend served his mission there.

25. Barcelona Spain

26. Puebla Mexico

27. Valparaiso Chile

28.  Davao Philippines

29.  Maracaibo Venezuela: Publicly proposed in 1999 by Gordon B. Hinckley.

30.  Singapore: Publicly proposed in 2000 by Gordon B. Hinckley,

31.  Edinburgh Scotland

32.  Cody Wyoming

33.  Jacksonville Florida

34.  Brasilia/Belo Horizonte Brazil

35.  Ghana (Kumasi).

36.  Neuquen Argentina

37.  Ivory Coast (2^nd and possibly 3^rd temples; may be needed due to extreme growth in the area

38. Kasai DR Congo (temple proposed in 2016 by Neil L. Andersen, may be needed due to extensive growth in the area.

39. Fairbanks/Juneau Alaska

40. Ipswich Australia

Dark horse candidates:      

1. Kaysville Utah

2. Sandy Utah

3.  Orem Utah (I favor this location because it’s where I’m living now, and when I worked at then  Mount Timpanogos Temple for six years, a majority of my colleagues were from Orem. The LDS presence is strong here.

5.   Heber Utah

6.   Pago Pago American Samoa: Please note that this is the #9 world city in terms of Church presence that does not have a temple in any phase.

7.   Singapore (proposed in 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley).

8.   Maputo Mozambique

9.   Oslo Norway

10. Antananarivo Madagascar

Sapporo Japan Temple Dedicated/President Monson's 89th birthday/The Health of the Brethren

The Sapporo Japan temple was dedicated on Sunday as the Church's 151st temple. Under the direction of the First Presidency, President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the temple. He was accompanied by Elder Gary E. Stevenson, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The unique thing I learned about Elder Stevenson and this temple is that he was involved with every part of this temple's construction. He broke ground for it as President of the Asia Area of the Church, oversaw its construction as Presiding Bishop of the Church, and came back as an apostle to assist in the dedication. That was special to hear.

The dedication coincidentally was on the same date as President Monson's birthday. President Monson was able to vies the proceedings of the cultural celebration and dedication via closed-circuit television.

The Church News ran several articles about this dedication. Click here for a general article about the dedication. This article focuses on the fact that the temple dedication was sandwiched perfectly in between two tropical storms. This one talks about how the Sapporo Japan temple is a fulfillment of apostolic prophecy regarding the growth and development of the Church in Japan. And this one focuses on why this temple dedication is so significant for Elder Stevenson.

I wanted to touch briefly on the health of the leading brethren of the Church and their wives. I had wondered why it seemed that President Uchtdorf has been the most visible First Presidency member recently. I learned from my mother that in addition to President Monson not being in good health, President Eyring's wife is suffering from dementia, which is why we haven't seen him around a lot lately. I anticipated that President Eyring would be the one to dedicate the Sapporo Japan temple, but clearly, he is not in a position to do so. As far as I know, President Uchtdorf is the most visible member of the Presidency because he and his wife are both still doing all right.

It is by no means an uncommon thing for only one member of the First Presidency to be actively involved in the day-to-day affairs of the Church. We saw President Hinckley carry on for President Kimball and his ailing counselors, and saw Presidents Hinckley and Monson more involved as President Benson aged. President Hunter died after only a short time as prophet, and President Hinckley was active until the tail end of his life. We have seen President Monson slow down and reduce his workload lately. Some people are saying he has Alzheimer's and possible dementia.

With President Uchtdorf being the sole active member of the First Presidency, this opens the likelihood of a possible additional member of the First Presidency, with the most likely candidate being one of the apostles. I have my own opinions as to who that person might be, if it happens at all, but will keep my opinions about it to myself until we know more about the health of the brethren.

Also, more responsibility is being shouldered by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with much of the workload falling to the more senior members of the Quorum. This has been evidenced by President Nelson presiding at the Sapporo Japan Temple dedication and one session of the Provo City Center Temple Dedication, with Elder Oaks being listed as the one who dedicated the temple because he presided at two of the three sessions. In the meantime, Elder Ballard, as I observed, served as the Grand Marshall of the Days of '47 KSL Parade, a role typically filled by a member of the First Presidency.

As to the rest of the apostles, Elder Hales is also reportedly not in good health, though he has by all appearances been doing better. All of the other apostles are helping to shoulder the load too.

What a comfort it is to know that there is a system whereby if our leaders are not able to function, those under them shoulder the load.

With the developments in the First Presidency, it is also interesting to note that President Nelson is the oldest of all the apostles but may be one of the best in terms of health. It is also interesting to note that, as of tomorrow, the average age of the First Presidency is 82.68, while the average age of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is 74.23, with six of the Quorum members being younger than the average age. The average age of the apostles overall as of tomorrow is 75.92, with over half of the apostles being younger than that average. I am honestly not sure how these averages compare with the past averages, but I think it is safe to say that some apostles are much older than the typical average, while some of these are much younger than the average.

What I can say is that I will be absolutely intrigued to see and report on what happens with these men as time goes on. I have no doubt we will see some of the older, more ill ones pass away before too much longer, while I predict the longevity for others to rival some of the oldest living records. It is interesting to note that we have had 17 nonagenarian apostles, with six more to be added to that number before the Church marks its 200th anniversary, assuming they live that long. One thing I can say with absolutely certainty: I have been an eyewitness to the fulfillment of the promise of the Lord that He has sanctified their service to the renewal of their bodies. The amazing thing is how the Lord moves along his work through the transfer of service from group to group. We have seen some amazing apostles pass away, and we have seen equally amazing individuals called to fill the vacancies occasioned by their deaths, none of which have been untimely, and all of which have been directed by the Lord.

So where do I see the Church in the next little while? I have observed that I think we will see President Monson pass away at some point in the not-too-distant future and President Nelson serve for a few years followed by President Oaks, President Holland, and President Bednar.at varying intervals. How long that will be is known only to the Lord, but I anticipate short periods of service for President Nelson (the second most senior aposle, who, if he lives that long, will become the oldest living apostle on August 8, 2030, and the first centenarian apostle/prophet on September 9, 2024) and Elder Dallin H. Oaks (eight years younger than President Nelson and currently the third most senior apostle.) The next most seior apostles are not likely to ascend to the Presidency. Elder Ballard, the 4th in seniority, is just a year younger than President Monson. Elder Hales, the next most senior, is 12 days younger than Elder Oaks. Next comes Elder Holland, the youngest of those born in 1940. He is followed by President Eyring, born in 1933, and President Uchtdorf, born a month before Elder Holland. Next comes Elder Bednar, who is young for being the 9th most senior apostle, being the third youngest apostle. He is followed by Elder Cook, the oldest of the apostles born in 1940. Then comes Elder Christofferson, who is the 11th in seniority and the 10th oldest. Elder Andersen is next and is the youngest of our apostles born in 1951. The next most senior apostle, Elder Rasband, is six months older than Elder Andersen. Next is Elder Stevenson, currently the youngest apostle, born in 1955. The most junior apostle, Elder Renlund, is five months younger than Elder Bednar. Knowing where the apostles are in terms of seniority and age, I hope it is apparent why I think what I do about how we will see the Presidency of the Church pass from one to another.

That does it for this post. Please stay tuned for the next one.

Massive Church News update

I am behind. There have been several important Church News items. This post shares some of the highlights.

Tonga celebrated the centennial anniversary of its first mission recently. For an article detailing that celebration, please click here.

The Church News recently featured the story of a Brazilian youth who gained national fame by wearing her Young Women medallion on a national vocal competition. Click here to read that inspiring story.

At the annual FAIR Mormon conference, several important presentations were done. Scholars presented their findings on Book of Mormon research; Council of Fifty minutes were discussed; a professor focused on why he can't disbelieve the Book of Mormon; and a scholar discussed the conflict of gospel and secular understanding of the concepts of charity and love.

Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy spoke to BYU graduates on the subject of putting their trust in God.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke during BYU's Campus Education Week of how we are bound by loving ties.

The Church News wrote an article about how the fires in California and the flooding in Louisiana are prompting a church response.

Another article spoke of how buses are bringing people to Music & the Spoken Word.

Yet another article spoke of how LDS women have won gold medals in Rio.

And in still another article from the Church News was one way for Elder Douglas L. Callister, an emeritus seventy, to pay tribute to his father.

In the meantime, on the Church's website, the First Presidency announced the dates for many significant Church-wide events in 2017. Worldwide devotionals will be held for Young Adults on January 8, May 7, and September 10. General Conferences are scheduled for March 25, April 1-2, September 23 and 30, and October 1. Face-to-Face events will be held for Youth in February, March and October, with the First Presidency Christmas Devotional scheduled for December 3, In February, the RootsTech Family Discovery Day will be held, as will the annual Evening with a General Authority for Seminary and Institute Personnel. Finally, the Pioneer Day Concert will be held on June 15.

That, in its entirety, is the latest in Church News and Events. Thanks for your interest and support.

President Monson prepares to celebrate 89th birthday/Sapporo Japan temple to be dedicated

A lot going on this weekend. President Thomas S. Monson will celebrate his 89th birthday on Sunday. In preparation for that celebration, Gerry Avant, Church News editor, wrote an article about her 45-year association with President Monson. To read that article, click here.

Additionally, the Sapporo Japan temple will be dedicated Sunday as well. Since President Uchtdorf will likely officiate at the rededication of the Freiberg Germany Temple on September 4, I am anticipating that President Eyring will preside in Sapporo, accompanied by Elder Gary E. Stevenson, who presided at the groundbreaking when he was president of the Church's Asia Area,

More posts to follow with some important Church news updates.

Further temple progress

Here's a look at what's new with temple progress.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/1816)

Current Temple Status: 150 operating, 16 under construction (5 scheduled for dedication), 11 announced (2 groundbreaking announcements anticipated soon), 4 undergoing renovation (1 scheduled for rededication).

Dedication scheduled:

151. Sapporo Japan Temple: Open house concluded; preparing for dedication, which is on Sunday August 21, 2016.

152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Public open house tours underway through September 9; dedication scheduled on Sunday September 18, 2016.

153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled to take place between tomorrow and September 10; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.

154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Roofing nearing completion; more scaffolding coming down; landscaping continues; president’s residence progressing; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:

156. Paris France Temple: Exterior cladding of visitor’s center wing nearing completion; stained glass installation underway; courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in mid-2017.

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on July 20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Monument sign installed; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Scaffolding removed from dome; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Exterior walls poured; completion estimated sometime in 2018.

 162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured; waterproofing applied to basement walls; completion estimated sometime between 2018 and 2019.

163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Subgrade work underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Excavation for foundation underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

165. Durban South Africa Temple: Site grading and clearing underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

Rededication scheduled:

33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; open house tours underway; rededication scheduled on Sunday September 4, 2016.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime the first quarter of 2017..

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in mid-2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.

Announced:

167. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; construction anticipated to begin in October 2016.

168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; announcement of groundbreaking pending and not likely to take place until after the Summer Olympics.

169. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

170. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose number already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on theorder in which their future groundbreakings are announced.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Yet another update to the list of temples that may be announced soon.

After receiving some more feedback, I have come upon my newest edition of cities that may get a temple soon. I have included 40 that are more certain and 10 dark horse candidates. Any feedback would be welcome and appreciated.

1.   Managua Nicaragua: Proposed in 2012 by Elder Russell M. Nelson; land has already been purchased for it and an announcement is imminent there when membership warrants it. Please also note that it is the #1 city in terms of church presence that does not have a temple in some phase.

2.   Port Moresby Papua New Guinea: Land has been purchased for it and an announcement is imminent there when membership warrants it. Please also note that it is the #2 city in terms of church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase.

3.   Bentonville Arkansas: Land has been purchased for it and an announcement is imminent there when membership warrants it; please also note it is the strongest contender for a temple in the United States. I favor this location because a good friend served his mission there.

4.   2nd Southwest Salt Lake Valley Utah: Proposed in 2005 by Gordon B. Hinckley; more than likely because land has already been purchased for it.

5.   San Juan Puerto Rico: Please note that this is the #3 world city in terms of church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase.

6.   Tarawa Kiribati: Please note that this is the #5 world city in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase.

7.   Freetown Sierra Leone: Please note that this is the #6 world city in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase. May be needed due to extensive growth in Africa

8.   Kampala Uganda: Please note that this is the #7 world city in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some phase. May be needed due to extensive growth in Africa.

9.   Nairobi Kenya: Publicly proposed by President Gordon B. Hinckley in 1999; please note that this is the #10 world city in terms of Church presence that does not have a temple in any phase. May be needed due to extensive growth in Africa.

10. Phnom Penh Cambodia: Please note that this is the #9 world city in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in any phase; I favor this location because my brother-in-law served a mission there.

11. Missoula Montana: Publicly proposed in 2016 by Elder David A. Bednar.

12. Lehi Utah: I favor this location because it is my wife's hometown.

13. Layton Utah

14. Budapest Hungary

15. Pocatello Idaho

16. Auckland New Zealand

17. La Paz Bolivia: I favor this location because my favorite bishop and good friend served a mission there.

18. Rapid City South Dakota: I favor this location because my dad served his mission there. 

19. Richmond Virginia

20. Lagos Nigeria (may be needed due to extensive Church growth in Africa)

21. Pago Pago American Samoa: Please note that this is the #9 city in the world in terms of Church presence that doesn’t have a temple in some stage.

22. Tacoma Washington

23. El Paso Texas

24. Ulaanbaatar Mongolia: I favor this location because a good friend served his mission there.

25. Barcelona Spain

26. Puebla Mexico

27. Valparaiso Chile

28.  Davao Philippines

29.  Maracaibo Venezuela: Publicly proposed in 1999 by Gordon B. Hinckley.

30.  Singapore: Publicly proposed in 2000 by Gordon B. Hinckley,

31.  Edinburgh Scotland

32.  Cody Wyoming

33.  Jacksonville Florida

34.  Brasilia/Belo Horizonte Brazil

35.  Ghana (Kumasi).

36.  Neuquen Argentina

37.  Ivory Coast (2^nd and possibly 3^rd temples; may be needed due to extreme growth in the area

38. Kasai DR Congo (temple proposed in 2016 by Neil L. Andersen, may be needed due to extensive growth in the area.

39. Fairbanks/Juneau Alaska

40. Ipswich Australia

Dark horse candidates:      

1. Kaysville Utah

2. Sandy Utah

3.  Orem Utah (I favor this location because it’s where I’m living now, and when I worked at then  Mount Timpanogos Temple for six years, a majority of my colleagues were from Orem. The LDS presence is strong here.

5.   Heber Utah

6.   Pago Pago American Samoa: Please note that this is the #9 world city in terms of Church presence that does not have a temple in any phase.

7.   Singapore (proposed in 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley).

8.   Maputo Mozambique

9.   Oslo Norway

10. Antananarivo Madagascar