General Authority & General Officer Assignments

A few days later than originally promised, I have compiled a list of assignments in which each of our General Authorities (and, where I could find them, our General Officers)are currently serving. This is not a comprehensive list, as I have been unable to find any committee assignments which our apostles currently hold. I have also waited until now to post this list because I had hoped to include any changes to the editors and advisers of Church magazines, but since the PDF version of the October Ensign has not yet been made available online, I have not been able to find that information. I will be sure to post any updates to this list going forward. Hope you enjoy this list. Any comments are always welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

President Russell M. Nelson—supervises the Europe East Area

Elder Dallin H. Oaks—supervises the Asia North & Mexico Areas; serves on the Church Board of Education & Boards of Trustees; Chairman; Executive Committee of the Boards

Elder M. Russell Ballard—supervises the Europe Area

Elder Robert D. Hales—in view of his health, he does not appear to be filling any special assignments

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland—supervises the Middle East/Africa North Area; serves on the Church Board of Education & Boards of Trustees; Member, Executive Committee of the Board

Elder David A. Bednar—supervises the Africa West Area; serves on the Church Board of Education

Elder Quentin L. Cook—supervises the Asia Area

Elder D. Todd Christofferson—supervises the Brazil Area

Elder Neil L. Andersen—supervises the Philippines Area

Elder Ronald A. Rasband—supervises the Africa Southeast & South America South Areas

Elder Gary E. Stevenson—supervises the Pacific Area

Elder Dale G. Renlund—supervises the Caribbean & South America Northwest Areas; serves on the Church Board of Education

Presidency of the Seventy:

Elder L. Whitney Clayton—assists in all areas (in the United States and Canada) as assigned; assists Elder Oaks in supervising the Mexico Area & Elder Holland in supervising the Middle East/Africa North Area

Elder Craig C. Christensen—supervises the Utah North, Utah Salt Lake City, and Utah South Areas; assists Elder Rasband in supervising the South America South Area

Elder Ulisses Soares—supervises the Idaho and North America Central Areas; assists Elder Cook in supervising the Asia Area & Elder Rasband in supervising the Africa Southeast Area

Elder Lynn G. Robbins—supervises the North America Southeast Area; assists Elder Bednar in supervising the Africa West Area, Elder Christofferson in supervising the Brazil Area & Elder Renlund in supervising the Caribbean & South America Northwest Areas; Member, Human Resources Committee

Elder Gerrit W. Gong—supervises the North America Northeast Area; assists Elder Oaks in supervising the Asia North Area; serves on the Church Board of Education & Boards of Trustees; Member, the Executive Committee of the Board

Elder Juan A. Uceda—supervises the North America Southwest Area; assists Elder Andersen in supervising the Philippines Area & Elder Stevenson in supervising the Pacific Area

Elder Patrick Kearon—supervises the North America Northwest and North America West Areas; assists President Nelson in supervising the Europe East area and Elder Ballard in supervising the Europe Area

General Authority Seventies:

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis—President, Brazil Area

Elder Jose L. Alonso—Second Counselor, Caribbean Area

Elder Wilford W. Andersen—Senior Administrator, Middle East/Africa North Area; Area Assistant (Idaho and North America Central Areas); Assistant Executive Director, Temple Department

Elder Ian S. Ardern—Second Counselor, Pacific Area

Elder Mervyn B. Arnold—Area Assistant, Idaho, North America Central, & North America Northwest Areas

Elder W. Mark Bassett—First Counselor, Brazil Area

Elder David S. Baxter—Currently on medical leave from his Church assignments

Elder Randall K. Bennett— Assistant Editor: Ensign, Friend, Liahona and New Era magazines;

Assistant Executive Director, Priesthood and Family Department; Assistant, North America Northeast & Utah South Areas

Elder Shayne M. Bowen—President, Philippines Area

Elder Mark A Bragg—Second Counselor, South America South Area

Elder Craig A. Cardon—First Counselor, Pacific Area

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi—Second Counselor, Asia North Area

Elder Kim B. Clark—Commissioner, Church Education System; Area Assistant, North America Southwest Area

Elder Weatherford T. Clayton—Area Assistant, North America Central & North America Southwest Areas

Elder Carl B. Cook—Undisclosed assignments @ Church headquarters

Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge—Undisclosed assignments @ Church headquarters

Elder Valeri V. Cordon—Second Counselor, Central America Area

Elder J. Devn Cornish—Assistant Executive Director, Church History Department; Area Assistant, North America Central & North America Southwest Areas

Elder Claudio R. M. Costa: Assistant Executive Director, Missionary Department; Member, Boundary and Leadership Change Committee; Area Assistant, North America Southeast Area

Elder Joaquin E. Costa: Second Counselor, Brazil Area

Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr.—Adviser to the Church magazines (Ensign, Friend, Liahona, New Era); Assistant Executive Director, Priesthood and Family Department; Area Assistant, North American Southwest Area

Elder Edward Dube—Undisclosed assignments @ Church headquarters

Elder Kevin R. Duncan—Assistant Executive Director, Temple Department; Area Assistant, Assistant (Utah North, Utah Salt Lake City, and Utah South Areas)

Elder Timothy J. Dyches—Assistant Executive Director, Temple Department

Elder Stanley G. Ellis—will likely be granted emeritus status in October, as he turned 70 in January.

NOTE: Although his biography on Mormon Newsroom still notes that he is serving in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency, due to the changes in area leadership which became effective on August 1, we know he has been released from that assignment. But by all appearances, that biography has not been updated at all this year.

Elder David F. Evans—First Counselor, Asia Area

Elder Enrique R. Falabella—First Counselor, South America Northwest Area

Elder Massimo De Feo—Second Counselor, Europe Area

Elder Bradley D. Foster—Executive Director, Family History Department; Area Assistant, North America Southwest Area

Elder Randy D. Funk—President, Asia Area

Elder Eduardo Gavarret—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder Robert C. Gay—President, Asia North Area

Elder Carlos A. Godoy—President, South America Northwest Area

Elder Taylor G. Godoy—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder Christoffel Golden—First Counselor, Europe East Area

NOTE: By the time the September 2017 Church magazines were published, Elder Golden’s assignment as an adviser to the Church magazines was still listed. However, because he is now serving outside the US in an area presidency, that assignment is no longer in effect. Once the October magazines are available online, we will know what, if any, changes have been made to the editors and advisers of the Church magazines, and I will pass that information along.

Elder Walter F. Gonzalez—President, Caribbean Area

Elder C. Scott Grow—currently on medical leave

Elder O. Vincent Haleck—President, Pacific Area

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom—Board Member, Church Education System; Executive Director, Priesthood and Family Department

Elder Kevin S. Hamilton—President, Africa Southeast Area

Elder Larry J. Echo Hawk—Assistant Executive Director, Correlation Department; Member, Boundary and Leadership Change Committee; Area Assistant, North America Northeast, North America West & North America Southwest Areas

Elder Allen D. Haynie—First Counselor, Philippines Area

Elder Benjamin De Hoyos—Assistant Executive Director, Temple Department

Elder Paul V. Johnson—President, Europe Area

Elder Larry S. Kacher—Second Counselor, Africa West Area

Elder Von G. Keetch—Executive Director, Church Public Affairs Department; Area Assistant, North America Southwest Area

Elder Jörg Klebingat—Assistant Executive Director, Temple Department/Area Assistant (North America Central & North America Southeast Areas

Elder Joni L. Koch—Second Counselor, Africa Southeast Area

Elder Erich W. Kopsichke— Adviser to the Church magazines (Ensign, Friend, Liahona, New Era); Area Assistant (North America Northeast & North America Southeast Areas)

Elder Larry R. Lawrence—will likely be granted emeritus status in October, as he turned 70 in August.

NOTE: While the biography of Elder Lawrence on Mormon Newsroom still shows both his assignment as an area administrator of the Middle East/Africa North Area and his being an Assistant Executive Director of the Priesthood and Family Department, and while the October Church magazines still list is assignment as an adviser, because he will likely be granted emeritus status in October, he has also likely been released from these assignments. I will pass along information about such changes as I receive it.

Elder Hugo E. Martinez—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder James B. Martino—President, Europe East Area

Elder Richard J. Maynes—Undisclosed assignments at Church headquarters

Elder Peter F. Meurs—Second Counselor, Asia Area

Elder Hugo Montoya—Second Counselor, South America Northwest Area

Elder Marcus B. Nash—First Counselor, Africa West Area

Elder K. Brett Nattress—Assistant Executive Director, Missionary Department; Area Assistant, Idaho and North America Central Areas

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen—Assistant Executive Director, Missionary Department; Area Assistant, North America Northest Area

Elder Brent H. Nielson—Executive Director, Missionary Department

Elder Adrian Ochoa—President, Central America Area

Elder Allan F. Packer—First Counselor, South America South Area

Elder S. Mark Palmer—First Counselor, Africa Southeast Area

Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder Kevin W. Pearson—Area Assistant, North America Southwest Area/Member, Communication Services & Strengthening Church Members Committees

Elder Anthony D. Perkins— Executive Director, Correlation Department; Member, Correlation Executive Committee; Junior Administrator, Middle East/Africa North Area

Elder Paul B. Pieper—President, Mexico Area

Elder John C. Pingree Jr.—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder Rafael E. Pino—Second Counselor, Mexico Area

Elder Michael T. Ringwood—Member, Self-Reliance Services/PEF, Church Audit, and Welfare Executive Committees

Elder Gary B. Sabin—First Counselor, Europe Area

Elder Evan A. Schmutz—Second Counselor, Philippines Area

Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer—Assistant Executive Director, Church Missionary Department/Chair, Missionary Medical Health Services Division

Elder Joseph W. Sitati— Editor: Ensign, Friend, Liahona and New Era magazines;

Assistant Executive Director, Church Missionary Department/Member, Boundary and Leadership Change Committee

Elder Steven E. Snow—Church Historian and Recorder; Executive Director, Church History Department

Elder Vern P. Stanfill—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder Brian K. Taylor—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder Michael John U. Teh—President, Taiwan Taichung Mission

Elder Jose A. Teixeira—President, South America South Area

Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela—First Counselor, Mexico Area

Elder Terence M. Vinson—President, Africa West Area

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder Scott D. Whiting—Undisclosed assignment at Church headquarters

Elder Larry Y. Wilson—Executive Director, Temple Department

Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong—President, Canada Vancouver Mission

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita—First Counselor, Asia North Area

Elder Jorge F. Zeballos—First Counselor, Central America Area

Elder Claudio D. Zivic—First Counselor, Caribbean Area

Elder W. Craig Zwick—will likely be granted emeritus status in October, as he turned 70 in June.

NOTE: While he may indeed be granted emeritus status in October in view of his age, his biography on Mormon Newsroom mentions that he is serving as an Assistant Executive Director of the Missionary Department & Committee Chair of the Utah Hispanic Initiative.

Presiding Bishop:

Bishop Gerald Causse—Member, Church Board of Education

General Auxiliary Presidencies:

Joy D. Jones, Primary General President—Member, Temple & Family History Council

Bonnie H. Cordon, First Counselor, Primary General Presidency— Adviser to the Church magazines (Ensign, Friend, Liahona, New Era)

Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President—Church Board of Education & Boards of Trustees; Member, Executive Committee of the Boards; Member; Priesthood & Family Executive Council

Sharon Eubank, First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency—Adviser to the Church magazines (Ensign, Friend, Liahona, New Era)

Brian K. Ashton, Second Counselor, Sunday School General Presidency—Adviser to the Church magazines (Ensign, Friend, Liahona, New Era)

Stephen W. Owen, Young Men General President—Church Board of Education & Boards of Trustees

Douglas D. Holmes, First Counselor, Young Men General Presidency—Adviser to the Church magazines (Ensign, Friend, Liahona, New Era)

Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President—Church Board of Education & Boards of Trustees; Member, Executive Committee of the Boards; Member, Missionary Executive Council

Carol F. McConkie, First Counselor, Young Women General Presidency— Assistant Editor of the Church magazines (Ensign, Friend, Liahona, New Era)

Apostolic Ministry Updates & Other Church News

Hello again, everyone! Over the last 16 hours or so, the Church News has shared quite a few new stories, most of which are about the ongoing ministry of our apostles. So here are the new items. Hope you enjoy this post.

First, Elders M. Russell Ballard & Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, accompanied by Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, General Authority Seventy, and Sister Christina B. Franco, who was sustained in April as the new Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, traveled to Houston Texas to uplift and encourage those affected by Hurricane Harvey & those who continue to assist in relief efforts. For more on their visit, click here.

In the meantime, Elder Neil L. Andersen, still on assignment in the Philippines (where it was reported earlier today that another new stake was created there yesterday, one week after the 100th stake was created) rededicated the newly renovated MTC in Manila. For more on the dedication, click here.

In a USU-sponsored devotional for Institute students, President Russell M. Nelson encouraged those in attendance to join him in studying the Bible and observing particularly how certain prophecies in the Bible are fulfilled by events related in both the Book of Mormon and in these latter days. He promised that by so studying, those who did so would yield a greater understanding of and appreciation for the Bible, for the life and mission of the Savior, and a greater testimony of the Book of Mormon and of the restoration of the gospel, and would show how much the prophets in Bible times understood what would transpire in the last days.

His wife, Sister Wendy W. Nelson, also spoke, focusing her remarks on the importance of relying on the Lord above and beyond the wisdom of man. She gave three examples, Nephi's willingness to "go and do" despite not knowing what would happen, the prophet Joseph Smith's insistence on round windows for the Nauvoo temple, as he saw the temple that way in vision, and how her own husband, President Nelson, acting on the inspiration of the Lord above and beyond the medical knowledge, understanding, and common practice of the day, pioneered a surgical technique that changed the way open heart surgeries would be done from then on. To read summaries of the talks given during this event, click here.

Finally, unrelated to apostolic news, Elder Richard J. Maynes was the featured speaker at a BYU-Provo devotional today. He invited his listeners to shape their lives through service to others. You can read a summary of his remarks here. The one problem I noticed with both this article, and before that, with the schedule put out by BYU that listed the devotional speakers for the Fall Semester, is that both identified Elder Maynes as being in the Presidency of the Seventy, but he was released from that assignment before either of those articles was published. It may be nitpicking, I know, but just wanted to note that.

That does it for this post. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Any and all comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.

Final Note on General Conference Predictions

Hello again, everyone! I just wanted to follow up on something I stated earlier this month when posting my final predictions for General Conference. During that post, I had said that I had listed President Monson and Elder Hales speaking back-to-back in the Sunday Morning Session of General Conference. While I still am not sure if either of them will even be at General Conference, let alone if they will be able to speak for any length, what I did want to note is that if things happen the way I am predicting they will, and if President Monson and Elder Hales do speak in that session, and if their talks are only a few minutes each, then I could see an additional General Authority Seventy being asked to speak to fill up the remaining 7-10 minutes of their time. At this point, if President Monson cannot speak at all, it may or may not make sense to have President Nelson give a second address. One thing I do know: whether or not any of my General Conference predictions hold true, I will look forward to the opportunity to hear from our Church leaders. I will be excited to share my thoughts on those developments as they occur. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.

Final Update to New Temple Predictions for the October 2017 General Conference

Hello, everyone! In going over my predictions for next General Conference, I realized that there were updates I meant to make to my list of temple predictions, but that I had not done so. I have taken care of that. This is the final version of my list of those possibilities. As I have said in reporting temple construction progress, if Elder Wilson's statement about the 80 sites currently under consideration is taken at face value, we will be seeing an average of 5 temples announced per year within the next 15 years. And since that number does not include the 5 already announced this year, that means that 5 others will need to be announced within the next year to keep that average. Whatever the case may be, I wanted to share the final version of these temple predictions. I will be just as happy whether or not any temples are announced during this next conference. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts. Thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all in all that you do.
Temple Predictions:
3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:
ADDITIONAL NOTE: After thinking further about those temples I feel are most likely in the near future, I first narrowed down then expanded, then revised these selections again. I am again listing them by the geographical area of the Church under which they fall and then by likelihood within each of those areas. As always, these are nothing more than my own thoughts, backed up by either research or the opinions of others I have trusted in this matter. The Lord decides where He needs His temples to be built, and those decisions are manifested to those authorized to receive such revelation (the prophet, or, in our current situation, those authorized to represent him in so determining).

Africa Southeast: Antananarivo Madagascar; Maputo Mozambique; Lubumbashi DR Congo; Cape Town South Africa
Africa West: Benin City/Lagos Nigeria; Kumasi Ghana; Freetown Sierra Leone; Yamoussoukro Ivory Coast; Monrovia Liberia
Asia: Phomn Penh Cambodia; Jakarta Indonesia; Taichung Taiwan; Ulaanbaatar Mongolia; Singapore; Hyderabad/Rajahmundry India
Brazil: Belo Horizonte; Salvador
Caribbean: San Juan Puerto Rico
Central America: Managua Nicaragua; San Pedro Sula Honduras; Guatemala City Guatemala (2nd temple)
Europe: Praia Cape Verde; Budapest Hungary; Vienna Austria; Edinburgh Scotland
Mexico: Puebla; Queretaro
North America Central: Missoula Montana; Green Bay Wisconsin; Rapid City South Dakota
North America Northeast: Richmond Virginia
North America Northwest: Salem Oregon
North America Southeast: Bentonville Arkansas
North America Southwest: Fort Worth Texas; Flagstaff Arizona; Henderson Nevada
Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea; Pago Pago American Samoa; Neiafu Vava'u Tonga
Philippines: Davao/Cagayan de Oro
South America Northwest: Maracaibo Venezuela; Santa Cruz/La Paz Bolivia; Iquitos Peru
South America South: Valparaiso Chile; Neuquen Argentina
Utah North: Layton Utah
Utah Salt Lake: Tooele Utah
Utah South: Heber City Utah

Notes about potential temple sites:
1. For the Africa Southeast Area, the first two possibilities listed seem to be the most likely ones. With the growth of the Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a second temple seems imminent, even without knowing how the one that will be dedicated in Kinshasa will affect any potential future temples. While Elder Neil L. Andersen proposed a temple for the Kasai region, Lubumbashi seems more likely. And I have felt certain that South Africa could get a third temple, and that Cape Town is the most likely city to next get one. As always, I will pass any new information along as I become aware of it.
2. Regarding the Africa West Area, the LDS Church growth blog reports that, if current growth trends continue, that area could have 13 temples by the year 2030. Along with that, we know that there are two dedicated and one announced in that area already. In the Africa West Area, second temples for Ghana and Nigeria seem likely, especially now that all Nigerian cities have been reached by the Church. The one thing I have not been able to settle through my research is whether Lagos or Benin City is more likely. I could see temples in both cities within the next 15-30 years. And Sierra Leone may also get a temple soon simply by virtue of being so far distant from the temple district under which it falls. Additionally, Sierra Leone comes in at #6 of the top ten countries/dependencies with the strongest LDS presence but without a temple, making a temple there likely sooner rather than later. I have also heard some say that a second and possibly a third Ivory Coast temple may be announced within the next 10-15 years depending on how quickly the first one progresses. And it may be high time for a temple in Liberia as well.
3. While I was double-checking for additional temple sites, I quickly figured out that Asia could be a great candidate for several new temples, and these are the most likely locations that I could find. While all of them make sense in terms of President Monson’s desire to have every Church member within 200 miles of a temple, I have grouped them by the number of Church units. Additionally, I know that temples have been proposed for New Delhi India (in 1992 by Elder Maxwell) and for Singapore (in 2000 by President Hinckley). Church membership in those countries stand as follows: Cambodia: nearing 14,000; India: just over 13,000; Mongolia: nearing 11,500; Indonesia: nearing 7,300; Singapore: nearing 8,400. According to a statistical profile written by a Church Growth expert, India may not actually get a temple until there is a stronger Church presence to support. For now, it seems that the order I have placed them in may be the most likely order by which they might be announced. On July 28, I added one for Taichung Taiwan, since further research indicates Taiwan may be ready for a second temple. As more information comes to light, I will make any adjustments that might be necessary.
4. In Brazil, the two cities above seem to be the most imminent possibilities. It would also not surprise me at all if the Church held off on announcing any other Brazilian temples until the two under construction and the other two announced ones are closer to completion. As I have mentioned previously, I had felt prior to General Conference last April that Brazil's next temple would be built in Brasilia, but didn't think it would be announced until the one in Belem made more progress. So more Brazilian temples may be announced soon, but they also might not. Once more is known, I will make any adjustments needed. Many people who have given me feedback on my temple possibilities have stated that they think it might be possible for us to perhaps see the two temples mentioned above announced at the same time. And that certainly makes sense. In the event that the two are not announced simultaneously, they may be announced in close proximity.
5. Central America may be needing several new temples, based on what my research shows. Then-Elder Nelson proposed a temple for Managua in 2012, and I recently learned that land has been set aside for such a temple for several years. Additional research done on July 28, 2017 showed that temples could be needed in the other cities listed in the Central America Area, and they are listed in order of likelihood for that to happen.
6. While I said when posting my last list of possibilities that any new European temples might be put on hold until the Church evaluates how the dedications of the Paris France and Rome Italy Temples and the rededications of the temples in Freiberg and Frankfurt Germany have affected temple attendance for European Saints, in going over the current and future districts, I was reminded of a couple of things: First, Cape Verde is currently the 10th of the top ten countries that has the strongest LDS presence but that does not yet have a temple in any phase. I had also heard from several people that Budapest Hungary would be the next European temple. And Vienna Austria makes sense in terms of President Monson's expressed goal to have every member within 200 miles of a temple. Until more information is known, these additions seem to be sound.
7.      Of the many cities in Mexico, I know Puebla has been widely mentioned as the most likely site for the next temple in that nation. I have also felt at times that Queretaro could be a feasible possibility. If and when I feel I can narrow down or add new options, I will do so.
8.    While Church growth in the United States has stagnated somewhat of late, except in the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, I have heard at one time or another that each of the temples I listed above could potentially be As part of my efforts to expand my predictions, I decided to include these cities again on this list. Until I know more about US growth, these seem to be sound changes. I also know, as I have previously noted, that land has been set aside in Bentonville Arkansas and Missoula Montana for future temple sites, with an official announcement anticipated once unit growth and activity in the current temple districts warrant that happening.
9. In the Pacific, I know that the first two cities have been mentioned to me as having sites purchased, and once Church growth and temple activity from these areas warrant an official announcement for them, it will happen. Of the two, Auckland seems more likely. Additionally, Papua New Guinea is the second of the top 10 countries with the strongest LDS presence without a temple. American Samoa is the seventh on that list of top ten. Additionally, further study which I did in late July confirms that Tonga may get another temple.
10. As a state that is constantly expanding its outreach, Utah has 18 temples either in operation or in various stages of construction. Layton and Tooele have often been mentioned to me by name as possibilities. I added Heber City in late July after a couple of comments led me to do so. Each of these seem likely. I also know that we are still waiting to have the Southwest Salt Lake Valley temple mentioned by President Hinckley announced at some point. Some have said that this temple has been announced already, but the research I have done proves otherwise.

Final note: As with everything else I put together, these are no more than my own thoughts, feelings, and observations based on the research I have done and the reports I have received. I hope that is absolutely understood and accepted. No one can know the mind of the Lord relating to His Church except those authorized to receive revelation regarding their own spheres of responsibility. While I am always gratified when my predictions turn out to be correct, I am even more appreciative of the many times developments do not take place as I project they will. At the end of the day, the Lord is the only one who can determine best how to further His work, and He manifests His will to those authorized to lead the Church and make decisions. Just wanted to end on that note.

Further changes to groundbreaking estimates

Hello again, everyone! The weekend has been somewhat quiet in terms of Church news, which was good in a way, as I have spent most of the last 48 hours not feeling too great. So in the absence of such news and developments to report, I have turned my attention to fine-tuning my estimates for future groundbreakings. I remember at one point that I had received good advice from several people I trust about general things I needed to fix on the list. So, what I have done differently this time is to look at temples in certain world areas, and to figure out the average time-frames within which other temples in that same area have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. I also researched, more thoroughly than I had before, the climate of certain world areas. Additionally, I also took into account whether or not a potential site had been identified.

After considering all of those variables, I made the edits I felt would be appropriate. Those alterations follow below. It goes without saying that the final determination for the time-frames of any and all temple-related developments are up to the Lord. But I have felt confident in making these changes. I want to make it clear that I know just how imperfect my thought process is in comparison to the Lord's ability to hasten His work in its time. So I will be no less surprised if and when the Lord proves me wrong as I will be gratified if and when He verifies that my thoughts, such as they are, have been in harmony with His will on this subject.

As always, thank you for the privilege of your time. I welcome any feedback any of you have on anything I post here. In the meantime, the General Women's Session of General Conference will be held this Saturday. If there is any Church or temple news to report between now and then, you can count on my doing so. I hope there will be quite a few temple-related developments later this week, but I can never tell. Until my next post, I wish you all the best. May God be with you all until then.

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 9/18/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, stated in an interview given as the open house for the newly renovated Idaho Falls Idaho Temple got underway that the Church currently has around 80 sites under consideration for a subsequent announcement within the next 15 years. While some, if not at least a majority, of those 80 sites will make it to a subsequent announcement, it is significant to think about. That would put the number of temples in any phase at around 260 or so in 2032. It is not hard to believe, therefore, that whether or not the Church makes an official goal to do so, we could see a minimum of 200 operating temples by or before the bicentennial (200^th ) anniversary of the restoration of the Church (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030. With the Church only having to announce 18 additional temples and to complete the other 25 in any phase, all it would take to reach that milestone is for 3-4 temples being dedicated in each one of the 12.55 years between now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. Since the Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3 years at minimum, it appears to be very doable. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments and will pass such news along as I hear of it.

CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: The Church has 182 temples in various phases. There are 157 operating temples, with 1 that has had construction conclude (and is preparing for its open house) and 1 more that has construction wrapping up prior to its already scheduled dedication later this year. There are additionally 9 others are in various phases of construction and 1 more that had a groundbreaking last year, (with full-scale construction anticipated to begin within the first six months of next year). 1 other has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just over a month’s time. Of the temples that have been, are now, and will shortly be undergoing renovations, we have 1 that has a rededication scheduled (for the middle of next year), while 1 other is undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated sometime in either late summer or early fall next year), and another 4 have had their closure dates set before the end of this year, in addition to 5 others that we know will be closing early next year (with closure dates having been announced for all but one). The remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

Construction completed, preparing for open house:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration underway; open house reservations will start being accepted beginning Monday September 25, 2017, and will be available for the three week period spanning Saturday October 21 and Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Finish work underway on interior; cultural celebration kick-off meeting held; open house reservations will start being accepted beginning Monday October 2, 2017, and will be available for the duration of the open house, which is set to run for 22 days (roughly 3.15 weeks) between Friday October 27 and Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: With the open house set to begin in roughly 1.41 months, it seems apparent that construction is concluding. How close that is to actually being the case remains to be seen. But if the finish work on the interior is the last thing that needs to be completed, then the construction could be concluded by this time next week. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates as I learn of them.

Under Construction (completion anticipated by the end of next year (2018)):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior and exterior work progressing; construction office trailers donated to community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: In studying this temple’s progress from the last little while, the last time any update was provided on this temple’s status was July 26, when the information about the construction office trailer donation and office space relocation to patron housing was added. The first time I mentioned that on this report was four days later. Looking back further on this temple’s status changes, I first added the information about the interior and exterior work progressing on May 30, about 3.5 months ago. While the other progress noted aside from this is significant, I wanted to put that development into perspective. I still feel safe in asserting that this temple will be the first new one dedicated next year, and I am making a revised estimate for that dedication for June 3 or 10. I did want to note that I have been advised that a dedication announcement for this temple is likely to happen in the near future. With Rome being such an iconic Christian city, I imagine the open house for it could last a good 4-6 weeks or so. It would not surprise me to have an announcement of those opening dates prior to the end of the year, and I will pass that information along as soon as I become aware of it.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; west side nearly finished; hanging doors and installing millwork inside; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: While I previously stated that I felt this temple’s dedication could take place on August 19, we have not seen any progress on this temple since I last reported developments on it on August 31 of this year. Because there has not been any change in the 2.5 weeks since then, I am adjusting that estimate to September 2 or 9, especially since it feels that this temple may need another year to finish its construction. If this temple makes notable progress by the end of the year, I will be happy to adjust this again. For now, though, it seems wiser to be conservative in these estimates.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Royal palm trees planted on grounds; steel framing installed for steeple base; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: In my ongoing research regarding temple-related news and developments, I learned in regards to this temple that the biggest delays to this temple’s progress were trouble securing the needed steel reinforcement for the roof, the components of the steeple base, and the necessary landscaping items. Now that those issues have been resolved, this temple may progress faster than any, myself included, may be expecting. However, I still feel that the dedication of this temple is at least a year out. Therefore, I offer Sunday October 21 or 28 as a revised estimate for this temple’s dedication. Within the next 9 months, it will become more clear how reasonable that might be, and I will pass updates along as I make them going forward.

163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: It is becoming increasingly more likely that this temple may take longer to complete than I originally thought. The status of this temple has not changed at all since I first reported the above developments for the first time (which was on August 11). Given that over a month (36 days) have passed with no change on this temple, I am adjusting my estimate for this dedication to take place either on Sunday November 18 (the Sunday before Thanksgiving) or, if not then, then 3 weeks later on Sunday December 9 (as the Church has not, to my knowledge, held any temple dedication the Sunday after Thanksgiving or on the first Sunday of December, when the First Presidency holds their annual Christmas devotional). If, by some miracle, this temple makes any kind of progress before the end of this year, or makes substantial progress within the first 8 months of next year, I could see a need to push that estimate up. For now, though, I have felt it wiser to be more conservative in this regard.

Under construction, completion anticipated during 2019:  

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: This temple, once thought to be a great candidate for dedication during mid-to-late 2018, may not be completed until 2019. I have therefore further adjusted my estimate for this dedication to either late April or early May. In looking back on it, the last update on this temple’s status was 2.5 weeks ago, on August 29. That said, the status of the Barranquilla Colombia Temple has not been updated in twice as long. So, if this temple does have more status changes than that one, I could see the merits of switching the two in terms of their future dedication time-frames. As always, I am keeping my eye out for information on all of this and will pass updates along as I learn of them.

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: With the exception of the additional information provided on this temple on August 30, there has been no significant change noted on the status of this temple since August 13. In view of that, I am changing my estimate to sometime during mid-June 2019.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Crews preparing to pour exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As noted in recent days, many of the temples closing for renovation within the next 6-8 months will have their renovations completed within a 15-18 month window of their closure. Because the extent of those renovations has yet to be detailed, until more is known, I am proceeding on the assumption that many of those temples will have their rededication within the first half of 2019. Because of that, this temple’s dedication could take place at some point during mid-to-late August 2019.

167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Structural framing for main floor underway; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: In view of other adjustments I have made to completion estimates (particularly those newer currently operating ones that are scheduled to close for renovation within the next five months and reopen at varying periods in 2019), and in view of the fact that this temple will likely be the last new one dedicated in 2019, I wanted to note that, depending on what happens with this temple’s progress over the next 9 months, there may be a case for altering the estimate I have previously given for its dedication. For now, I am suggesting mid-November 2019, but if I see a reason to alter that date, I will do so.

Temples anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020:

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2020.

NOTE: While my study has verified that this temple’s dedication is more likely to occur in the early months of 2020 than prior to the end of 2019, what is not as clear is how quickly during early 2020 that dedication might occur. Until more is known, I am venturing an estimate of late February or early March, which would allow this dedication to take place during the Peruvian fall season.

Construction pending:

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; plans being slightly modified; full-scale operations anticipated to begin in the first or second quarter of 2018; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: If, as anticipated, full scale construction is able to get underway on this temple prior to the end of June 30, and if, as estimated, the time-frame for this temple’s construction remains around 20 months (1.67 years), then, all going well, this temple could easily be dedicated in late April or early May. If further delays occur, or if, for any reason, the estimate changes for this temple’s construction time-frame, then that will obviously warrant a change in the completion estimate. Until we know for sure, however, I remain optimistic.

Groundbreaking scheduled:

170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: As previously noted, the first Caribbean temple (the Santo Domingo Dominican Republic) took 4 years and 1 month to progress from groundbreaking to dedication. Given that this temple is considerably smaller, I have felt that an initial estimate of 2 years and 7 months is a good initial way to gauge a completion estimate. Of course, whether or not that happens depends on two main things: whether or not full-scale construction is able to begin on this temple within a week after its’ groundbreaking, and whatever conditions might help or hinder its swift construction. Until more is known, I want to be as conservative as I possibly can, so I am estimating this temple’s dedication may take place in mid-August. As always, I will pass along any updates to this estimate as they are made.

Scheduled for rededication:

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2018.

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE:  As I have previously noted, this temple will likely be dedicated sometime after both the rededication of the Jordan River Temple and the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple, but prior to the dedication of the Concepcion Chile Temple. Until more is known, I am setting that estimate for Sunday August 12 or 19, which is slightly later than I have previously estimated. As with everything else, I will be sure to post any updates to this estimate as I make them going forward.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Saturday September 30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: With this temple’s renovation closure date confirmed by the Church’s redone website for temple information, and with the knowledge that this renovation will change the interior and exterior appearance of this temple, an estimate of 18-19 months seems appropriate for this temple’s renovation process, which would put its dedication sometime during mid-to-late May 2019. As this process gets underway and continues, I will make any additional adjustments that may be needed.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday October 2, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: As I have noted previously, this temple is a considerably smaller temple built under President Kimball’s inspired revelation. Because it is less than an acre in size, and because no expansion appears to be planned for this temple (as the stated purpose is to update electrical and mechanical systems), even though the renovation is anticipated to last until sometime during 2020, and because it is closing several months in advance of older, larger temples that also have a renovation set, I am anticipating that we could see this temple rededicated sometime during late May or early June 2020. As this process unfolds, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thought.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 15, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While it is true that this temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15 months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on that time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during mid-March 2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that line of reasoning.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: The interesting thing about this temple’s renovation plans is that any mention of it closing on the date specified (or even at all in 2017) has been removed. Probably just a technical glitch. In the meantime, unless an expansion of this temple is planned (which is unlikely at this point), a 15-month estimate seems reasonable for this temple’s completion, which would put the dedication sometime during mid-to-late April 2019 (sometime after General Conference). That will likely change as this process continues, but for now, it seems safe.

68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Wednesday January 10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: If the member contacts I found in North Carolina are correct, the renovation of that state’s only temple will not involve or include an expansion of any kind. With that in mind, a 17-month estimate seems appropriate for this temple, which allows for anything unexpected. And based on that estimate, it would make sense if this temple had a rededication scheduled for sometime during early-to-mid August 2019. I will pass along any updates to that estimate that may be needed within the next year as this process will be well underway by that time.

94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Thursday February 1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Unless an expansion is planned for this temple (which, as noted previously, seems doubtful), then it is more than likely that the renovation will only take around 17 months or so. With that in mind, it is not hard to believe that we could see the rededication of this temple at some point during mid-September 2019. As with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of reasoning.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday February 19, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, the stated purpose for this temple’s renovation is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems. Therefore, an expansion is likely not part of those plans. Bearing in mind that this temple is anticipated to be rededicated prior to the end of 2019, I have felt that a 17-month estimate for this process would be appropriate. In running the resulting calculation, that would put this temple’s rededication happening sometime during mid-November 2019. Obviously, as this renovation gets underway in five months and makes progress, we will know more about how reasonable that estimate might be, and I will make any adjustments that may be needed.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday March 4, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: With what is currently known about this temple’s renovation (having confirmed the exact date, and also knowing that it is mainly to upgrade and update the mechanical and electrical system), in taking the larger size of this temple into account (which will extend the process), a 32-month estimate seems appropriate. That would put this temple’s rededication sometime between late November and mid-December 2020. As the next year unfolds, more will be known, and any adjustments will be provided.

Temples which have had a renovation announced but for which an exact closure date is not yet known:

7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Because the Mesa temple has been renovated once before, it is not anticipated to take as long to complete this renovation (which is being done primarily to upgrade the electrical and mechanical systems throughout the temple). Therefore, an initial estimate of 26 months seems appropriate, which would put the estimate for this temple’s rededication somewhere around early-to-mid September 2020. Within the next year, this process will be well underway, and more will be known about any adjustments that may need to be made. Until then, it seems to be a sound adjustment to what I have previously stated.

NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: Until the prophet (or those he authorizes to do so in his behalf) announces a groundbreaking for any or all of these temples, the timeframes listed below reflect merely my own thoughts, theories, and conjectures, based on what is now known about how soon any of them might happen. I continue to hope and pray for news of other groundbreakings, but time will tell how imminent any of these events will be, and whether or not they will unfold as presented below. I am keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along any updates as I receive them, including any and all changes to these estimates. Until something more official comes out, this information should not be taken as gospel, as it will be consistently altered as developments change these estimates. And speaking personally, I will be just as happy if I am proven wrong on any of this as I will be if anything in this section is proven right. For me, the privilege has always been the opportunity to contribute to discussions in this regard.

Announced temples that may have a groundbreaking anytime between now and the end of 2018:

171. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: If the information I have received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. If that proves to be the case, then a groundbreaking could easily take place in mid-March, which would allow that to happen prior to winter’s arrival in April. I am estimating more specifically that the exact date may be Saturday March 10 or 17. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning as I make them.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: With a potential site having been identified for this temple, if that is confirmed at any point prior to the end of this year, the groundbreaking for this temple will likely happen sooner rather than later, especially now that the delays that once prevented this temple’s construction progress are over. It is my revised estimate that this temple’s groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late May, and, more specifically, on or around May 19 or 26. I have checked into weather conditions during that time, and it would work well then. As with everything else I post, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate as I make them.

173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.

NOTE: Despite the statement made by Africa Southeast Area President Kevin S. Hamilton (who said that this temple would likely have a site announcement and groundbreaking in relatively short order once 2017 began), the year is almost finished, and we are no closer to a change in this temple’s status than we were at the beginning of this year. Wanting to be as optimistic as possible but also to allow for anything unexpected, I am setting a revised estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking to take place in mid-June, and, more specifically, on either June 9 or 16. I will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate that might be needed.

174. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2018.

NOTE: As part of my ongoing efforts to research the potential order in which announced temples may have a groundbreaking, I took a look at this temple particularly. While it is true that we only have member speculation that an existing building will be reconstructed and repurposed (in the style of the Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China Temples), until we can be sure that this will not be the case, I have to go with what is known.  The Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China Temples both had a groundbreaking in a comparatively shorter amount of time than most other temples. So if the existing building will be repurposed, it seems safe to surmise that a groundbreaking could take place during early-to-mid August. I have set a more specific estimate for Saturday August 4 or 11. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates to this line of thought.

175. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: I know that this temple has not yet had a site confirmed, but as I felt a need to reevaluate the likely order in which announced temples might have a groundbreaking, I have run the numbers to recalculate my estimate. I hope with all my heart that we will have a site confirmed for this temple within the next 9 months or so. If we do, I could see the Church setting the groundbreaking for this temple to take place sometime during mid-September, which would be either Saturday September 8 or 15. If nothing happens for this temple by the early months of next year, I will reevaluate things at that point.

176. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, while a site announcement is pending on this temple, if one is confirmed within the next 6-8 months, and if this temple conforms to the average time within which other Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, then I could see this temple having a groundbreaking sometime during late October or early November, or, more precisely, on either Saturday October 27 or November 3. I will be keeping an eye out for any developments and will be sure to pass those along.

177. Alabang Manila Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As with other temples in this section, I did more research on issues that would affect progress on this temple, primarily climate & temperature. Climate-wise, Manila has the same weather pretty much year-round. Therefore, it is my new estimate that the groundbreaking for this temple could take place in mid-December (which would be on Saturday December 9 or 16). If the groundbreakings for both of the Philippines temples are held during 2018, this would be the first time in Church history that two temples would simultaneously be under construction on that island nation. As always, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning as I become aware of them.

178. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: As part of my massive ongoing efforts to revise my thoughts on the potential timeframe for future temple-related events, I took another look at this temple. What I found that led me to move other temples around today also led me to give this temple another look. And in that regard, I found out that, in terms of climate, the period from January to March is the best time to visit Brasilia. Bearing in mind that it would take a miracle to have this groundbreaking take place in six months, I have felt it wiser to adjust this temple’s groundbreaking estimate to early 2019, and have felt that a more specific time-frame may be mid-February. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates as I make them.

179. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As I have felt a need to revisit the order in which announced temples may have a groundbreaking, for a revised determination on this temple, I took a look at temples in the region of Western South America (where this temple will rise). In that area (with the exception of the first Ecuadoran temple, which took over 14 years), the average time in which temples in that area went from site announcement to groundbreaking has been 2 years, 6 months. That said, this temple has not yet had a site confirmed. So I am setting a revised estimate for 3 years. I will therefore place my estimate for this groundbreaking as sometime during late April or early May 2019. As with everything else, I will be sure to post any changes to this theory.

180. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As I have done with other temples, I calculated the average time within which Idaho’s other temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. Based on that estimate, I have adjusted my thinking that this temple will have a groundbreaking at some point in mid-June 2019. That said, I recognize that temples within the “Mormon corridor” of Utah, Arizona, and Idaho have typically been able to get started faster than temples elsewhere within the US or any other nations. I will keep my eyes open for anything that convinces me to change this again, and will continue to pass that information along.

181. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As mentioned earlier, I took a look at the average time within which temples in Africa have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. And as a result of that double-check, I have revised my estimate for this groundbreaking as well. I can now see it happening in early-to-mid August. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates as I am made aware of them.

182. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019.

NOTE: Since there has been no change on this temple’s status since its announcement 1.5 years ago, unless something changes, we may find that this temple is the last one of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. I sincerely hope that is not the case, but want to play it safe. For that reason, I am estimating this temple will have a groundbreaking sometime during either late October or early November. I will keep my eye on things and let you all know if my thinking on this changes.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As noted above, Elder Larry Y. Wilson stated in an interview on the last day of April 2017 (as the Idaho Falls Temple Open House was underway) that the Church has 80 potential sites that are under consideration for an official announcement within the next 15 years. As previously noted, all of the last 12 temples that have been announced from January 2015 to now have seen that happen during April General Conference. So that may continue. But it is also true that such announcements can come any time the Church president or those authorized to do so in his behalf feel impressed to make them. Since 80 temples in 15 years averages out to 5 new announcements per year between now and sometime in 2032, we could be entering an era where a few are announced in each conference and when some will be announced in between each April and October. Future versions of this report will feature any and all ongoing developments in this regard. Stay tuned for that, and thank you for the privilege of your time.

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 highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report.