Hello again, everyone! I thought I had reported on this already, but apparently I haven't. The Church News recently shared two articles about General Conference. This one gave an overview of how President Monson and Elder Hales, who were absent from General Conference, still had a profound effect on the messages given & the events that took place, in addition to sharing messages that verified that, even in these uncertain times, "the best days are yet ahead."
And this article, submitted by retired Church news editor Gerry Avant, who will still be contributing to the Church News in the wake of that retirement, but as "senior contributing editor", talks about the results of President Monson's birthday wishes of the past, as reflected in the words of those who enjoyed General Conference.
That does it for this brief news update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated, as always. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Church News Publishes Two Articles about General Conference
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
More Information Provided on Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Renovation
Hello, everyone! I wanted to pass along some information that came to me today about the renovation process for the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple. Apparently, the main purpose of that renovation will be to alter the exterior appearance of that building. I am not sure of the extent to which that is planned, but wanted to note it anyways. To mark this information, a video presentation has been made available. Enjoy!
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Report on Elder Hales' funeral
Elder Hales's funeral just ended a few minutes ago. I just wanted to post a brief report on that. President Uchtdorf conducted, as anticipated, and the Tabernacle Choir provided beautiful music for the service. Interestingly enough, at the beginning of the funeral, it was announced that President Monson and Elder Holland were both absent. The invocation and benediction were offered by seatmates Elders Neil L. Andersen and Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles respectively. Tributes were shared by Elder M. Russell Ballard, who was home taught by Elder Hales's father and who reminisced about ; President Russell M. Nelson, who reminisced about standing by when Elder Hales underwent heart surgery; and President Henry B. Eyring, who recounted how he served alongside Elder Hales in numerous assignments. We did not hear from anyone from the Hales family, but that is understandable. All in all, it was a beautiful service. I was glad to have seen it. That does it for this brief update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you in all that you do.
Added 12:30 PM: The Church News offered this summary of the funeral proceedings. Thank you again for your kind attention.
Added 12:30 PM: The Church News offered this summary of the funeral proceedings. Thank you again for your kind attention.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Church News Stories I Missed Reporting On
Hello, everyone! I am back in the late hours of the night to share some Church news stories I almost missed reporting on.
Many of us mourned with the rest of the nation on Monday when we learned about the mass shooting in Las Vegas. It seems to be the object of each mass shooting perpetrator to make it the new "worst mass shooting in America's history". I was touched by this story sharing the Church's statement of condolence in the aftermath of the shooting, and this one about how Church members have reached out to help the victims of this senseless tragedy recover.
In the meantime, the Church News continued to honor the memory of Elder Robert D. Hales with this story that shared tributes to him from Church and government leaders. And the Deseret News, the parent paper of the Church news that also reports local and national news of both a religious and secular nature, reported how Senator Orrin Hatch, the senior Republican senator from Utah who is third in the presidential line of succession, offered a tribute to Elder Hales on the senate floor. It is amazing to consider that, though we haven't yet had a US President who is LDS, we have had Senator Hatch rise to be so high up on that line of succession.
And finally, at a devotional at BYU-Hawaii, General Authority Seventy Craig A. Cardon shared three items he said would help these students (and by extension, all of us) face today's challenges. You can read more about that here.
That does it for this update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time. I will be back tomorrow after Elder Hales' funeral services with my thoughts about that event. Until then, I wish you all the best.
Many of us mourned with the rest of the nation on Monday when we learned about the mass shooting in Las Vegas. It seems to be the object of each mass shooting perpetrator to make it the new "worst mass shooting in America's history". I was touched by this story sharing the Church's statement of condolence in the aftermath of the shooting, and this one about how Church members have reached out to help the victims of this senseless tragedy recover.
In the meantime, the Church News continued to honor the memory of Elder Robert D. Hales with this story that shared tributes to him from Church and government leaders. And the Deseret News, the parent paper of the Church news that also reports local and national news of both a religious and secular nature, reported how Senator Orrin Hatch, the senior Republican senator from Utah who is third in the presidential line of succession, offered a tribute to Elder Hales on the senate floor. It is amazing to consider that, though we haven't yet had a US President who is LDS, we have had Senator Hatch rise to be so high up on that line of succession.
And finally, at a devotional at BYU-Hawaii, General Authority Seventy Craig A. Cardon shared three items he said would help these students (and by extension, all of us) face today's challenges. You can read more about that here.
That does it for this update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time. I will be back tomorrow after Elder Hales' funeral services with my thoughts about that event. Until then, I wish you all the best.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
General Conference Predictions Results
Hello, everyone! Since I have some time this evening to do so, I wanted to share how my predictions for this last General Conference turned out. It has been interesting to see how I was so close on so many things but how far off I was on so many others. It will likewise be interesting to see how any future General Conferences that will be held during the remainder of President Monson's life may compare to this one. In terms of my overall accuracy, which has typically been 60-80% in previous General Conferences, I was in the lower part of that percentage, which is to be expected with how much was unknown going into General Conference. And admittedly, in much of the way I graded myself, I did make some allowances for many unexpected things. That said, here are those results. I welcome any feedback. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all in all that you do.
Temple Predictions:
NOTE ABOUT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Two significant developments have occurred that will no doubt change how and when temple announcements occur for the remainder of President Monson’s presidency. First, during the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Open House, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Executive Director of the Church’s Temple Department, stated that the Church is considering as many as 80 future sites that could be announced within the next 15 years. That works out to a rough average of 5 per year every year between now and 2032, not including those 5 that were announced earlier this year. This means that we will likely have a few temples announced during each General Conference and that we will also from time to time have one or two announced in the six months between each conference. Because President Monson will not be participating in General Conference at all, if any new temples are announced, one of his counselors will be authorized to make that announcement in his behalf. I could see that happening at either the beginning of the Saturday Morning or Sunday Morning Sessions. Just wanted to note that.
3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:
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.
RESULT: No new temples were announced.
October 2017 General
Conference Predictions
PRELIMINARY NOTE:
With the May 23 announcement that President Monson would no longer be attending
meetings or participating in the day-to-day governance of the Church as a
result of difficulties incident to his age, I was unsure for quite a while what
that might mean in terms of whether or not he would attend and be able to speak
in any other General Conferences. The Church announced on September 28 that
President Monson would not be attending General Conference, and neither would
Elder Hales. Also, in view of the precedent set last April when we only heard
from one female general auxiliary speaker in the four general sessions, and
with us hearing from a member of each of the three auxiliaries in the General
Women’s sessions, the Church may only have one female speaker in the four
general sessions. With all of that in mind, I have felt that the First
Presidency will ask President Nelson to speak twice, and that more General
Authority Seventies will be asked to speak. Though I adjusted my original
predictions for this conference on the night of September 29, I don’t feel bad
for having done so. The First Presidency would likely have had advanced notice
of the absences of President Monson and Elder Hales, and would have planned
accordingly. Whatever does wind up happening will set the precedent for any
future conferences in which President Monson will not be in attendance. Just
wanted to note that.
Speaking Order
(Text in brackets indicated what actually happened.)
Session
|
Conducting
|
Speaker
|
General Women’s
|
Joy D. Jones
[Jean B. Bingham]
|
Christina B.
Franco [Sharon L. Eubank]
|
[Neill F.
Marriott]
|
Sharon Eubank
|
|
[Joy D. Jones]
|
Bonnie L.
Oscarson
|
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
||
Saturday
Morning
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
[Bonnie L.
Oscarson]
|
Bishop W.
Christopher Waddell
|
|
[Elder Dallin
H. Oaks]
|
Jean B. Bingham
|
|
[Elder John C.
Pingree Jr.]
|
Elder David A.
Bednar
|
|
[Elder D. Todd
Christofferson]
|
Elder Massimo
De Feo
|
|
[Elder Jeffrey
R. Holland]
|
Elder O.
Vincent Haleck
|
|
[No one]
|
Elder Jeffrey R.
Holland
|
|
Saturday
Afternoon
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
(Sustaining of
Church Officers)
|
[Elder Gary E.
Stevenson]
|
President
Russell M. Nelson
|
|
[Stephen W.
Owen]
|
Elder Dale G.
Renlund
|
|
[Elder Quentin
L. Cook]
|
Elder Larry Y.
Wilson
|
|
[Elder Ronald
A. Rasband]
|
Elder Joni L.
Koch
|
|
[Elder O.
Vincent Haleck]
|
Elder Ian S.
Ardern
|
|
[No one]
|
Elder Quentin
L. Cook
|
|
[President
Russell M. Nelson]
|
Elder Ronald A.
Rasband
|
|
Saturday
Priesthood
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
President Dieter
F. Uchtdorf
[Elder Dale G.
Renlund]
|
[Elder David F.
Evans]
|
Elder D. Todd
Christofferson
|
|
[Elder Richard
J. Maynes]
|
Elder Patrick
Kearon
|
|
[President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf]
|
Elder Brian K.
Taylor
|
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
||
Sunday Morning
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
[Jean B.
Bingham]
|
[Elder Donald
L. Hallstrom]
|
Elder Juan A.
Uceda
|
|
[Elder David A.
Bednar]
|
Elder Adilson
de Paula Parrella
|
|
[Bishop W.
Christopher Waddell]
|
Elder Gary E.
Stevenson
|
|
[Elder W. Craig
Zwick]
|
Elder David F.
Evans
|
|
[President
Henry B. Eyring]
|
Elder Taniela
B. Wakolo
|
|
[No one]
|
President
Russell M. Nelson
|
|
Sunday
Afternoon
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
Elder Neil L.
Andersen
[Elder M.
Russell Ballard]
|
Tad R.
Callister
|
||
[Elder Joni L.
Koch]
|
Elder John C.
Pingree Jr.
|
|
[Elder Stanley
G. Ellis]
[Elder Adilson
de Paula Parrella]
|
Elder M.
Russell Ballard
|
|
[Elder Ian S.
Ardern]
|
Elder Jose L.
Alonso
|
|
[Elder Jose L.
Alonso]
|
Elder Taylor G.
Godoy
|
|
[Elder Neil L.
Andersen]
|
Elder Dallin H.
Oaks
|
Changes in General
Church Leadership
Presidency of
the Seventy: Elders Donald L. Hallstrom and Richard J. Maynes released from
the presidency, Elders Juan A. Uceda and Patrick Kearon sustained.
NOTE: These
changes, announced on May 3, became effective on August 1. For that reason,
they will likely be ratified by sustaining vote. However, because there has
also been a time or two when such changes have not been so ratified, I would
not be surprised if this is not noted. Until further notice, I have felt it
would be wiser to include the information.
RESULT: These
changes were ratified by sustaining vote.
|
General
Authority Seventies: Elders Stanley G. Ellis, Larry R. Lawrence, and W. Craig
Zwick released as General Authority Seventies and granted emeritus status.
NOTE: Elder
Ellis turned 70 in January this year, just as Elder Zwick did in June, and
Elder Lawrence did in August, so it would make sense if these men were
released and granted emeritus status.
RESULT: Each of
these Brethren was released & granted emeritus status.
|
Area Seventies:
Releases and sustainings.
NOTE: It has
been customary for most changes in area seventies to take place in April,
when President Uchtdorf leads out in the sustaining vote, and for only a few
to take place in October, when President Eyring leads out in the sustaining.
Since we are talking about an October General Conference, it would make sense
if only a few changes happened this go-round.
RESULT: Several
area seventies were released; one was sustained.
|
NOTE ABOUT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Two significant developments have occurred that will no doubt change how and when temple announcements occur for the remainder of President Monson’s presidency. First, during the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Open House, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Executive Director of the Church’s Temple Department, stated that the Church is considering as many as 80 future sites that could be announced within the next 15 years. That works out to a rough average of 5 per year every year between now and 2032, not including those 5 that were announced earlier this year. This means that we will likely have a few temples announced during each General Conference and that we will also from time to time have one or two announced in the six months between each conference. Because President Monson will not be participating in General Conference at all, if any new temples are announced, one of his counselors will be authorized to make that announcement in his behalf. I could see that happening at either the beginning of the Saturday Morning or Sunday Morning Sessions. Just wanted to note that.
3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:
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.
RESULT: No new temples were announced.
88/147=60%
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
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