Membership Growth by US State for 2024

See below for a list of annual membership growth rates by each United States state for the year 2024. Previous lists are available for 2017, 2018, the biennial period of 2020-2021, 2022, and 2023.

In 2024, the Church continued to experience gradual improvements in annual membership growth rates across many U.S. states, maintaining momentum that has developed in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Only one state reported a net decline in membership for the year—a notable decrease compared to five in 2023, 22 during the 2020–2021 period, 13 in 2018, and nine in 2017.

Rhode Island, which topped the list in 2023, was overtaken in 2024 by the District of Columbia, which reported a 3.79% growth rate. Other states leading in growth included Kentucky, New York, Missouri, and South Dakota, all posting growth rates above 3.2%. New York’s annual membership growth rate of 3.46% was the highest reported since the 2000s and was slightly higher than what was reported for 2023.

Several traditionally slow-growth or declining states have also seen improvement. For example, California, which had reported net declines in membership every year since 2014, experienced a virtually flat trend in 2024—posting a minimal net increase of 41 members (0.01%). This marks the first positive change for California since 2013. The Church in Illinois reported the highest annual membership growth rate since 2004.

Utah, home to the Church’s headquarters and largest membership base, again reported near-historic lows in growth—just 0.66% for 2024. This trend continues to reflect the impact of declining birth rates and increased outward migration among members. Similarly, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado posted modest increases below 0.5%.

Ranked List of U.S. States and D.C. by 2024 Latter-day Saint Membership Growth Rate

Rank	State	Growth Rate (%)
1	District of Columbia	3.79
2	Kentucky	3.48
3	New York	3.46
4	Missouri	3.45
5	South Dakota	3.26
6	Tennessee	2.81
7	New Jersey	2.60
8	Arkansas	2.44
9	Delaware	2.25
10	Indiana	2.22
11	Connecticut	2.10
12	Florida	1.95
13	Ohio	1.88
14	New Hampshire	1.87
15	Pennsylvania	1.87
16	North Carolina	1.85
17	North Dakota	1.83
18	Illinois	1.81
19	Texas	1.76
20	Michigan	1.74
21	Alabama	1.72
22	South Carolina	1.69
23	Iowa	1.63
24	Georgia	1.58
25	Oklahoma	1.46
26	Nebraska	1.40
27	Rhode Island	1.36
28	Maine	1.34
29	Virginia	1.26
30	Maryland	1.26
31	West Virginia	1.17
32	Wisconsin	1.09
33	Minnesota	1.05
34	Idaho	1.04
35	Hawaii	0.95
36	Massachusetts	0.95
37	Montana	0.73
38	Utah	0.66
39	Louisiana	0.54
40	Kansas	0.53
41	Vermont	0.50
42	Mississippi	0.47
43	Arizona	0.43
44	Colorado	0.36
45	Nevada	0.17
46	Washington	0.16
47	Oregon	0.16
48	Alaska	0.11
49	New Mexico	0.03
50	California	0.01
51	Wyoming	-0.26

UPDATED: List of the Countries with the Most Members without a Stake - April 2025 Edition

Below is an updated list of the 19 countries/territories with the most Latter-day Saints (at least 1,500) without a stake. Membership totals are as of 2024 and congregational and district totals are current. Estimated membership for mainland China and Pakistan is provided as official statistics are unavailable. The number of branches in mainland China is not provided due to the sensitive nature of the Church in that country. Previous lists of the countries with the most members without a stake can be found here.

1. China - 12,700 members? - 12 districts
2. Malaysia - 11,341 members - 24 branches - 5 districts
3. Guyana - 7,033 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
4. Pakistan - 6,500 members? - 19 branches, 4 districts
   
5. Belize - 5,688 members - 12 branches - 2 districts
6. Armenia - 3,625 members - 8 branches - 1 district
7. Cameroon - 3,327 members - 18 branches - 2 districts
8. Romania - 3,029 members - 15 branches - 1 district
9. Rwanda - 2,489 members - 10 branches - 1 district 
10. Ethiopia - 2,423 members - 8 branches - 1 district
11. Bulgaria - 2,412 members - 7 branches - 1 district
12. Eswatini - 2,348 members - 6 branches - 1 district
13. Poland - 2,249 members - 11 branches - 1 district
14. Cook Islands - 1,912 members - 5 branches - 1 district
15. Lesotho - 1,890 members - 6 branches - 1 district 
16. Suriname - 1,887 members - 6 branches - 1 district
17. Burundi - 1,807 members - 11 branches - 1 district
18. Sri Lanka - 1,674 members - 5 branches - 1 district 
19. Solomon Islands - 1,627 members - 6 branches - 1 district
    

Countries removed from this list since April 2024 included Malawi and Tanzania. As noted in the list from 2024, prospects appear most favorable for the formation of stakes within the next few years in mainland China, Malaysia, Guyana, Belize, Pakistan, Eswatini, Cameroon, Rwanda, Burundi, and Suriname as all of these countries have at least one district that is close to reaching the minimum qualifications for a stake to operate. However, additional countries also appear likely to have stakes organized in the next 2-3 years, including Ethiopia, Lesotho, and the Solomon Islands. As noted in previous posts, low member activity rates, an insufficient number of branches in individual member districts, slow or stagnant growth, and few full-tithe paying Melchizedek Priesthood holders will likely continue to delay the organization of stakes in other countries on this list for several more years to come.

UPDATED: The 10 Countries with the Most Members without a Temple Announced, Under Construction, or in Operation - April 2025

I have updated the list of the countries with the most members without a temple using year-end 2024 membership totals. Temples that service stakes, districts, and mission branches in each country are identified. Previous lists are also available for April 2024, May 2023, April 2022, March 2022, November 2020, April 2020, April 2019, October 2018, April 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, mid-2011, late 2008, and late 2007. Countries in Italics do not have a stake. Uganda was removed from this list given the announcement of the Kampala Uganda Temple in October of 2024. Malawi has since ascended to the list to replace Uganda. Benin is the country on the list with the most recent Church establishment. The first branch created in Benin was organized in 2005. Countries that may ascend to this list in the coming months and years include (in order) Tanzania, Botswana, Armenia, Trinidad and Tobago, Cameroon, Albania, Romania, the Czech Republic, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.

1. Malaysia

• 11,341 members
• 0 stakes, 5 districts
• 24 congregations (24 branches)
• Bangkok Thailand Temple (Singapore Republic of Singapore Temple announced)

2.  Togo

• 7,684 members
• 3 stakes
• 28 congregations (19 wards, 9 branches)
• Ghana Accra Temple

3.  Zambia

• 7,072 members
• 1 stake, 2 districts
• 20 congregations (6 wards, 14 branches)
• Johannesburg South Africa Temple (Harare Zimbabwe Temple under construction)
  

4.  Benin

• 7,071 members
• 2 stakes, 1 district
• 32 congregations (22 wards, 10 branches)
• Accra Ghana Temple (Lagos Nigeria Temple announced)

5.  Guyana

• 7,033 members
• 0 stakes, 2 districts
• 12 congregations (12 branches)
• Manaus Brazil Temple

6.  Jamaica

• 6,871 members
• 1 stake, 1 district
• 18 congregations (6 wards, 12 branches)
• Panama City Panama Temple

7. Marshall Islands

• 6,660 members
• 2 stakes
• 13 congregations (12 wards, 1 branch)
• Suva Fiji Temple (Tarawa Kiribati Temple announced)
  

8. Malawi

• 5,937 members
• 2 stakes, 1 district
• 20 congregations (10 wards, 10 branches)
• Johannesburg South Africa Temple (Harare Zimbabwe Temple announced)

9.  Federated States of Micronesia

• 5,915 members
• 1 stake, 1 district
• 22 congregations (5 wards, 17 branches)
• Yigo Guam Temple 

 10.  Belize

• 5,688 members
• 2 districts
• 12 congregations (12 branches)
• Coban Guatemala Temple

Congregational Growth by Country in 2024

Below is a list of the countries where the Church reported a net increase of four or more units for the year 2024. The annual percentage increase for the number of wards and branches for each country is also provided:

1. Democratic Republic of the Congo +57 (19.7% increase)
2. Nigeria +30 (3.70% increase)
3. Philippines +28 (2.16% increase)
4. Ghana +17 (4.59% increase)
5. Uganda +15 (38.5% increase)
6. Canada +13 (2.66% increase)
   
7. Peru +13 (1.66% increase) 
8. Bolivia +12 (4.40% increase)
   
9. Mozambique +11 (15.9% increase) 
10. Tanzania +9 (36.0% increase) 
11. Burundi +8 (200% increase) 
    
12. Ecuador +7 (2.14% increase) 
13. Kenya +7 (10.1% increase)
14. Benin +6 (23.1% increase)
15. Cape Verde +5 (12.5% increase) 
    
16. Cote d'Ivoire +5 (1.91% increase)
17. Honduras +5 (2.09% increase) 
    
18. Liberia +5 (6.67% increase) 
19. Malawi +5 (38.5% increase) 
20. Pakistan +5 (35.7% increase)
    
21. Angola +4 (16.0% increase) 
22. Chile +4 (0.70% increase) 
    
23. Colombia +4 (1.56% increase)

The net increase in the number of wards and branches in these 23 countries totals 461; a larger number than the net increase in the number of wards and branches for the entire Church for 2023 (186). Five countries experienced a net decrease of four or more units during 2023. Altogether, the net decrease in congregations in these four nations totaled 112. 

1. Brazil -76 (3.50% decrease)
2. United States -15 (0.10% decrease)  
3. Australia -10 (3.27% decrease)
   
4. New Zealand -7 (3.10% decrease)
5. United Kingdom -4 (1.30% decrease) 
   

Previous lists for annual congregational growth by country are available for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020-2021, 2022, and 2023.

Key Observations from 2024 Congregational Growth Data

1. 2024 marks one of the strongest years of congregational growth in the 21st century
The Church reported significant congregational expansion in a wider range of countries than seen in any other year in recent memory. In total, 23 countries experienced a net increase of at least four congregations each, totaling a combined net gain of 461 wards and branches—the highest number reported since at least the late 2000s.

2. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to drive global growth
This region accounted for nearly half of the global net increase in congregations among countries with at least four new units. Countries with the most aggressive national outreach—Democratic Republic of the Congo (+57), Uganda (+15), Burundi (+8), Mozambique (+11), and Tanzania (+9)—lead in both absolute and percentage growth. Burundi, in particular, saw an extraordinary 200% increase in the number of congregations, and Malawi and Uganda both grew by 38.5%. These rapid growth rates reflect continued high levels of convert baptisms and unit creation in newly opened or expanding areas.

3. Latin America showed broader but modest congregational growth
Several Latin American countries—including Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Honduras—each reported a net increase of four or more congregations. This represents a more widespread growth footprint than seen in many previous years. However, the percentage growth in these countries remains modest, rarely exceeding 2–4%. This suggests ongoing maturation of Church infrastructure rather than aggressive outreach or unusually high convert activity.

4. Brazil experienced substantial contraction
With a net decrease of 76 congregations, Brazil was responsible for approximately two-thirds of the total unit losses globally in 2024. This contraction mirrors past restructuring periods—most notably in 2000 (-116 units) and 2001 (-74 units)—when the Church consolidated congregations with low activity levels. These efforts appear aimed at strengthening existing units and optimizing administrative efficiency rather than reflecting a broader membership decline.

5. Congregational decline in the United States continues, but at a slowing pace
For the third consecutive year, the United States saw a net decrease in congregations (-15). However, this was an improvement over 2023 (-21) and 2022 (-62). Despite this trend, the Church reported a net membership increase of 125,928 over the past two years. During this time, the average number of members per ward or branch rose from 466 to 475—a modest increase of only nine members per congregation.

To put this in perspective, while some might interpret these declines as signs of weakening activity or retention, the members-to-congregations ratio has remained remarkably stable. Between 2018 and 2021, the average number of members per congregation actually declined slightly (from 468 to 461), yet rebounded by 2024. Moreover, the number of stakes in the United States continues to grow steadily, rising from 1,642 in 2019 to 1,709 in 2024. 2025 will be an important year to determine whether there is a noticeable net increase in congregations based on the past couple years of strong membership growth, or if there is a near net-zero increase or decrease in the total number of congregations.

In sum, the data do not support the idea of a major downturn in Church activity or convert retention in the United States. Instead, they likely reflect ongoing consolidation efforts and a mature Church structure, with moderate increases in stake-level leadership even as local units are optimized.

See below for a graph of the members-to-congregations ratio for the United States

Country-by-Country Membership Statistics Released for 2024

The Church has released year-end 2024 membership and congregation totals for most nations with a reported Church presence. These statistics can be accessed on Church's official website at https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics.

Countries with the highest annual membership growth rates for 2024 are listed below. Lists for nations with the most rapid annual membership growth rates are also available for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. A list of the biennial membership growth rates for countries between year-end 2019 to year-end 2021 can be found here. The percentage next to the country name for the list below is the annual membership growth rate for 2024. Countries in bold experienced a membership increase greater than 200 during 2024.

1. Russia* - 255% - 18,132
2. Rwanda - 61.9% - 2,489
3. Mozambique - 27.9% - 31,633
4. Tanzania - 26.5% - 5,022 
5. Malawi - 24.3% - 5,937
6. Angola - 24.1% - 7,321
7. Lesotho - 21.0% - 1,890
8. Zambia - 19.7% - 7,072
9. Burundi - 17.3% - 1,807
10. DR Congo - 16.6% - 134,067
11. Benin - 15.2% - 7,071
12. Republic of Georgia - 14.2% - 313
13. Uganda - 13.9% - 25,210
14. Madagascar - 12.7% - 17,331
15. Zimbabwe - 11.7% - 46,071
16. Sierra Leone - 11.4% - 34,617
17. Kazakhstan - 11.0% - 242
18. Ethiopia - 10.5% - 2,423
19. Kenya - 10.4% - 21,204
20. Bosnia and Herzegovina - 10.3% - 86
    

*Membership dramatically increased in Russia due an apparent change in membership reporting from 2023

The following is a list of the top 10 countries with the highest negative membership growth rates (i.e., fastest rate of membership decline) during 2024. The percent growth rate is provided next to the country name, and the number to the right of the percentage growth rate is the year-end 2023 membership total for the country. Four of these countries had at least 1,000 members: the Marshall Islands, Romania, Singapore, and Ukraine.

1. Palau - -23.3% - 421
2. Israel - -5.78% - 310
3. Luxembourg - -3.51% - 522
4. Kuwait - -3.48% - 361
5. Iceland - -2.65% - 404
6. Romania - -2.38% - 3,029
7. Jersey - -1.82% - 270
8. Singapore - -1.74% - 3,227
9. Marshall Islands - -1.51% - 6,660
10. Ukraine - -1.49% - 9,903

Below is a list of the top 10 countries by numerical membership net increase for 2024. Each country is provided with the numerical national increase in membership for the year. Additionally, the percentage of total church membership increase that is accounted for by each country is provided (i.e., a percentage of the world membership increase for 2024 that is within that country). Lists are also available for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. A list of the biennial period of 2020-2021 is also available. 73.4% of the 2024 net increase in Church membership can be attributed to the following 11 nations (I included 11 this year because Russia should not count given a change in membership reporting appears to explain the large increase in membership for the year). 

1. United States - 61,163 - 21.5%
2. Brazil - 30,865 - 10.9%
3. DR Congo - 19,040 - 6.7%
4. Nigeria - 17,687 - 6.2%
5. Mexico - 17,652 - 6.2%
6. Philippines - 15,190 - 5.3%
7. Russia* - 13,031 - 4.6%
   
8. Peru - 10,865 - 3.8%
9. Argentina - 9,642 - 3.4%
10. Mozambique - 6,900 - 2.4%
11. Ghana - 6,582 - 2.3%
    

*Membership dramatically increased in Russia due an apparent change in membership reporting from 2023

Below is a list of the top four countries by numerical membership decrease for 2024. Each country is provided with the numerical national decrease in membership during the year 2024. There were only four countries that experienced a net decrease by 100 or more during 2024. 

1. Japan - -474
2. Ukraine - -150
3. Palau - -128
4. Marshall Islands - -102

Several points to make with the 2024 annual membership growth numbers.

First, growth rates in East Africa and Central Africa have not only been sustained from 2023 but accelerated in some nations during 2024. This is especially impressive, as higher rates of membership growth become more difficult to achieve as membership grows larger. All countries in the Africa Central Area with reported statistics experienced at least 10% annual membership growth in 2024, except for the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo (which experienced an annual membership growth rate of 8.4%). Membership in Rwanda more than doubled during the two-year period from year-end 2022 to year-end 2024. For the first time in over a decade, membership increased by more than 10% in Ethiopia and Uganda. In the DR Congo, membership increased by 16.6%—the highest annual growth rate since 2002, when there were only 13,637 members. The Church also experienced very high rates of membership growth in Mozambique and Malawi. In Mozambique, membership has doubled since year-end 2021, and there are now over 31,000 Latter-day Saints in the country. In Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Church reported its second-highest annual growth rate for membership since 2004. In southern Africa, the Church in Botswana and South Africa reported the highest membership growth rates in over a decade. In Lesotho, the Church reported its highest annual membership growth rate since 1993, when there were only 300 members. In Angola, Church membership grew by 24.1%—the highest annual growth rate since 2009, when there were fewer than 1,000 members in the country. In West Africa, membership growth rates accelerated in most countries in 2024 compared to 2023, but generally remained below growth rates achieved prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, the Church in Europe experienced some of its most rapid membership growth in decades during 2024 in several countries. In Spain, Church membership increased by 3.85% (just slightly higher than the 3.82% reported for 2023)—the highest reported by the Church since 2007. In Italy, membership grew by 2.62% in 2024—the highest annual growth rate since 2004 (which was also 2.62%). In France, Church membership increased by 1.79%—also the highest annual membership growth rate since 2007. In Germany, Church membership increased by 1.06%—the highest rate of membership growth since 2011. In Denmark, membership increased by 0.83%—the second-highest year for membership growth since 1995. Most other European countries experienced typical membership growth rates consistent with recent years.

Third, the Church in the United States reported nearly the same net increase in membership for 2024 compared to 2023 (61,163 in 2024 versus 64,765 in 2023), with membership increasing by 0.89% for the year. The year 2023 was significant for membership growth in the United States, as it saw the highest net increase in membership (64,765) since 2015 and the highest annual membership growth rate (0.95%) since that same year. Thus, recent membership growth in the United States appears to represent a new trend, rather than a continuation of the steady decline in membership growth that had persisted for nearly a decade.

Fourth, membership growth rates in much of Latin America have returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. In a few instances, annual membership growth rates were even higher than before the pandemic. For example, the Church in Paraguay reported its highest membership growth rate since 2013 (2.27%), while the Church in Uruguay reported its highest membership growth rate since 2012 (1.71%). Church membership in Puerto Rico grew by 1.0% in 2024—the highest seen in a decade.

Fifth, the Church in Canada reported an annual membership growth rate of 1.26% for 2024—slightly higher than in 2023 and the highest rate of annual membership growth since 2012.

15 New Temples Announced

This afternoon, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construction 15 new temples in the following locations:

• Reynosa, Mexico
• Chorrillos, Peru
• Rivera, Uruguay
• Campo Grande, Brazil
• Porto, Portugal
• Uyo, Nigeria
• San Jose del Monte, Philippines
• Nouméa, New Caledonia
• Liverpool, Australia
• Caldwell, Idaho
• Flagstaff, Arizona
• Rapid City, South Dakota
• Greenville, South Carolina
• Norfolk, Virginia
• Spanish Fork, Utah

With today's announcement, there are now 382 dedicated or planned temples worldwide. I will provide an analysis of today's announcement in the coming days.

2024 Statisical Report

This morning, the Church reported its annual statistical report as of December 31st, 2024.

• Membership: 17,509,781 (increase of 254,387 from 2023; a 1.47% annual increase)
• Congregations: 31,676 (increase of 186 from 2023; a 0.59% annual increase)
• Stakes: 3,608 (increase of 43 from 2023; a 1.21% annual increase)
• Districts: 494 (increase of 5 from 2023; a 5.41% annual decrease)
• Missions: 450 (increase of 36 from 2023; a 8.70% annual increase)
• Convert Baptisms: 308,682 (increase of 56,919 from 2023; a 22.6% annual increase)
• Increase of Children on Record: 91,617 (decrease of 1,977 from 2023; a 2.11% annual decrease)
• Full-time Teaching Missionaries: 74,127 (increase of 6,256 from 2023; a 9.22% annual increase)
• Senior Service Missionaries: 31,120 (increase of 3,319 from 2023; an 11.9% annual increase)
  
• Young Service Missionaries: 4,192 (increase of 308 from 2023; a 7.93% annual increase)

Key Takeaways from the 2024 Statistical Report

1. Convert Baptisms Surge to Highest Levels Since 1997
The Church in 2024 baptized more converts than in any year since 1997—an impressive milestone, especially given the sustained emphasis on meaningful pre-baptism preparation. The increase of nearly 57,000 more convert baptisms compared to 2023 occurred without any single world area being identified as the primary driver, suggesting widespread global momentum.

Despite a modest increase of 6,256 full-time proselytizing missionaries, the average number of baptisms per missionary rose from 3.71 in 2023 to 4.16 in 2024—the highest figure since 2012 (4.62 per missionary). For historical perspective, the modern-era peak was 8.03 baptisms per missionary in 1989.

2. Highest Number of Proselytizing Missionaries (Excluding the “Double Cohort” Years)
With 74,127 full-time missionaries, the Church achieved its highest missionary force ever—outside the anomalous surge from the 2013–2014 age-change “double cohort.” The 9.22% increase marks significant success in mobilizing young adults for missionary service.

3. Most New Missions Since 2013
In 2024, 36 new missions were organized—the second-largest annual increase in modern history, trailing only the 58 missions added in 2013. The 8.7% increase in missions closely mirrors the 9.22% increase in missionary numbers, showing strategic infrastructure expansion to support the rising missionary force.

4. Net Increase in Districts for the First Time Since 2008
A notable turnaround occurred in 2024 with a net gain of five districts—the first such increase in 16 years. The Church organized 28 new districts, the most since 2016. This growth likely reflects expanding outreach in developing areas, where branches are forming and new communities are being opened to missionary work.

5. Highest-Ever Number of Member Record Removals
The Church added 308,682 convert baptisms and 91,617 children of record in 2024, totaling 400,299 new members. Yet total membership only rose by 254,387. This implies at least 145,912 records were removed—due to death, resignation, or loss of membership (formerly known as excommunication).

This figure surpasses the previous high in 2018 (140,868) and suggests intensified record updating or a rise in voluntary resignations. Attrition was 0.86% of the 2023 membership base—comparable to the 0.87% attrition rate in 2018. A more detailed country-by-country breakdown, when available, will help determine where this attrition is most concentrated—likely in the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil, where most members reside.

6. Persistently Low Children of Record Numbers
Children of record remain alarmingly low, continuing a multi-decade trend. The 2024 figure (91,617) is far below the 124,000 recorded in 1982. Adjusted for Church size, that means children of record made up 2.5% of Church membership in 1982 but only 0.53% in 2024—an 80% drop.

This decline reflects both falling birth rates among Latter-day Saints (especially in the U.S.) and the Church's limited success in fostering multi-generational families in newer international areas. In most countries, even where national fertility rates remain high, the Church struggles to retain converts and raise second-generation members.

7. Stakes and Congregations Growing at Half the Rate of Membership
Stakes and congregations increased in 2024, but at about half the rate of total membership growth. This consistent pattern, present for two decades, signals ongoing challenges with member retention and congregation sustainability. While not worsening, the trend continues to show that many new members—particularly converts—are not being integrated into their respective congregations over the long term to warrant the creation of larger numbers of wards and branches.

2024 Statistical Report: Predictions

This afternoon, the Church will publish its annual statistical report for the year 2024 with figures as of December 31st, 2024. My analysis of the 2023 statistical report can be found here. The following is what I anticipate for these growth metrics:

• Membership: 17,600,000
• Converts Baptized: 300,000
• Increase in Children of Record (i.e., children under age 8, most of whom are infants born and blessed during the previous year): 100,000
• Official Congregations (i.e., wards and branches): 31,700
• Stakes: 3,609
• Districts: 492
• Missions: 450
• Missionaries Serving: 77,000

I anticipate that convert baptisms in 2024 will reach a 25-year high, based on reports indicating approximately 300,000 convert baptisms during the year. I also expect the number of children of record to be slightly higher than in 2023—potentially surpassing 100,000 for the first time since 2018.

The number of proselytizing missionaries may have reached as high as 77,000 by the end of the year. However, this figure could be inflated, as it is unclear whether some reports from Church leaders included young service missionaries.

Notably, the number of districts appears to have experienced a slight net increase in 2024. If confirmed, this would mark the first such increase since 2008. The Church organized a near-record number of new districts in 2024, largely driven by expansion in lesser-reached areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ward Radio Appearance This Evening at 8 PM MDT

I will be appearing on a livestream broadcast for Ward Radio in about 30 minutes. Click here to join!

Two New Branches Created in the Central African Republic (CAR); First Young Full-time Missionaries to be Assigned to the CAR

In a major development, the Church has organized two new branches—Bangui 2nd and Bangui 3rd—in the capital and most populous city of the Central African Republic (CAR), Bangui, where a single branch has operated since 1993. This marks the first time in over 30 years that more than one congregation has functioned in the country. During the 2000s and early 2010s, mission presidents visited the isolated branch approximately once every two to three years. In October 2012, Apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland dedicated the CAR for missionary work, just two months after the Church received provisional recognition from the government. Plans to assign full-time missionaries to Bangui were ultimately canceled after the mission president at the time felt spiritually impressed not to proceed with the assignment, despite approval from the Area Presidency. Weeks later, rebel forces captured the city.

The Church briefly operated a second branch in Bangui in the early 1990s; however, the two congregations were soon consolidated into a single unit. The CAR was initially under the jurisdiction of the Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission, but in 2005, administrative responsibility shifted to the newly created Ghana Cape Coast Mission. Oversight was transferred shortly thereafter to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa Mission. In 2014, the country was reassigned to the newly organized Republic of Congo Brazzaville Mission, and in 2020, it was transferred to the Cameroon Yaoundé Mission. The creation of the Africa Central Area in 2020, which included the CAR, signaled increased institutional focus on strengthening the Church in underreached regions of the continent.

The CAR government requires religious groups to have at least 1,000 members to formally register. As of year-end 2023, there were 278 Latter-day Saints in the country. Senior missionaries serving in the Cameroon Yaoundé Mission have reported imminent plans to assign full-time missionaries to Bangui which have either recently arrived or will soon arrive to begin more formalized missionary efforts.

The population of the CAR is approximately 5.3 million, with nearly 1.7 million residing in Bangui alone. Around 90% of the population identifies as Christian. The country has remained largely unreached for decades due to its remote location, limited accessibility from other African cities with significant Latter-day Saint populations, political instability, and historically few Church resources allocated to Central Africa. Few Church materials are currently available in Sango, the national language, which further limits member engagement and missionary outreach. In contrast to neighboring Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo—both of which have seen more consistent growth and missionary presence—the Church in the CAR remains in the early stages of development. Prospects for growth appear favorable; however, challenges such as low literacy rates, a lack of experienced local leadership, and ongoing political instability continue to pose major obstacles to long-term, sustainable Church development.

New Temple Predictions - March 2025 Edition

I have updated my temple prediction map in preparation for General Conference in April. The size of the Church in a specific geographical area (i.e. number of stakes and districts, the number of wards and branches), the age of the oldest stake in a specific geographical area, church growth trends, the distance to the nearest temple, traffic/transportation, the square-footage of the nearest temple, the historical number of weekly endowment sessions scheduled at the nearest temple, and member and missionary reports regarding member activity, temple attendance, and convert retention are variables used to identify prospective sites for future temple announcements. Altogether, there are 194 potential temples on the map (which is 14 potential temple sites less than the total number of potential sites identified in September 2024). The following seven locations have been added to the temples prediction map with this current update - all of which are less likely temples:

• Cabanatuan City, Philippines
• Feira de Santana, Brazil
  
• General Santos, Philippines 
• Tagbilaran, Philippines
• Hilo, Hawaii
  
• Madang or Lae, Papua New Guinea
• Taravao, Tahiti
  

Also, there were six locations that were moved from the less likely to be announced list to the more likely to be announced list. Provided with a reasoning for the transfer from the less likely temples to be announced list to the more likely temples to be announced list, these locations included:

• Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (remote location, three stakes in the metropolitan area, creation of the Zimbabwe Bulawayo Mission in 2018)
• Caldwell or Nampa, Idaho (steady growth in the western Boise metropolitan area likely warrants a third temple for the area, now approximately 15 stakes in the area that could be part of a new temple district)
• Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (remote location, first stake created in early 2025, rapid growth throughout the country, high prospects for a second stake in the near future, Tanzania Dar es Salaam Mission organized in 2020).
• Ibadan, Nigeria (rapid growth in this area of Nigeria for many years, two stakes in Ibadan, Nigeria Ibadan Mission reinstated in 2018)
• Lilongwe, Malawi (remote location, first two stakes in Malawi were organized in 2024, rapid growth)
• Santa Maria, Brazil (large number of stakes in central and western Rio Grande do Sul State, two stakes now in Santa Maria, large number of stakes (29) assigned to the Porto Alegre Brazil Temple)

In my opinion, the following 10 locations appear most likely to have temples announced this coming General Conference. As always, your prediction lists are welcome and encouraged.

1. Spanish Fork, Utah
2. Angeles or Olongapo, Philippines 
3. Bo, Sierra Leone
4. Port Harcourt, Nigeria
5. Rigby, Idaho
6. Lomé, Togo 
7. Southeast Salt Lake City, Utah (i.e., Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, or Sandy)
8. Evanston, Wyoming
9. San Pablo City, Philippines
10. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
    

See below for the map of likely and less likely new temple sites:

New Stakes Created in Brazil, Cote d'Ivoire, the DR Congo, Hawaii, Idaho, Liberia, Montana, Nigeria, Portugal, the Philippines, and Virginia; New Districts Created in Liberia and Uganda; Districts Discontinued in Cote d'Ivoire, Japan, and Fiji

Brazil

A new stake was created in Brazil on January 26th. The Santa Maria West Stake was organized from the São Gabriel Brazil District (organized in 2001) and the Santa Maria Brazil Stake (organized in 1993). The new stake includes the following five wards and one branch: the Rosário do Sul, the Salgado Filho, the Santa Marta, the São Gabriel, and the Tancredo Neves Wards and the São Pedro Branch. The Church has sought for many years to divide the Santa Maria Brazil Stake which had 10 wards and one branch. The new stake is within the boundaries of a previously discontinued stake, the Rosário do Sul Brazil Stake, which operated from 1995 until 2001. There are now 27 stakes and four stakes in Rio Grande do Sul State. Santa Maria appears a likely location for a temple, as there is only one temple in Rio Grande do Sul located in Porto Alegre. A temple in Santa Maria could service 11 stakes and one district.

There are now 288 stakes and 37 districts in Brazil. 

Cote d'Ivoire

A new stake was created in Cote d'Ivoire on February 2nd. The Adzope Cote d'Ivoire Stake was created from the Adzope Cote d'Ivoire District (organized in 2016) and the Akoupé Cote d'Ivoire District (organized in 2017 and discontinued when the new stake was organized). The new stake includes the following four wards and five branches: the Adzope 3rd, the Affery 1st, the Affery 2nd, and the Akoupé 1st Wards and the Adzope 1st, the Adzope 2nd, the Adzope 4th, the Adzope 5th, and the Adzope 6th Branches. The four original branches in Affery were consolidated into two wards, the two branches in Akoupé were combined to make a single ward, and no branches were consolidated in the city of Adzope. Both district branches in the two districts were discontinued, which occurs whenever a district that has a district branch is organized into a stake. This new stake has followed the pattern seen with many other recently organized stakes in Cote d'Ivoire, such as in Gagnoa, Man, and San Pedro. Although it is discouraging that these districts have not been able to become separate stakes (which has appeared to be due to the significant slowdown in Church growth in the country during the past five years), it is nonetheless encouraging to note that these cities had no organized branches prior to approximately 10 years ago, and thus, there has been significant growth and leadership development in these nascent areas for the Church. The Adzope Cote d'Ivoire Stake is the first stake to be created in the cities to the immediate north and east of Abidjan that are outside of the metropolitan area.

There are now 22 stakes and nine districts in Cote d'Ivoire

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)

The Church organized a new stake in Kinshasa on February 9th. The Kinshasa DR Congo Limete Stake was organized from a division of the Kinshasa DR Congo Stake (organized in 1996) and the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo Masina Stake (organized in 1999). The new stake includes the following five wards and one branch: the Kingabwa 1st, the Kingabwa 2nd, the Limete 1st, the Limete 2nd, and the Ndanu 1st Wards and the Ndanu 2nd Branch. The new stake is the Church's 15th stake in Kinshasa to be organized.

There are now 33 stakes and three districts in the DR Congo.

Hawaii

A new stake was created in Hawaii for the first time since 2014. The Puna Hawaii Stake was created from a division of the Hilo Hawaii Stake (organized in 1968). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Ka'u, the Kea'au, the Pahoa, the Waikahe 1st, and the Waikahe 2nd Wards. The Church has experienced steady growth on the western half of the Big Island of Hawaii, and there were only seven wards and one branch in the Hilo Hawaii Stake for many years in the mid-2000s. The neighboring Kona Hawaii Stake also appears likely to divide soon, as this stake has grown to 10 wards and one branch (up from eight wards in the mid-2000s).

There are now 17 stakes in Hawaii.

Idaho 

A new stake was created in Idaho on January 12th. The Idaho Falls Canterbury Park Stake was organized from a division of the Idaho Falls Taylor Mountain Stake (organized in 1996). The new stake includes the following seven wards: the Bristol Heights, the Carriage Gate, the Castlerock, the Gem Lake, the Park Taylor, the Stonebrook, and the Victorian Village Wards. There are now approximately 20 stakes in Idaho Falls.

There are now 143 stakes in Idaho.

Liberia

A new stake and a new district were created in Liberia.

The Thinker Village Liberia Stake was organized on February 2nd from a division of the Paynesville Liberia Stake (organized in 2017). Approximately 1,500 attended the conference to create the new stake, and each stake now has approximately 2,000 members which is the minimum required to create a stake. The new stake includes the following seven wards: the Boys Town, the Duport Road, the Gbengbar Town, the Outland, the SKD Boulevard, the Thinker Village, and the Voker Mission Wards. There are now seven stakes in Monrovia - all of which have been organized within the past decade.

The Harbel Liberia District was created on January 12th from seven mission branches in the Harbel, Buchanan, and Tameque areas, including the Barclay Farm, the Buchanan 1st, the Buchanan 2nd, the Cotton Tree, the Dolo's Town, the Harbel, and the LAC Branches. The first branch in the area was organized in Harbel back in 2008. Over 900 attended the conference to create the new district. Harbel is the second city outside of Monrovia to have had a district organized.

There are now seven stakes and two districts in Liberia.

Montana

A new stake was created in Montana on February 16th. The Three Forks Montana Stake was organized from a division of the Bozeman Montana Stake (organized in 1979), the Butte Montana Stake (organized in 1953), and the Helena Montana Stake (organized in 1968). The new stake includes the following seven wards and two branches: the Belgrade 1st, the Belgrade 2nd, the Gallatin, the Sheridan, the Three Forks, the Townsend, and the Whitehall Wards and the Ennis and White Sulphur Springs Branches.

There are now 14 stakes in Montana.

Nigeria

A new stake was created in Nigeria on February 2nd. The Abuja Nigeria Karu Stake was organized from a division of the Abuja Nigeria Wuse Stake (organized in 2019). The new stake includes the follow five wards and three branches: the Jikwoyi, the Karu, the Masaka, the New Nyanya, and the Nyanya Wards and the Aso, the GRA, and the Orozo Branches. The new stake is the Church's fourth stake in Abuja, where a mission was organized in 2023 and a temple was announced in October of 2024.

There are now 79 stakes and 14 districts in Nigeria.

Portugal

A new stake was created in Portugal on February 16th. The Santarém Portugal Stake was created from a division of the Lisbon Portugal Stake (organized in 1981) and the Oeiras Portugal Stake (organized in 1989). The new stake includes the following five wards and three branches: the Alverca, the Bom Sucesso, the Carregado, the Santarém, and the Torres Vedras Ward, and the Abrantes, the Tomar, and the Vila Franca de Xira Branches. The Church previously operated a district in Santarém from 1991 to 2020, and the six branches that were part of the former district were reassigned to the Lisbon Portugal Stake or the Oeiras Portugal Stake in 2020. 

There are now eight stakes and one district in Portugal.

The Philippines

The Malaybalay Philippines Stake was created on February 2nd from the Malaybalay Philippines District (organized in 1992). Nearly 1,200 attended the conference to create the new stake. All six branches in the district were organized into wards, including the Malaybalay 1st, the Malaybalay 2nd, the Malaybalay 3rd, the Maramag, the Quezon Bukidnon, and the Valencia Wards. There are now 16 stakes and 12 districts on the island of Mindanao.

There are now 132 stakes and 55 districts in the Philippines.

Virginia 

A new stake was organized in Virginia on January 26th, 2025. The Brambleton Virginia Stake was created from a division of the Ashburn Virginia Stake (organized in 1995), the Gainesville Virginia Stake (organized in 2016), and the Oakton Virginia Stake (organized in 1963). The new stake includes the following six wards and one branch: the Algonkian, the Ashburn, the Brambleton, the Broadlands, the Sterling Park, and the Tall Cedars Wards and the Loudoun (Spanish) Branch. There are now 15 stakes in the DC metropolitan area.

There are now 23 stakes in Virginia.

Uganda 

A new district was created in Uganda. The Lira Uganda District was organized from three mission branches located in the city of Lira, including the Adyel, the Lira, and the Odokomit Branches. The first branch in Lira was organized in 2011. The new district is the Church's third district to be created in Uganda within the past four months.

There are now three stakes and five districts in Uganda.

Japan

The Nagasaki Japan District (organized in 1982) was discontinued and consolidated with the neighboring Fukuoka Japan Stake. None of the four branches in the former Nagasaki Japan District were discontinued. The decision was likely made to consolidate the district with the neighboring stake to conserve leadership resources and perhaps for branches in the former district to become wards eventually. Stagnant growth or decline has occurred on Kyushu for decades.

There are now 22 stakes and nine districts in Japan.

Fiji

The Taveuni Fiji District (organized in 1997) was discontinued and consolidated with the Labasa Fiji District (organized in 2017 but which previously operated from 1989 to 2008). The realigned district is now called the Vanua Levu Fiji District. This decision was probably made due to a renewed effort to create a stake on Vanua Levu and surrounding islands. There are now 11 branches in the Vanua Levu Fiji District. No branches were discontinued with the closure of the district in Taveuni. 

There are now four stakes and one district in Fiji.

First Stake to be Organized in Tanzania on January 26th, 2025

Reports from Latter-day Saints living in Tanzania indicate that the Church will organize its first stake in the East African nation of Tanzania this Sunday. The Dar es Salaam Tanzania Stake will be created from the Dar es Salaam Tanzania District, which was organized in 2005. Currently, there are 10 branches in the district, but it is unclear how many of these branches will become wards once the stake is organized.

Among countries with at least 2,000 Latter-day Saints, Tanzania provides a remarkable example of a nation that has experienced a dramatic shift from slow or stagnant growth to some of the most rapid growth rates in the worldwide Church over the past decade. From 2004 to 2018, there were only four branches in Dar es Salaam. It took nearly three decades for the Church to reach 2,000 members after its initial establishment in 1992. However, everything changed with the organization of the Tanzania Dar es Salaam Mission in 2020. Before this, the Kenya Nairobi Mission oversaw missionary efforts and Church administration in Tanzania, which meant limited resources were allocated to the nation’s 65.4 million people (2024 estimate).

Another major catalyst for growth was the Church’s decision in the 2010s to officially change the language used in Church administration and worship services from English to Swahili, enabling more effective missionary efforts. Church membership in Tanzania grew from 1,793 at the end of 2019 to 3,969 by the end of 2023. The number of branches in the country also increased significantly, from six in 2018 to 34 as of the end of 2024. Many of these new branches began as member groups to improve accessibility to worship services in major cities with an official Church presence.

Three additional districts were organized during this period of rapid growth: a second district in Dar es Salaam in 2022 (which reportedly will not be realigned or combined with the new stake) and the first districts in Arusha (2022) and Mwanza (2023). Given the higher member activity standards for new stake organization outside the United States, which were implemented in 2024, the creation of the first stake in Tanzania is an even greater accomplishment and a testament to the quality of this recent growth.

The creation of a second stake in Dar es Salaam also appears likely, as the Dar es Salaam Tanzania Chang'ombe District currently has eight branches and has experienced similarly impressive growth rates. Furthermore, the announcement of a temple in Dar es Salaam seems increasingly plausible given these developments, which establish a more self-sustaining center of strength for the Church in the area.

Despite this progress, the Church in Tanzania remains relatively small compared to the nation’s population. As of the end of 2023, only one in every 17,000 Tanzanians was a member on Church records, and only five cities have had branches organized.

For statistical data on the Church in Tanzania, click here.