This morning, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints announced that young women may now begin full-time missionary service at age 18 — the same minimum age as young men
This decision carries significant potential: by providing additional options for young women to serve missions right after high school (or its equivalent), the worldwide full-time missionary force may grow in scale and diversity. It opens a new season of opportunity for women who desire to serve, whether before pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or undertaking other life ventures. While missionary service remains optional for young women, the change reflects a continued evolution in how the Church supports individual choice, preparation, and contribution with its proselytism efforts Effective immediately, young women graduating this year and going forward will be eligible to submit mission applications starting at age 18. Moreover, the recent announcement to create 55 new missions in 2026 will provide additional support to accommodate potentially large influxes in young women serving missions in the next 12 months.
I will provide additional analysis of today's announcement in the coming days.
106 comments:
Looking forward to any further analysis you will provide, Matt! With missionary service being optional for women still, I am not entirely convinced this will lead directly to more women serving, but I recognize I don't have the data you do to back that belief up. This is a tremendous announcement, as it puts women and men on equal footing when it comes to the decision to serve a mission, even though it remains a choice rather than a priesthood duty for women. Thanks again for this update, Matt!
This is an exciting development that will probably increase missionary numbers more than one might think from an adjustment that because it applies after completing high school or its equivalent is less than a year for most young people and not at all for a few.
This gives most young people the option of serving missions immediately on graduation, and while there will be young women who chose some college or other endeavors for a time and then go on missions, as there are young men who do so, the option to go then will allow some yo go who if they start some other endeavor find it not possible to arrange to serve.
The decision to announce it now and let it go in effect as of today instead of waiting to announce it at general conference as the previous missionary age change was done is exciting. It also probably creates a little less rush for leaders. Those who are in a situation to go immediately now would be whenever you announced it. However a bunch are high school students who do not graduate until June, and another bunch are in college or other commitments, many of which will not be able to go until April-June anyway. Announcing it now gives people a longer time to prep for the crunch times, and also avoids having people free at other times swept into the crunch time push of April-June that would occur if this was announced in April.
Although I am sure whenever such a change is announced it will lead to lots of people contacting their bishop,even if many of them will not be able to actually start serving for several months.
I think this will significantly increase sisters who want to serve thereby increasing church growth for the number of mission. And they would number of sisters (back when the age was 21) who in high school expressed wanting to serve missions, but by the time they reached missionary age, they were further involved in their college education or dating someone or getting married.
Some time ago, here on the blog, someone mentioned the Shelley Idaho Stake had split. But until today, there are no changes to the Wards in the Stake on the Meetinghouse website.
But i see now it has 2 upcoming Conferences 2 weeks January 25th and Feb 8th, 2026.
It's quite possible one of those is the regular Semi-Annual Stake Conference, and the other is a visit of a GA. Or one may be a Stake realignment?
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/500682
A continuation of my last comment about the Shelley Idaho Stake (500682). The date of the second Stake conference Feb 7-8, 2026, the Shelley Idaho South Stake (513636), also has Stake Conference planned.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/500682
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/513636
Sometime in the last 6 months in the new Canada Area, in the Longueuil Québec Stake (475963), both the Shawinigan Branch (French) (1995715), and the Trois Rivières Branch (French) (115673), were transferred to the Québec City District (606537). I wonder if in preparation to organize a Stake of 7 Units?
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/606537
Also, sometime in the last 6 months, in the Dartmouth Nova Scotia Stake (517364), the Sackville Ward (196606) was renamed the Bedford Basin Ward (196606), the Dartmouth Ward (97583) was renamed the Forest Hills Ward (97583), and the Cole Harbour Ward (187658) was consolidated.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/517364
#Matt, If you are interested. In the recent realignment of the Raymond Alberta Stake (500518), the wards were renamed :
Broadway Branch (2246856) - > Broadway Branch (2246856)
Raymond 8th Ward (273724) - > Centennial Park Ward (273724)
Raymond 1st Ward (51675) - > Church Avenue Ward (51675)
Raymond 2nd Ward (51683) - > Memorial Park Ward (51683)
Raymond 3rd Ward (51292) - > Park Avenue Ward (51292)
Raymond 11th Ward (2161451) - > Pebble Creek Ward (2161451)
Prairie Ridge Branch (2072971) - > Prairie Ridge Branch (2072971)
Raymond 5th Ward (125407) - > Railway Avenue Ward (125407)
Raymond 7th Ward (173169) - > South Broadway Ward (173169)
Raymond 9th Ward (1550497) - > Southwest Park Ward (1550497)
Raymond 10th Ward (2072963) - > Taylor Street Ward (2072963)
Raymond 6th Ward (172707) - > Victoria Park Ward (172707)
Raymond 4th Ward (51284) - > Westridge Ward (51284)
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/500518
With this alone, we'll see a bump, but not a spike as seen in the 2012 announcement. It would take additional motivation (beyond what's been applied so far) to see change that's remotely comparable to post-2012 announcement.
However, I think this is probably enough to fill the 55 new missions at least at current levels, as sisters that had to wait until 19 to serve will be joined by those that can now serve at age 18. Like with 2012. that would cause a short-term spike that would come down and level off at a higher level after a couple of years.
On a side note, something that could create a bigger bump is extending missionary service time. I'm only stating this hypothetically as it wasn't part of this announcement. An service extension (whether voluntary or standardized) that would increase overall average service by two months would automatically fill the 55 new missions at current levels assuming everything else stayed the same (no extra MTC time).
What about if Women's missionary service time were extended to at least 20 months?
If anyone is curious, here is my list of next weekend November 29-30, 188 known Stake/District Conferences:
11/30/25 Bondoyi Democratic Republic of the Congo
11/30/25 Brazzaville Republic of the Congo
11/30/25 Kananga Democratic Republic of the Congo Lukonga
11/30/25 Katuba Democratic Republic of the Congo
11/30/25 Kikula Democratic Republic of the Congo
11/30/25 Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Kimbwala
11/30/25 Makelekele Republic of the Congo
11/30/25 Beira Mozambique Munhava
11/30/25 Beira Mozambique
11/30/25 Bulawayo Zimbabwe Masiyephambili
11/30/25 Lilongwe Malawi
11/30/25 Viana Angola
11/30/25 Aba Nigeria Umuola
11/30/25 Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire Yopougon Attie
11/30/25 Abobo Cote d'Ivoire East
11/30/25 Abuja Nigeria Wuse
11/30/25 Accra Ghana Kasoa
11/30/25 Ashaiman Ghana Bethlehem
11/30/25 Enugu Nigeria
11/30/25 Freetown Sierra Leone
11/30/25 Ibadan Nigeria
11/30/25 Ibiono Nigeria
11/30/25 Ikot Akpaden Nigeria
11/30/25 Ikot Akpatek Nigeria
11/30/25 Koumassi Cote d'Ivoire
11/30/25 Paynesville Liberia
11/30/25 Uyo Nigeria
11/30/25 Warri Nigeria
11/30/25 Hong Kong China Tolo Harbour
11/30/25 Hyderabad India
11/30/25 Taipei Taiwan East
11/30/25 Tokyo Japan
11/30/25 Curitiba Brazil Campo Comprido
11/30/25 Fortaleza Brazil Dunas
11/30/25 Foz do Iguaçu Brazil
11/30/25 Macaé Brazil
11/30/25 Maceió Brazil Tabuleiro
11/30/25 Palhoça Brazil
11/30/25 Palmas Brazil North
11/30/25 Ponta Grossa Brazil Campos Gerais
11/30/25 Recife Brazil Imbiribeira
11/30/25 Santa Cruz do Sul Brazil
11/30/25 São Paulo Brazil Sapopemba
11/30/25 Lethbridge Alberta Henderson Lake
11/30/25 Guarenas Venezuela
11/30/25 Kingston Jamaica
11/30/25 Maracay Venezuela
11/30/25 Santiago Dominican Republic North
11/30/25 Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Las Americas
11/30/25 Escuintla Guatemala
11/30/25 Guatemala City Don Justo
11/30/25 Paraiso El Salvador
11/30/25 San José Costa Rica La Sabana
11/30/25 San Pedro Guatemala
11/30/25 San Vicente El Salvador
11/30/25 Senahu Guatemala
11/30/25 Sonsonate El Salvador
11/30/25 Tegucigalpa Honduras Villa Olímpica
11/30/25 Cartagena Spain
11/30/25 Friedrichsdorf Germany
11/30/25 Paris France East
11/30/25 The Hague Netherlands
11/30/25 Toulouse France
11/30/25 Belfast Northern Ireland
11/30/25 Canterbury England
11/30/25 Crawley England
11/30/25 Leeds England
11/30/25 Leicester England
11/30/25 Liverpool England
11/30/25 São Filipe Cape Verde
11/30/25 Aguascalientes México
11/30/25 Amecameca México
11/30/25 Cancún México
11/30/25 Cuernavaca México
11/30/25 Durango México
11/30/25 Guadalajara México Lomas
11/30/25 Lázaro Cárdenas México
11/30/25 Madero México
11/30/25 México City Coacalco
11/30/25 México City El Lago
11/30/25 Oaxaca México Brenamiel
11/30/25 Orizaba México
11/30/25 Poza Rica México Palmas
11/30/25 Puebla México Arboledas
11/30/25 Querétaro México Valle
11/30/25 Saltillo México República
11/30/25 San Nicolás México
11/30/25 Apia Samoa West
11/30/25 Faaa Tahiti Takaroa
11/30/25 Gold Coast Australia
11/30/25 Ipswich Australia
11/30/25 Kwajalein Marshall Islands
11/30/25 Macarthur Australia
11/30/25 Melbourne Australia Wyndham
11/30/25 Nuku'alofa Tonga Vaini
11/30/25 Oro Papua New Guinea
11/30/25 Pago Pago Samoa Central
11/30/25 Pesega Samoa
11/30/25 Porirua New Zealand
11/30/25 Rotorua New Zealand
11/30/25 Alicia Philippines
11/30/25 Baguio Philippines
11/30/25 Batangas Philippines
11/30/25 Cagayan de Oro Philippines West
11/30/25 Camarin Philippines
11/30/25 Cavite Philippines
11/30/25 Dasmariñas Philippines
11/30/25 Ilagan Philippines
11/30/25 Iriga Philippines
11/30/25 Makati Philippines
11/30/25 Marikina Philippines
11/30/25 Morong Rizal Philippines
11/30/25 Tagbilaran Philippines
11/30/25 Tagum Philippines
11/30/25 Toledo Philippines
11/30/25 Vigan Philippines
11/30/25 Arequipa Perú Central
11/30/25 Babahoyo Ecuador
11/30/25 Cañete Perú
11/30/25 Cochabamba Bolivia Aeropuerto
11/30/25 El Alto Bolivia Los Andes
11/30/25 Esmeraldas Ecuador
11/30/25 Huánuco Perú
11/30/25 Iquitos Perú Punchana
11/30/25 Juliaca Perú
11/30/25 Lima Perú Chorrillos
11/30/25 Lima Perú Chosica
11/30/25 Lima Perú Las Palmeras
11/30/25 Lima Perú Limatambo
11/30/25 Lima Perú Torre Blanca
11/30/25 Lima Perú Villa Salvador
11/30/25 Medellin Colombia Centro
11/30/25 Paita Perú
11/30/25 Pisco Perú
11/30/25 Portoviejo Ecuador
11/30/25 Santa Cruz Bolivia Central
11/30/25 Trujillo Perú Jerusalén
11/30/25 Asunción Paraguay
11/30/25 Bahía Blanca Argentina
11/30/25 Buenos Aires Argentina Caseros
11/30/25 Buenos Aires Argentina Congreso
11/30/25 Buenos Aires Argentina Litoral
11/30/25 Buenos Aires Argentina Marcos Paz
11/30/25 Concepción Chile Chiguayante
11/30/25 Corrientes Argentina
11/30/25 General Roca Argentina
11/30/25 Godoy Cruz Argentina
11/30/25 La Plata Argentina South
11/30/25 Limpio Paraguay
11/30/25 Linares Chile
11/30/25 Mar del Plata Argentina North
11/30/25 Mercedes Uruguay
11/30/25 Montevideo Uruguay North
11/30/25 Olavarría Argentina
11/30/25 Pergamino Argentina
11/30/25 Rosario Argentina West
11/30/25 San Antonio Chile
11/30/25 San Luis Argentina
11/30/25 Santiago Chile Javiera Carrera
11/30/25 Santiago Chile Las Condes
11/30/25 Santiago Chile Los Alerces
11/30/25 Santiago Chile Olimpo
11/30/25 Santiago Chile Quilicura
11/30/25 Santiago Chile República
11/30/25 Santiago Chile San Miguel
11/30/25 Talca Chile
11/30/25 Trelew Argentina South
11/30/25 Tucumán Argentina
11/30/25 Tucumán Argentina West
11/30/25 Valparaíso Chile West
11/30/25 Ñemby Paraguay
11/30/25 Açores Portugal
11/30/25 St Denis Reunion
11/30/25 Gangneung Korea
11/30/25 Valera Venezuela
11/30/25 Marbel Philippines
11/30/25 Porlamar Venezuela
11/30/25 Borongan Philippines
11/30/25 Vilnius Lithuania
11/30/25 Jeju Korea
11/30/25 Chennai India
11/30/25 Kpong Ghana
11/30/25 Agbor Nigeria
11/30/25 Havana Cuba
11/30/25 Bibiani Ghana
11/30/25 Axim Ghana
11/30/25 Saratov Russia
11/30/25 Nakuru Kenya
How about extending the Sisters' missionary service time to 20 months?
The freaking antis will spin everything into the church being a nefarious evil thing. We cant do anything without being criticized. damned if you do damned if you don't
This is a great change especially if any young women are already planning to serve who could potentially move up their applications if they desire. Also in Australia, it's just about high school graduation time so this news might be good for some of the young women who are interested in serving.
Among other recent ward changes in Caribbean Area, the former mission branch, Calabozo Branch (338731), of the Venezuela Caracas Mission (2019558), was transferred in the last 6 months to the La Pascua Venezuela District (610828).
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/610828
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/mission/2019558
Also, the Demerara Branch (464430), was transferred from the Georgetown Guyana District (388734) to the Berbice Guyana District (2099136).
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/388734
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2099136
A new branch Ciudad Juan Bosch (2305623) was organized in the Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Las Americas Stake (559660)
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/559660
A new branch, Madeline Branch (2316773), was organized in the Cap-Haïtien Haiti District (2114526)
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2114526
The Port-De-Paix Branch (289566), of the Gonaïves Haiti District (278610), was split and renamed the Port-de-Paix 1st Branch. And the new Port-De-Paix 2nd Branch (2312425) was organized.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/278610
Also,l the Gabions Branch (375748), in the Les Cayes Haiti District (612766), was split and renamed the Gabions 1st Branch (375748), and the new Gabions 2nd Branch (2309807) was organized.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/612766
Two new stakes have been created today in Spain. The Barcelona stake has been divided and the Granollers stake has been created as a result. It's the fourth stake in Catalonia. In Madrid the fourth stake has also been created. Wonderful day for.the growth of the Church in Spain :)
Stake presidents in the AR Little Rock Mission/Memphis Temple District (same boundaries-6 stakes) had a meeting yesterday with 3 general/area authorities. Then they all took a stake to host a special Stake Conference. No announcements, no boundary realignment, nothing on the piece of property the church bought... It was a good stake conference though.
We will have at least 10 new stakes each for the DR Congo and the Philippines for 2025 - Just received word of the Marbel Philippines Stake will be organized Nov 30th and the Bocaue Philippines Stake will be organized Dec 7th.
Matt, is there a list somewhere showing stakes and districts with the most units?
It was great to see the dedication of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple today.
My oldest brother served in the Buenos Aires South Mission from 1973 to 1975. At that time they couldn’t even really fathom having a temple in Argentina. I’ll never forget in one of my brother‘s letters, him talking about how he and his companion, in a three month period, knocked on every door in the city of Neuquen and nobody would let them in. He wrote that at their branch meetings each Sunday they had 8 to 12 people and whatever those numbers were, four of them were missionaries.
But, the Lord and the Holy Ghost know the timetable, and it took the older generation passing away before the next became a little more open minded. And finally today where there’s a lot more open minded people there. They are now two stakes with 15 wards and two branches in those two stakes.
So in that period of roughly 50 years, the church now has gone from 4 to 8 active members, excluding the missionaries, to being a strong hold for the Lord in the church.
The same thing will happen all over the world and it’s exciting to see it . Those of us who have been blessed with the spirit of the Holy Ghost know exactly what’s going, on while everybody else is left to scratch their heads and wonder why, or how to stop it.
They can’t stop it because truly this is the work of the Lord!
Katuba DRC is possible-- 12 wards, 1 branch. But not every DRC stake this big splits.
Mike Z., This is not a list ranked largest to smallest Stakes / Districts. But here is my current list of about 32,000 known Wards and Branches, grouped together by Stakes, Districts and Missions worldwide. With a Stake total # of Units under each. You can copy and rearrange to your needs. You're welcome.
I'm in the process of reviewing a few stakes daily comparing to my Summer 2025 list for changes.
https://1drv.ms/x/c/1db9589a4503c3cf/ESVU56mU9jVNmQWzCW3tSboB1kqDaFNoCL1-CgFpym115Q?e=7aZAWv
It appears the Bocaue Ward is part of the Valenzuela Philippines Stake (528013), for the proposed split.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/528013
Sometime in the recent past (last six months), the Center 3rd Ward (106542) and the Rosedale Ward (1929) in the Salt Lake Riverside Stake (501425) have both been consolidated. Leaving the Salt Lake Riverside Stake with 4 wards and a branch. And the neighboring Salt Lake Rose Park Stake (502421) with 5 wards.
And the Taylorsville 9th Ward (2089) and Taylorsville 30th Ward (116815) of the Taylorsville Utah Central Stake (506575) have been consolidated as well. The Taylorville Gardens Ward (2615) has been renamed the Heritage Park Gardens Ward (2615) in the same Stake. Which sounds a lot like the neighboring Taylorsville Utah Heritage Park Stake (508950). Leaving the Taylorsville Utah Central Stake with 4 Wards and a branch.
And all 4 Stakes had conference this weekend.
The Granollers Spain Stake (2306611) has been added to the map.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2306611
But the new Madrid Spain South Stake, at the time of this post has not been updated yet.
And the Salt Lake Riverside Stake (501425) has no associated Wards or Branches. As I predicted last week.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/501425
Meadow Ward (116173) - > Salt Lake Pioneer Stake (500542)
Riverside 1st Ward (4448) - > Salt Lake Rose Park Stake (502421)
Riverside 2nd Branch (2052687) - > Salt Lake Rose Park Stake (502421)
Twenty Ninth Ward (3662) - > Salt Lake Pioneer Stake (500542)
North Star Ward (Spanish) (453587) - > Salt Lake Pioneer Stake (500542)
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/500542
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/502421
And previously consolidated before conference were the :
Center 3rd Ward (106542) - > Merged ??
Rosedale Ward (1929) - > Merged ??
Also the Taylorsville Utah Central Stake (506575), no longer has any associated Wards or Branches.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/506575
Golden Living Center Branch (Retirement) (174416) - > Taylorsville Utah Heritage Park Stake (508950)
Taylorsville 10th Ward (2623) - > Heritage Park 10th Ward (2623) - > Taylorsville Utah Heritage Park Stake (508950)
Taylorsville 19th Ward (94706) - > Heritage Park 19th Ward (94706) - > Taylorsville Utah Heritage Park Stake (508950)
Taylorsville Gardens Ward (2615) - > Heritage Park Gardens Ward (2615) - > Taylorsville Utah Heritage Park Stake (508950)
Sauniatu Ward (Samoan) (211222) - > Taylorsville Utah Heritage Park Stake (508950)
And previously consolidated before this weekend's conference :
Taylorsville 9th Ward (2089) - > Merged ??
Taylorsville 30th Ward (116815) - > Merged ??
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/508950
I just went through DR Congo and found that 10 stakes appear likely to be created over the next year, 8 from stakes splitting and 2 districts advancing to stakes. Here's the breakdown by region
The Mbuji-Mayi/Mwene-Ditu area is packed with potential stake splits:
Mbuji-Mayi Stake (10 wards, 1 branch)
Mwene-Ditu Stake (12 wards, 1 branch)
Kabusanga Stake (10 wards)
Luputa Stake (12 wards, 1 branch)
Ngandajika Stake (11 wards, stake conference in January)
And then the Tshitenge District has no district conferences scheduled. Only 5 branches, but my gut says they're prepping to make it part of a stake, which would likely make 6 new stakes in this region.
Lots of stakes have recently been split in Kinshasa, but 2 stakes are still big enough to split next year:
Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Ngaba Stake (11 wards)
Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Ngaliema Stake (12 wards)
And in Lumbumbashi, the Katuba Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake (12 wards, 1 branch) may split as soon as this weekend.
Finally, the Kisangani Democratic Republic of the Congo District, with 9 branches and only one district conferences scheduled (12/14-15/2025) may well become a stake as well.
A third stake was created in Antofagasta Chile this past weekend. The Antofagasta Chile East Stake.
This link is in Spanish, but describes the stake creation. https://www.faroalasnaciones.com/se-crea-la-tercera-estaca-de-antofagasta-la-81-de-chile/
I think (though not sure) the Luputa Stake was split last weekend. No confirmation yet, but some comments in French on their main stake page were congratulating the two new stake presidents
I also missed last night in the Salt Lake Pioneer Stake realignment,
The Poplar Grove Ward (4650) was transferred to the Salt Lake Cannon Stake
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/502219
And in the Salt Lake Cannon Stake (502219), the Cannon 3rd Ward (5231) was consolidated.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/502219
A new Stake created in Mozambique last sunday, Chimoio Mozambique Stake.
A new Stake created in Mozambique last sunday, Chimoio Mozambique Stake.
Thank you, Caleb. The following video on the Facebook page starts the Letter of Creation read in French about 46:30 into the video. The audio quality is not that great. But it sounds like the new stake to be called Katubi DRC. Although i may be wrong.
https://www.facebook.com/61576662464546/videos/1552121435797640
If anyone here speaks french and can correct me.
It has been called the Katubi DRC Stake, according to the meeting minutes here.
https://www.facebook.com/augu.kanangila.3/posts/pfbid02pQvgEo9zCfZnGY3WUiuX4gcRN8MTuVoKF1Zk2nww2e3BDA3ttFpDybNxEkbr2YALl?rdid=O53yX94iXYp2BGa9#
And from that news article i gather :
Antofagasta Chile East Stake ( ) : 5 Wards
124168 Antofagasta Centro Ward
352802 Bolívar Ward
165964 Caliche Ward
61743 Centenario Ward
124303 Las Rocas Ward
Antofagasta Chile La Portada Stake (522392) 5 Wards + 1 Branch :
2067021 Cerro Moreno Ward
228850 Las Arenas Ward
2215454 Las Palmeras Ward
288683 Mejillones Branch
2255251 Sierra Nevada Ward
114952 Tocopilla Ward
Antofagasta Chile Stake (513377) 5 Wards and 1 Branch :
228818 Angamos Ward
114928 Miramar Ward
165972 Orígenes Ward
2271443 Parque Japonés Ward
197815 Quito Ward
288624 Tal-Tal Branch
If no one has posted yet, here is the organization of the new Madrid Spain South Stake, in the Spain Madrid South Mission
Madrid Spain South Stake (2306298)
Organized 23 November 2025
- Alcázar Branch
- Aranjuez Ward
- Arganda del Rey Ward
- Ciudad Real Branch
- Leganés Ward
- Móstoles Ward
- Parla Branch
- Talavera Branch
- Toledo Ward
- Valdepeñas Branch
From what is said in the link, the Antofagasta Chile Stake had one ward (Antofagasta Centro) transferred to the new stake and is left with 5 wards and 1 branch. From the Antofagasta Chile La Portada Stake, the new stake gained the Bolivar, Caliche, Centenario, and Las Rocas Wards, also leaving that stake with 5 wards and 1 branch.
It looks like the Luputa Stake was indeed split this past weekend, and the new stake in the Katubi DR Congo Stake
The interviews with President Freeman and Sister Wright seemed to indicate that the overwhelming response from young women when asked was that they preferred to keep sisters' missions at 18 months.
I'm surprised they didn't just reinstate the old "Antofagasta Chile Caliche Stake" that existed from November 4th, 1984 - June 15th, 2003, since the new stake includes the Caliche Ward.
Antofagasta Chile Caliche (1984-11-04, 1997-06-24) (Discontinued 2003-06-15)
1. 2003-06-15 Discontinued
2. 2000-09-03 Mario Rafael Martinez C.
3. 1998-03-01 Javier Alonso Ortiz Leiva
4. 1993-09-05 Juan Jesus Lee Olivares
5. 1984-11-04 Ricardo Manuel Palma Fuentes
Heres the Facebook video of the District Conference to organize the Stake. (In Portuguese) from "Amigos de Distrito de Chimoio".
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1M71ghGLpG/
The Huanuco Peru Stake will be split next weekend to create a new stake, which will total 3 stakes in Huanuco.
https://www.facebook.com/EstacaHuanucoPeru
@Gary C Williams
I was excited to hear about the Bahía Blanca dedication, as well.
I had a district leader friend of mine who served there (before he got sent back to the states for the remainder of his mission, due to injury).
I believe Buenos Aires was still the only temple in Argentina at the time (back in '02-'04)?
I noticed 7 new missions in Africa West Area but no additional missions in Nigeria. Half of the church in the Africa West Area is in Nigeria.
The Minatitlán Mexico Tecnológico District (526819), of the Mexico Villahermosa Mission, has become a Stake recentlly. Possibly this weekend?
Minatitlán México Stake | Meetinghouse Locator
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/526819
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/missions/1175165
It looks like Mozambique will get another stake next weekend when the Beira Mozambique Munhava Stake will be divided. Will likely also involve the Beira Mozambique Stake, given the same stake conference date.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557427963345
New missiona leaders have been called for the Venezuela Valencia Mission and will start serving later this month. We don't often see new mission leaders begin serving in December, so I wonder what happened there.
According to the meetinghouse locator, the new stake in Luputa is actually called the Luputa DR Congo Katubi Stake
New leaders of the Venezuela Valencia Mission have been called and will begin their service in December instead of next July.
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2025/11/26/new-venezuela-valencia-mission-president-companion-diaz/
In the reshuffling of the Madrid Spain stakes this last weekend,
The Madrid 1st Ward (80403), and Madrid 4th Ward (171158), from the Madrid Spain East Stake (528714) were both transferred to the Madrid Spain Central Stake (1958046).
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/1958046
Leaving the Madrid Spain Central Stake - 6 Congregations
Madrid Spain East Stake - 6 Congregations
Madrid Spain South Stake - 10 Congregations
Madrid Spain West Stake - 9 Congregations
I know i talked above about the possibility of the Makelekele Republic of the Congo Stake (2025302), from a member comment on facebook about a possible new stake in the area. But now i feel the likelyhood of it happening being greater. Since the Brazzaville Republic of the Congo (430072) also has a conference planned for this weekend 11/30/25. Now a 3rd Metro Brazzaville stake, the Diata Republic of the Congo (2156342) just had a conference a week ago and has another planned this weekend 11/29-11/30/25.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2156342
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/430072
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2025302
With all 3 Metro Stakes on same weekend, I find it highly likely of a realignment coming.
Any thoughts?
Here is a youtube page for last week's live conference feed for Diata. Scheduled 11/22-11-23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICL_gjHtXgk
And meetinghouse says they have another this weekend.
And here is the Facebook group "News of Diata Stake" of last sunday session in Diata Stake. So 2 weekends in a row of conference means either a GA multistake visit or other changes.
https://www.facebook.com/pieudediata
I also have a feeling we will be hearing this weekend about the Beira Mozambique (423076) and Beira Mozambique Munhava (2227452) Stakes.
With 7 Wards and 9 Wards + 2 Branches, respectively. Eighteen total Congregations, which could become 3 Stakes of 6 Congregations each.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/423076
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2227452
@Matt, I was wrong the new Katubi Stake is named
Luputa Democratic Republic of the Congo Katubi Stake (2302810)
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2302810
You can all take this observation with a grain of salt, as they say. As Michael Worley mentioned above about his observations of possible splits in the DRC in near future. He mentioned the Mbuji-Mayi DRC Stake.
Well, the only 2 Stakes in the Church to schedule a Stake Conference the last weekend of this year 12/27-12/28 are the neighboring Mbuji-Mayi DRC Stake (1482785) + Dibindi DRC Stake (2186950). With 10 Wards and 1 Branch in the former and 7 Wards in the latter. Easily 3 Stakes of 6 Congregations each.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/1482785
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2186950
Just a thought. Like I said the only 2 Stakes that weekend worldwide.
And another observation, the Ananindeua Brazil Stake (1461370), located directly north of Belem Brazil, just had a conference this last weekend 11/22-11/23/25.
And has another planned in about 2 weeks from now 12/13-12/14/25. With no apparent reason for realignment. The 3 Stakes directly neighboring it have next conferences in mid 2026 (May-Jun). So maybe just a GA visit in 2 weeks. It's regular next 6 month Conference is on June 21st, 2026
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/1461370
We might here news this weekend between the neighboring Durazno Uruguay Stake (512524) and Mercedes Urugay Stake (522295)
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/512524
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/522295
The Durazno Uruguay Stake just had a Conference this last weekend 11/22-11/23, and has another scheduled this weekend 11/29-11/30. Although unless its a merger (both stakes have 11 wards and 1 branch between them). The most likely reason for 2 conferences a week apart, may be a GA multistake visit?
I know it's way far ahead, but it will be interesting to see on Feb 1st, 2026, what happens between the neighboring stakes of Annandale Virginia (505625), with 8 Wards, and Centreville Virginia (508209), with 8 Wards and 2 Branches. Or 18 Units between them. Could possibly make 3 Stakes of 6 Units each?
Especially since Annandale has a regular conference 3 weeks later on February 22nd. And the Centreville Stake has a regular conference on June 14.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/505625
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/508209
The Snowflake Arizona Stake (500291), just had a conference this past weekend 11/23 and has another in a week from now on 12/07/25, the same day as it's neighbor to the south Centennial Arizona Stake (2069466). Could be a coincidence or a realignment or a GA visit. We'll see in a week.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/500291
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2069466
New Stake created in the Snowflake/Taylor Arizona area last weekend.
Is there anywhere where I can get a list of stakes within each mission? The meetinghouse locator site shows a map of each mission, but these maps only show the center part of the boundaries.
I am not seeing anywhere online where this was reported. Where did you hear about it?
I am wondering if we have enough year left for 100 new stakes after all...but after a slow third quarter I am glad that things are picking up!
Last Saturday, the six stake presidents of the Arkansas Little Rock Mission/Memphis TN Temple District had a meeting with a GA and two area authorities. Sunday, each of them split up and presided over a special stake conference. No realignments, no announcements, etc.
Other Matt here..
Perhaps he's referring to the Snowflake Pioneer Stake created in May?
@David M. I don't have access directly to the official CDOL lists. But here is a online link to my Microsoft Excel database of compiled Stakes / Districts. Here organized by assigned Missions / Areas. Including the Church News 2013 Almanac assigned Stake numbers. And the official Meetinghouse Site assigned unit numbers. Including the date of the next Stake / District Conference (where available on the Meetinghouse site).
https://1drv.ms/x/c/1db9589a4503c3cf/EQ65-xttFkdOmBokYu3YscsBkoya8X3L7xv73AQ3kRL5Dw?e=FUapxS
Also here are links to my compiled Mission / Stake Maps downloaded from Matt's Cumorah Foundation International Atlas maps. Some need updating the boundaries drawn from last 2 or 3 years.
I know one of you called my home before, offering for me to teach them how to update the maps. I lost the contact. If anyone has interest in redrawing the corrections polygons to the new realities. I'm open to suggestions.
Worldwide Missions + Stakes
https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1bo0tn35wzHS64lPFnTSIc-6dcUEBb6zU?usp=sharing
Or by Region -
North America Missions -
https://earth.google.com/earth/d/12mmOrdMCM441Iusg1TmUw65WT_E78c6X?usp=sharing
South America Missions -
https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1VogzOb13ZSozpjp5H6p4nyrWKkWdeusP?usp=sharing
Eurasia Missions -
https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1FTRJzV9yeMyfKHdFTy9c0AoBSStsw2IN?usp=sharing
Africa Missions -
https://earth.google.com/earth/d/13AJhhhH0-mn7xxvLeZy5pmI5R9Fm1uJI?usp=sharing
Pacific / Philippines Missions -
https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1xb61cKAcQOr6V78Tr1G-LPs500XlJUSL?usp=sharing
Also, Ryan S, Have you done any other Ward / Branch updated maps besides your Europe Map ?
My friend who is in that stake told me he was there in the meting where they presented the 2 stake presidents and divided the stake.
If anyone is curious, here is my ongoing list of 176 Stakes + Districts to have a scheduled Conference a week from now on December 6th and 7th, 2025.
12/07/25 Kasapa Democratic Republic of the Congo
12/07/25 Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Mikonga
12/07/25 Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Siforco
12/07/25 Kyulu Kenya
12/07/25 Likasi Democratic Republic of the Congo
12/07/25 Luputa Democratic Republic of the Congo
12/07/25 Blantyre Malawi
12/07/25 Bloemfontein South Africa
12/07/25 Harare Zimbabwe East
12/07/25 Benin City Nigeria Sokponba
12/07/25 Calabar Nigeria Tinapa
12/07/25 Kenema Sierra Leone
12/07/25 Lagos Nigeria Ojodu
12/07/25 Lomé Togo Be
12/07/25 Nsit Ubium Nigeria
12/07/25 Ondo Nigeria
12/07/25 Port Harcourt Nigeria Choba
12/07/25 Port Harcourt Nigeria East
12/07/25 Chiayi Taiwan
12/07/25 Hsin Chu Taiwan
12/07/25 Kaohsiung Taiwan North
12/07/25 Itatiba Brazil
12/07/25 Jaraguá do Sul Brazil
12/07/25 Abbotsford British Columbia
12/07/25 Calgary Alberta Fish Creek
12/07/25 Raymond Alberta
12/07/25 Red Deer Alberta
12/07/25 Caracas Venezuela Palo Verde
12/07/25 Maracaibo Venezuela Centro
12/07/25 Puerto La Cruz Venezuela
12/07/25 San Francisco Venezuela
12/07/25 Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Duarte
12/07/25 Jinotepe Nicaragua
12/07/25 La Ceiba Honduras
12/07/25 Mazatenango Guatemala Las Flores
12/07/25 Olanchito Honduras
12/07/25 San Marcos Guatemala
12/07/25 Villa Nueva Guatemala El Frutal
12/07/25 Newcastle-Under-Lyme England
12/07/25 Delicias México
12/07/25 Monterrey México Valle Verde
12/07/25 México City Arbolillo
12/07/25 México City Azteca
12/07/25 Piedras Negras México
12/07/25 Poza Rica México
12/07/25 Puebla México Ometoxtla
12/07/25 Tepic México
12/07/25 Uruapan México
12/07/25 Daru Papua New Guinea
12/07/25 Hamilton New Zealand Rotokauri
12/07/25 Aguilar Philippines
12/07/25 Camiling Philippines
12/07/25 Carigara Philippines
12/07/25 Digos Philippines
12/07/25 Dumaguete Philippines
12/07/25 Makati Philippines East
12/07/25 Mati Philippines
12/07/25 Orion Philippines
12/07/25 Paniqui Philippines
12/07/25 Sagay Philippines
12/07/25 Taguig Philippines
12/07/25 Casa Grande Perú
12/07/25 Cuenca Ecuador
12/07/25 Lima Perú Las Flores
12/07/25 Lima Perú Naranjal
12/07/25 Lima Perú Pachacamac
12/07/25 Machala Ecuador Puerto Bolívar
12/07/25 Pomalca Perú
12/07/25 Sullana Perú
12/07/25 Arauco Chile
12/07/25 Buenos Aires Argentina Monte Grande
12/07/25 Chillán Chile
12/07/25 Fernando de la Mora Paraguay
12/07/25 La Plata Argentina
12/07/25 Los Ángeles Chile South
12/07/25 Neuquén Argentina
12/07/25 Rivera Uruguay
12/07/25 Santiago Chile Conchalí
12/07/25 Ames Iowa
12/07/25 Filer Idaho
12/07/25 Grand Junction Colorado
12/07/25 Montrose Colorado
12/07/25 Nampa Idaho North
12/07/25 Paris Idaho
12/07/25 Paul Idaho
12/07/25 Rexburg Idaho Henry's Fork
12/07/25 Rexburg Idaho North
12/07/25 Rexburg Idaho South
12/07/25 Shoal Creek Missouri
12/07/25 Farmington Hills Michigan
12/07/25 Muncie Indiana
12/07/25 Oakton Virginia
12/07/25 Seneca Maryland
12/07/25 Syracuse New York
12/07/25 Waynesboro Virginia
12/07/25 Cleveland Tennessee
12/07/25 Knoxville Tennessee
12/07/25 Lexington Kentucky
12/07/25 Lilburn Georgia
12/07/25 Nashville Tennessee
12/07/25 Slidell Louisiana
12/07/25 Winston-Salem North Carolina
12/07/25 Albuquerque New Mexico
12/07/25 Blanding Utah
12/07/25 Carrollton Texas
12/07/25 Casa Grande Arizona
12/07/25 Centennial Arizona
12/07/25 Conroe Texas
12/07/25 Dallas Texas East
12/07/25 Gilbert Arizona Greenfield
12/07/25 Houston Texas South
12/07/25 Houston Texas Summerwood
12/07/25 Las Vegas Nevada Blue Diamond
12/07/25 Lewisville Texas
12/07/25 Norman Oklahoma
12/07/25 Payson Arizona
12/07/25 Snowflake Arizona
12/07/25 Tucson Arizona Rincon
12/07/25 White Mountain Arizona
12/07/25 Cerritos California
12/07/25 Chatsworth California
12/07/25 Fairfield California
12/07/25 Forest Grove Oregon
12/07/25 Seattle Washington
12/07/25 Spokane Washington Mount Spokane
12/07/25 Stockton California
12/07/25 The Dalles Oregon
12/07/25 Visalia California
12/07/25 American Fork Utah
12/07/25 Bountiful Utah North Canyon
12/07/25 Clearfield Utah North
12/07/25 Enoch Utah West
12/07/25 Hooper Utah Pioneer Trail
12/07/25 Kanab Utah Kaibab
12/07/25 Lehi Utah East
12/07/25 Logan Utah Cache West
12/07/25 Moab Utah
12/07/25 Plain City Utah
12/07/25 Pleasant Grove Utah West
12/07/25 Provo Utah South
12/07/25 Riverton Utah Western Springs
12/07/25 Roosevelt Utah West
12/07/25 Salt Lake Cottonwood
12/07/25 Salt Lake Holladay North
12/07/25 Salt Lake Valley View
12/07/25 Salt Lake Wilford
12/07/25 Salt Lake Winder
12/07/25 Salt Lake Winder West
12/07/25 Saratoga Springs Utah Crossroads
12/07/25 Saratoga Springs Utah Quailhill
12/07/25 St George Utah Crimson Ridge West
12/07/25 Tooele Utah
12/07/25 Vernal Utah Ashley
12/07/25 Vineyard Utah Springwater
12/07/25 Washington Utah East
12/07/25 West Bountiful Utah
12/07/25 West Jordan Utah
12/07/25 Kagoshima Japan
12/07/25 Azua Dominican Republic
12/07/25 Dipolog Philippines
12/07/25 Baybay Philippines
12/07/25 El Rosario Venezuela
12/07/25 Balingasag Philippines
12/07/25 Kuching Malaysia
12/07/25 ABC Islands
12/07/25 Ulsan Korea
12/07/25 Karachi Pakistan
12/07/25 Cotui Dominican Republic
12/07/25 Macau China
12/07/25 Nassau Caribbean
12/07/25 Gulu Uganda
12/07/25 Monte Plata Dominican Republic
12/07/25 Ifo Nigeria
12/07/25 Argao Philippines
12/07/25 Libreville Gabon
12/07/25 Sablayan Philippines
If any stand out as possible Splits or Mergers for next weekend? Both I and Henry Ponnefz commented above the possibility of the Snowflake AZ Stake (500291) and Centennial Arizona Stake (2069466) having a split to organize a 3rd or 4th Stake in the Snowflake/Taylor/Centennial Arizona area.
And only 51 Stakes and Districts scheduled conference for the follwing weekend December 13th and 14th, 2025.
12/14/25 Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Binza
12/14/25 Malandji Democratic Republic of the Congo
12/14/25 Beira Mozambique Inhamízua
12/14/25 Freetown Sierra Leone Hill Sation
12/14/25 Ananindeua Brazil
12/14/25 Hermosillo México
12/14/25 Lipa Philippines
12/14/25 Tuguegarao Philippines North
12/14/25 Quito Ecuador Colón
12/14/25 Santa Cruz Bolivia Viru Viru
12/14/25 Blackfoot Idaho
12/14/25 Cheyenne Wyoming
12/14/25 Colorado Springs Colorado
12/14/25 Front Range Colorado
12/14/25 Idaho Falls Ammon West
12/14/25 Idaho Falls Eagle Rock
12/14/25 Lake St Louis Missouri
12/14/25 Rapid City South Dakota
12/14/25 Rexburg Idaho
12/14/25 Ririe Idaho
12/14/25 Westminster Colorado
12/14/25 Columbus Indiana
12/14/25 Lake Mary Florida
12/14/25 Fort Worth Texas North
12/14/25 Klein Texas
12/14/25 Laredo Texas
12/14/25 Mesa Arizona North
12/14/25 Tulsa Oklahoma
12/14/25 Brea California
12/14/25 Makakilo Hawaii
12/14/25 Morgan Hill California
12/14/25 South Hill Washington
12/14/25 Yuba City California
12/14/25 American Fork Utah East
12/14/25 American Fork Utah Harbor
12/14/25 Bountiful Utah Central
12/14/25 Eagle Mountain Utah Sweetwater
12/14/25 Fielding Utah
12/14/25 Logan Utah Cache
12/14/25 Orem Utah Aspen
12/14/25 Orem Utah Geneva Heights
12/14/25 Roy Utah
12/14/25 Saratoga Springs Utah Riverside
12/14/25 South Weber Utah Pioneer
12/14/25 Gingoog Philippines
12/14/25 Cotabato Philippines
12/14/25 San Jose Mindoro Philippines Occidental
12/14/25 Colombo Sri Lanka
12/14/25 Kadoma Zimbabwe
12/14/25 Kisangani Democratic Republic of the Congo
12/14/25 Mwanza Tanzania
In the December 2025 edition of the English Liahona on page 22, there is a map of where the Church is in South America. The map shows part of Antartica as being covered by the Church. Are there members and units in Antartica?
Speculation only:
Unlike the other districts on the list, the Kadoma Zimbabwe District (7 branches), the Kisangani DRC District (9 branches), and the Mwanza Taznania District (10 branches) all do not have conferences set for next year on the website. Each of them may have 5 or more branches to be wards and all of them are in the rapidly-growing Africa Central Area. One or more of these may become stakes.
I read an LDS Living article years ago describing the one and only LDS service in Antarctica. It's a small group with no permanent members that meet with whomever is presently stationed there and whoever else wants to attend.
Nakuru Kenya District has no conferences scheduled for next year yet. Only 5 branches, but if they all became wards, we'd have a new stake.
My apologies-- it seems many of the Africa Central Area's Districts, including those not poised for splitting, don't have 2026 District Conferences publicly listed just yet. So it's not as strong a tell as I had hoped.
My apologies-- it seems many of the Africa Central Area's Districts, including those not poised for splitting, don't have 2026 District Conferences publicly listed just yet. So it's not as strong a tell as I had hoped.
And by "splitting" I mean "becoming a stake."
And by "splitting" I mean "becoming a stake."
Good question. I would say there's a very high likeliness that there are members in Antarctica - especially now that it's coming into the summer months. The meetinghouse locator does not show any units on the continent, but makes sense as there are no permanent residents. The Antarctic Treaty System suspended any territorial claims when it was adopted.
Consequently, I would assume any group meeting in Antarctica would operate more like military servicemen's groups, and that member's records would be tied to their home unit.
Somehow on the December 7th list above i missed the Silver Creek Arizona Stake (513881), Stakecenter located in Taylor, Arizona.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/513881
Which currently has 10 Wards.
The Centennial Arizona Stake (2069466) has 6 Wards and 1 Branch.
The Snowflake Arizona Stake (500291) has 7 Wards.
And the Snowflake Arizona Pioneer Stake (2272601) has 6 Wards. I don't know if any would be involved in the realignment. Since the Stake doesn't have a scheduled conference next week.
Correction on my earlier comment. The map on page 22 shows territorial claims by South American countries. Again, these claims are not recognized by most of the world.
I haven't done anything else yet, but I have been toying with the idea of doing a Canada map.
I am excited to see two new stakes created in Spain. I am guessing this is a direct result of the higher baptisms (~20%) that have been reported in Europe. I am curious what proportion of new converts are immigrants vs. native Spaniards.
I recently spoke with an individual who returned from a senior mission in Belgium. He said that baptisms are up, and the split between immigrant vs. native converts is 50/50.
I needed some clarification on a question related to Church growth. First, here is a map of the Utah Area:
https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/t57ed4zprf8iwgzpe5uhqkfo1kdudlewe6b6wnnd.pdf
I am not sure how recent that area map might be, but it's the only one I could find. But then there's this transcript of preliminary remarks offered by President D. Todd Christofferson:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/my-home/areas/utah/2025-utah-area-broadcast-transcript?lang=eng
In his introductory remarks, President Christofferson notes the following: "We have divided the Church into geographic areas around the world to be able to administer the Church and the gospel more effectively. Some Church areas include several countries, and others just one country. But because there are so many members, stakes, and temples in Utah,
the state of Utah is an area of its own."
President Christofferson's remarks appeared to imply that the entire state of Utah constituted the Utah Area. But the map I found on the Utah Area website suggests otherwise. Does anyone know, or can anyone tell me, if the boundaries of the Utah Area have changed? And if so, what other changes have there been to United States Areas? Thanks.
The new stake in Huanuco is the Huánuco Perú Viña del Río Stake.
https://www.facebook.com/EstacaHuanucoPeru
The Silver Creek Arizona Stake (513881) will split on December 7th, with the new stake centered in Heber, AZ. The stake will include Overgaard, Clay Springs, and Pinedale. Ward boundaries changed last week in order to move members from the Centennial Stake (~150 members) and the Snowflake Pioneer Stake (~50 members) to the Silver Creek Stake. Those changes triggered other interesting changes, such as a number of Bishops who have served for anywhere from two months to two years being called as Bishop in new wards. This rural area has experienced growth mostly by members moving in. Other recent changes include the organization of the Silver Creek Branch (Spanish) about 8 months ago which currently serves all Spanish speaking members in the Snowflake and Taylor area.
There are two South American country that have territorial claims in Antarctica: Argentina and Chile, and that maps shows only the Argentinian claim.
As Matt posted previously, here is the Facebook post from the new Marbel Philippines Stake Newsroom, announcing the creation of the Stake from the old mission district.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573167178085
Here is the Youtube recording of the Huanuco Perú Stake Conference, with the reading of the letter from the First Presidency beginning at about 59 Minutes into the recording.
Naming the new stake the "Huánuco Perú Viña del Río Stake"
The old Huánuco Perú Stake will retain the following units: La Alameda Ward (292206), Los Portales Ward (22556383), Pedro Puelles Ward (61115), Primavera Ward (568724), Tingo María Ward (485292), and the Aucayacu Branch (2226235) and Naranjillo Branch (2248255).
The new Huánuco Perú Viña del Río Stake will contain the following units: Cayhuayna Ward (1216570), Huánuco Central Ward (257680), Pillco Mozo Ward (2268949), Tarapacá Ward (303224) and Viña del Río Ward (208191).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE1pPb3-1SM
Other Matt here...
Looks like Silver Creek AZ Stake (Taylor area) is officially being split to form the new Heber AZ Stake on December 7th. New wards and/or ward realignment already happened last Sunday, bringing a few wards from Centennial Stake over to the realigned Silver Creek Stake.
This brings it up 5 stakes in the greater Snowflake/Taylor Area.
It looks like the new stake in Huanuco is the Huanuco Peru Vina del Rio Stake
Looks like I need to refresh my page before commenting so I'm not the 3rd person to share the same news haha
One a different note, I use the KML download on Rick's temple site to check on stake/district locations. I have yet to see the new Bishoftu Ethiopia District appear there. Does anyone know who updates that for him and how to get in touch with them?
I wonder if the Payson Arizona Stake (277037), located bordering just west of the Heber Arizona Area which also has conference this sunday December 7th and again in February 2026. With 4 Wards and 5 Branches currently be involved in the Split with the Centennial and Silver Creek Stakes this sunday.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/277037
Marbel Philippines Stake Newsroom
2h
·
Marbel Philippines Stake Creation Conference was a day heaven felt very near.
We were blessed to be presided over by Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr, of the Seventy and Philippines Area President. Elder Danilo F. Costales, Area Seventy, was also with us. President Raymond R Vicente and Sister Marylene Vicente of the Philippines General Santos Mission joined in this sacred milestone and added to the spiritual strength of the conference.
In this historic moment, the wards of Marbel 1st, Marbel 2nd, San Jose, Tacurong, and Surallah were organized to form the new Marbel Philippines Stake. The Lord has prepared these people for many years and brought us to this sacred beginning.
President Rick Anthony L. Benosa was called as the first stake president of the Marbel Philippines Stake. President Reynante David Pinto as first counselor and President Jovencio Baladad Jr as second counselor. The Lord truly knows the hearts of His servants and calls them in His wisdom and timing.
Nathan, if i understood you correctly. The 3 Wards that meet in the Heber-Overgaard meetinghouse ((Black Canyon Ward (278920), Buckskin Canyon Ward (132187) and Mogollon Rim Ward (34886)) plus the Clay Springs Ward (237663) and the Pinedale Ward (33855), will make up the 5 "core" Wards of the new Stake, with possibly other units from the neighboring Payson Arizona Stake also. And the old Silver Creek Arizona Stake (513881), will retain the 5 remaining Wards currently (Bourdon Ranch Ward (129763), Harvest Valley Ward (105287), Love Lake Ward (33774) Schoens Ward (544949) and Taylor Sunrise Ward (2220334)).
Here's a Facebook photo of the Stake, posted on the Silver Creek Arizona Stake site under comments from locals asking for a map so they know which building to attend. Although unclear if this is the new Stake boundaries or the old one.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10231566100277253&set=p.10231566100277253&type=3
A new stake was organized in Lubumbashi yesterday, the Upemba DR Congo Stake.
Additionally, a new Kananga DRC mission page has popped up on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583347544191
It has since reported the creation of a new branch in Demba, and that between October 27 and November 30 2025, the mission baptized 535 converts. Insane! That rate, taken over a year long period, is equivalent to three new stakes being baptized in a mission that only has 6 stakes, a district and a handful of mission branches.
Additionally, the page says it covers a handful of areas, including Ilebo and Tshimbulu, where there are currently no branches. However, I think this means there are likely mission groups operating in those cities.
Looking at the map, the specified region of Heber-Overgaard, Clay Springs, and Palmdale has 5 wards, which is enough congregations on paper for a stake on its own: the Black Canyon, Buckskin Canyon, Clay Springs, Mogollon Rim, and Pinedale Wards. 3 of these wards meet at a chapel in Heber, while the other 2 meet in a chapel in Clay Springs.
Based on what I can see as the congregation list of the Silver Creek AZ Stake, it would be left with 5 wards: the Bourdon Ranch, Harvest Valley, Love Lake, Schoens, and Taylor Sunrise Wards.
If this is indeed what the new stake will be comprised of, I personally would not consider it as a "greater Snowflake/Taylor Area" stake if the 2 stakes covering Show Low are excluded. My reasoning is Show Low is closer and is a quicker drive to Snowflake than Heber (24 min vs 33 min). We'll certainly find out Sunday.
This weeks updates :
Beira Mozambique Aeroporto Stake (2302489)
Organized on 30 November 2025
- Aeroporto Ward
- Chota Branch
- Cirol Branch
- Manga Loforte Ward
- Maraza 1st Ward
- Maraza 2nd Ward
- Mascarenha Ward
Mission: Mozambique Beira Mission
Temple: Durban South Africa Temple
Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of Congo Upemba Stake (2304015)
Organized on 30 November 2025
- Du Parc Ward
- Gecamines 1st Ward
- Gecamines 2nd Ward
- Katuba 3rd Ward
- Salongo Ward
- Upemba Ward
Mission: Democratic Republic of the Congo Lubumbashi Mission
Temple: Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple
Huánuco Perú Viña del Río Stake (2298589)
Organized on 30 November 2025
- Cayhuayna Ward
- Huánuco Central Ward
- Pillco Mozo Ward
- Tarapacá Ward
- Viña del Río Ward
Mission: Perú Huancayo Mission
Temple: Lima Peru Temple
Luputa Democratic Republic of the Congo Katubi Stake (2302810)
Organized on 23 November 2025
- Kasakayi Ward
- Katubi Ward
- Luputa 2nd Ward
- Lusuku 1st Ward
- Lusuku 2nd Ward
Mission: Democratic Republic of the Congo Mbuji-Mayi Mission
Temple: Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple
Minatitlán México Stake (526819)
Upgraded from district on 23 November 2025
Marbel Philippines Stake (606006)
Upgraded from district on 30 November 2025
The Kananga DRC mission numbers are very encouraging. The Kasai region is getting a 3rd mission next July. That region got its first mission in 2016 with Alfred Kyungu, who is Congolese, as the first president. He is now president of the Africa West Area.
On the issue of the Utah Area I think President Christofferson is speaking in generalities. Having an area that only covered Utah and only Utah would be impractical. There are points where drawing lines not on state lines makes more sense.
The dedication date for the Davao Philippines Temple has been announced for early May. The Church News article mentions this is the furthest South Temple of all 14 announced or dedicated in the Philippines. This caused me to wonder if a further south temple might happen. General Santos is the main city in the Philppines further south than Davao and that is the mission where a new stake was recently formed. So we may see a temple announced for that city at some point, I have no idea when.
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