Over the past three months, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has experienced an unusually strong period of administrative growth and reorganization, marked by the creation of 28 new stakes and 11 new districts worldwide. In total, 93 new stakes have been organized in 2025—the highest annual total since 2016—while 31 new districts were created during the year, the most since 2015. This recent acceleration reflects continued expansion in high-growth regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Philippines, and across sub-Saharan Africa, alongside strategic realignment and consolidation in more mature areas including Utah and Brazil. Collectively, these developments highlight a Church that is rapidly establishing new centers of strength while simultaneously adjusting its administrative footprint to align with shifting demographic and membership trends.
Utah
The Church has organized five new stakes and discontinued three stakes in Utah.
New Stakes
The Orem Utah YSA 5th Stake was organized on September 21st from the Orem Utah YSA 4th Stake and other stakes in the area. The new stake includes the following eight wards: the Orem YSA 16th, Orem YSA 19th, Orem YSA 24th, Orem YSA 25th, Orem YSA 27th, Orem YSA 32nd, Orem YSA 33rd, and Orem YSA 49th Wards.
The Payson Utah Arrowhead Stake was organized on October 19th from the Payson Utah Mountain View Stake (organized in 1974). The new stake includes the following six wards: the Mountain View 4th, Mountain View 5th, Mountain View 6th, Mountain View 7th, Mountain View 8th, and Mountain View 11th (Spanish) Wards. There are now six stakes in Payson.
The Vineyard Utah YSA Stake was organized on October 19th from the Orem Utah YSA 1st Stake (organized in 1984), the Orem Utah YSA 3rd Stake, and possibly additional YSA stakes in the area. The new stake includes the following seven wards: the Orem YSA 6th, Orem YSA 9th, Orem YSA 13th, Orem YSA 31st, Orem YSA 45th, Orem YSA 47th, and the Orem YSA 48th Wards.
The Santaquin Utah South Stake was organized on November 2nd from the Santaquin Utah Stake (organized in 1917) and the Santaquin Utah East Stake (organized in 2019). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Foothills, Summit Creek, Summit Ridge 1st, Summit Ridge 7th, and Summit Ridge 8th Wards. There are now four stakes in Santaquin.
The Elk Ridge Utah West Stake was organized on November 16th from the Elk Ridge Utah Stake (organized in 2002). The new stake includes the following eight wards and one branch: the Elk Ridge 5th, Elk Ridge 6th, Elk Ridge 8th, Elk Ridge 10th, Elk Ridge 11th, Elk Ridge 13th, and Elk Ridge 14th Wards and the Elk Ridge 9th Branch. There are now two stakes in Elk Ridge.
Discontinued Stakes
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)
The Church has organized four new stakes and five new districts in the DR Congo.
New Stakes
The Kasumbalesa DR Congo Stake was organized on November 9th from the Kasumbalesa DR Congo District (organized in 2020). The new stake includes the following four wards and two branches: the Bilanga, Golf, Kasumbalesa 1st, and Kasumbalesa 2nd Wards and the Musoshi and Peage Branches. It is unclear whether all of the information has been updated on the meetinghouse locator in terms of additional branches that may have become wards considering newly organized stakes typically have at least five wards.
The Kinshasa DR Congo Fer Bois Stake was also organized on November 9th from the division of the Kinshasa DR Congo N'Djili Stake (organized in 2018). The new stake includes the following seven wards: the Fer Bois 1st, Fer Bois 2nd, Kingasani 1st, Kingasani 4th, Mokali, Mulie, and Sakombi Wards. There are now 18 stakes in Kinshasa - more than any other city on the Afro-Eurasian landmass.
The Luputa DR Congo Katubi Stake was organized on November 23rd from a division of the Luputa DR Congo Stake (organized in 2011 and most recently divided in 2021). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Kasakayi, Katubi, Luputa 2nd, Lusuku 1st, and Lusuku 2nd Wards. There are now three stakes in Luputa (the second stake was organized in 2021 and also appears likely to divide soon).
The Lubumbashi DR Congo Upemba Stake was organized on November 30th from a division of the Katuba Democratic Republic of Congo Stake (organized in 2009) and the Kisanga Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake (organized in 2013). The new stake includes the following six wards: the Du Parc, Gecamines 1st, Gecamines 2nd, Katuba 3rd, Salongo, and Upemba Wards. There are now six stakes in Lubumbashi. The other three stakes not involved with the new stake creation were created in 1997, 2017, and 2024.
New Districts
The Luiza DR Congo District was organized on November 9th from mission branches in the DR Congo Kananga Mission. Two new branches were created when the new district was formed. There are four branches in the district: Kabumba, Luiza, Plaine 1st, and Plaine 2nd. The Church created its first official branch in Luiza in 2023.
The Muanda DR Congo District was organized on November 16th from mission branches in the DR Congo Kinshasa West Mission. One new branch was organized when the district was formed. The new district includes the following three branches: Muanda 1st, Muanda 2nd, and Muanda 3rd. The first branch in Muanda was organized in 2019.
The Boma DR Congo District was organized on November 23rd from mission branches in the DR Congo Kinshasa West Mission. One new branch was organized when the district was formed. The new district includes the following three branches: Boma 1st, Boma 2nd, and Boma 3rd. The first branch in Boma was organized in 2018.
The Kimpese DR Congo District was organized on November 30th from mission branches in the DR Congo Kinshasa West Mission. One new branch was organized when the district was formed which is also the first branch to ever be organized in the city of Lukala. The new district includes the following four branches: Kimpese, Lukala, Madiadia, and Mbuka. The first branch in Kimpese was organized in 2023.
The Tshikapa DR Congo District was organized on December 14th from mission branches in the DR Congo Kananga Mission. Two new branches were created when the new district was formed. There are four branches in the district: Kanzala, Sami, Tshikapa 1st, and Tshikapa 2nd. The Church created its first official branch in Tshikapa in 2024.
There are now 44 stakes and 10 districts in the DR Congo. At the beginning of 2025, there were 32 stakes and three districts in the country. Moreover, more than 80 new wards and branches have been created in the DR Congo since January 1st - the largest net increase in congregations for any country in the world (excluding the United States) since there was a net increase of 101 congregations in Nigeria in 2017.
Philippines
Four new stakes were created in the Philippines.
The Alaminos Philippines Stake was organized on November 2nd from the Alaminos Philippines District (organized in 1992). The new stake includes the following five wards and one branch: the Alaminos 1st, Alaminos 2nd, Bani, Bolinao, and Hundred Island Wards and the Mabini Branch.
The Santa Rosa Philippines Stake was organized on November 2nd from the Calamba Philippines Stake (organized in 1992). The new stake includes the following five wards and one branch: the Cabuyao 1st, Cabuyao 2nd, Santa Rosa 1st, Santa Rosa 2nd, and Santa Rosa 3rd Wards and the Santa Rosa 4th Branch.
Two new stakes were created in Spain on November 23rd.
The Granollers Spain Stake was organized from a division of the Barcelona Spain Stake (organized in 1982). The new stake includes the following four wards and five branches: the Badalona, Girona, Granollers, and Mataró Wards and the Blanes, Figueres, Olot, Platja d'Aro, and Vic Branches. Most of the branches in the new stake have been organized in the past couple of years. There are now three stakes in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Arizona
A new stake was created in Arizona.
The Heber Arizona Stake was organized on December 7th from a division of the Payson Arizona Stake (organized in 2000) and the Silver Creek Arizona Stake (organized in 1980). The new stake includes the following five wards and one branch: the Black Canyon, Buckskin Canyon, Clay Springs, Mogollon Rim, and Pinedale Wards and the Young Branch.
There are now 120 stakes and three districts in Arizona.
Canada
A new stake was created in Alberta, Canada.
The Calgary Alberta Nose Hill Stake was organized on November 9th from the Calgary Alberta North Stake (organized in 1966) and the Calgary Alberta West Stake (organized in 1979). The new stake includes the following six wards: the Arbour Lake, Dalhousie, Mount Pleasant, Panorama, Symons Valley, and Tipton Road Wards.
Chile
A new stake was created in Chile.
The Antofagasta Chile East Stake was organized on November 23rd from a division of the Antofagasta Chile Stake (organized in 1980) and the Antofagasta Chile La Portada Stake (organized in 1993). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Antofagasta Centro, Bolívar, Caliche, Centenario, and Las Rocas Wards. There are now three stakes in Antofagasta. The Church once operated three stakes in Antofagasta from 1993 to 2002 when the Antofagasta Chile Caliche Stake was discontinued.
There are now 81 stakes and nine districts in Chile.
Republic of the Congo
A new stake was organized in the Republic of the Congo.
The Kintélé Republic of the Congo Stake was organized on November 30th from a division of the Brazzaville Republic of Congo Stake (organized in 2003). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Ferme, Kintélé, Makabandjilou, Mikalou, and Nkombo Wards. There are now four stakes in Brazzaville. The other two stakes in Brazzaville were organized in 2014 and 2020.
There are now four stakes in the Republic of the Congo.
Idaho
A new stake was created in Idaho.
The Rexburg Idaho Teton River Stake was organized on December 7th from a division of the Rexburg Idaho Henry's Fork Stake (organized in 2008) and the Rexburg Idaho North Stake (organized in 1945). The new stake includes the following eight wards: the Mill Hollow 2nd, Moran View, Riverside, Salem 1st, Salem 2nd, Salem 3rd, Stonebridge, and Teton River 2nd Wards. There are now 23 stakes in Rexburg.
There are now 147 stakes in Idaho - the second most of any state in the United States.
Kiribati
A new stake was created in Kiribati.
The Tarawa Kiribati North Stake was organized on October 19th from the Tarawa Kiribati North District (organized in 2016). The new stake includes the following five wards and four branches: the Abaokoro, Bonriki, Buota, Temaiku 1st, and Temaiku 2nd Wards and the Abatao, Kainaba, Nabeina, and Tearinibai Branches. The Church organized a third stake on Tarawa Atoll in September 2025.
There are now four stakes and two districts in Kiribati.
México
A new stake was created in Mexico which is technically a reinstatement of a previously discontinued stake.
The Minatitlán México Stake was organized from the Minatitlán México District (organized in 2018 following the discontinuation of the Minatitlán México Stake and the Minatitlán México Tecnológico Stake). The new stake includes the following six wards: the Buena Vista, Jagüey, Justo Sierra, Manantial, San Pedro, and Tenochtitlán Wards.
There are now 231 stakes and 42 districts in Mexico.
Peru
A new stake was organized in Peru.
The Huánuco Peru Viña del Río Stake was organized on November 30th, 2025, from the Huánuco Perú Stake (organized in 1990). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Cayhuayna, Huánuco Central, Pillco Mozo, Tarapacá, and Viña del Río Wards. There are now three stakes in Huánuco, and the city appears a likely candidate for a temple announcement due to remote location. The other stake in Huánuco was organized in 1995.
There are now 118 stakes and 17 districts in Peru.
Uganda
A new stake was created in Uganda.
The Gulu Uganda Stake was organized from the Gulu Uganda District (organized in 2019). All six branches in the district became wards, including Bardege 1st, Bardege 2nd, Gulu, Lacor, Laroo, and Pece. The new stake is a major accomplishment considering the Church had struggled for many years with leadership challenges that required significant mission president support. The first branch in Gulu was organized in 2008.
There are now four stakes and four districts in Uganda.
Zimbabwe
A new stake was created in Zimbabwe.
The Domboshawa Zimbabwe Stake was organized on November 9th, 2025, from a division of the Harare Zimbabwe Stake (organized in 1999). There are only four wards in the new stake (Domboshawa 1st, Domboshawa 2nd, Domboshawa 3rd, and Hatcliffe), suggesting that additional wards will likely be created in the immediate future.
There are now 12 stakes and two districts in Zimbabwe.
Kenya
Two new districts were created in Kenya.
The Bungoma Kenya District was organized on December 7th from a division of the Kitale Kenya District (organized in 2019). The new district includes the following five branches: the Bungoma, Mautuma, Misikhu, Ndivisi, and the Webuye Branches. The Church has experienced rapid growth in western Kenya in the past few years, resulting in the creation of many new branches and now five new districts since 2019. This growth appears to have prompted the creation of the new Kenya Kisumu Mission in 2026. Other districts in the area include Eldoret (organized in 2011), Busia (2019), Kisumu (2019), and Vihiga (2025). More districts are likely to be created soon, such as in Bomet, and the first stake in the region may soon be organized in Eldoret or Kisumu.
The Makindu Kenya District was organized on December 7th from a division of the Kyulu Kenya Stake (organized in 2024). At least two branches appear to pertain to the new district (Makindu 1st and Makindu 2nd).
There are now four stakes and 10 districts in Kenya.
Cote d'Ivoire
A new district was created in Cote d'Ivoire.
The Tiassale Cote d'Ivoire District was organized on December 14th from mission branches in the Cote d'Ivoire Abidjan West Mission. The new district includes the following four branches: the N'Zianouan, Ndouci, Sikensi, and Tiassale Branches. All of these branches have been organized since 2022 in cities that were previously unreached by the Church.
There are now 23 stakes and nine districts in Cote d'Ivoire.
Ghana
A new district was organized in Ghana.
The Mankessim Ghana District was organized on November 16th, 2025, from the Yamoransa Ghana Stake (organized in 2016). The new district includes the following eight branches: the Ajumako, Denkyira, Mando, Mankessim 1st, Mankessim 2nd, Otuam, Pebi, and Saltpond Branches. The decision to create the district was likely to help prepare the area to become its own stake one day. Previous mission presidents have commented how Mankessim appears likely to have its own stake one day given the growth of the Church in the area.
There are now 31 stakes and 13 districts in Ghana.
Ethiopia
A new district was created in Ethiopia.
The Addis Ababa Ethiopia Bishoftu District was organized on December 7th. The new district was created from one branch (Debre Zeit) originally assigned to the Addis Ababa Ethiopia District (organized in 2009). The new district includes the following three branches: the Babogaya, Debre Zeit, and Dukem Branches.
There are now two districts in Ethiopia.
39 comments:
Any new stake to be created this year ? I mean dezembro 28...
Happy Solstice, everyone. :)
Some local church growth news:
I'm happy to report that over the past few months the Elders and I have been teaching a couple of friends of mine (a husband and wife and their two small children), and today I had the blessed opportunity to baptize them and help welcome them into our ward!
Johnathan, “congratulations” is not an appropriate word for that which you were able to do with your friends. I don’t know of any better thing to say other than thank you for your perseverance and for your following the spirit and helping to bring that brother and sister of ours into the church.!
Johnathan Reese WHiting, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing this.
Hello, Matt! Thanks for this report. My family lived in the Payson Utah Mountain View Stake for approximately 5-6 years in the 1990s, We were in what was then the mountain View 4th Ward (which is now the Mountain View 7th Ward, though a new 4th Ward was reestablished at some point). And I had some childhood friends in the Elk ridge and Santaquin regions, so I appreciate this report on that growth.
The growth in Africa is likewise remarkable. And the overall growth in terms of stakes and districts this year is astounding. I had asked about this in the previous thread, but don't think I got an answer: does anyone happen to know the year-to-date net increase in the number of congregations worldwide?
Also, do we anticipate that we are done with stake and district changes this year, or are other changes possible or likely next week? I am continually amazed by the growth of the Church worldwide.
There’s only one known possibility: 1-2 new stakes in Mbuji-Mayi in DR Congo.
That city currently has two stakes and a district. We know the stakes both have stake conference and have 17 units between them, enough for 3 stakes.
Here is an interview dome by the Salt Lake Tribune with our own Matthew Martinich:
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/12/22/55-new-lds-missions-will-bring/
My thanks once again to you all.
If anyone is curious, I found this on another site (unknown how accurate the data is) of Church Historical Facts and Statistics going back to 2012 by Countries and States. Where you can see growth comparison charts Year-to-Year. That they plan to update monthly with data up to December 8th, 2025.
https://latterdatasaint.github.io/LDS-Statistics-Dashboard/
Hello, in regard to the Domboshawa Zimbabwe Stake the 5th ward, the Domboshawa 4th Ward was created on Dec 21st. The new stake now has 5 wards
Some updates that I found in the Asia and Asia North Areas.
Cambodia
Chaktomuk Ward in the Phnom Penh South Stake (413003) discontinued
Hong Kong
New Territories Branch (2286491) in the Hong Kong China District (English) (617865)
India
In the Coimbatore India District (1098381), the branches previously called Gandipuram Branch, Ramanathapuram Branch, Tiruppur Branch have been changed/discontinued and replaced by the Coimbatore 1st Branch (310220)
and Coimbatore 2nd Branch (1260979).
Japan
Sado Branch in the Niigata Japan District (605298) was discontinued and combined with the Niigata Branch (71269). This now leaves the Niigata District with only 2 branches and could be discontinued in future. If so then it could combine with the Nagano or Koriyama Districts next to it.
Here is the facebook post from the Dibindi DRC Stake page, inviting all to a "Special Conference" with both the Mbuji-Mayi and Dibindi DRC Stakes attending.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1199298282144885?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
I have posted this a week or so ago. But here it is again, the List of the first 85 known Stake / District Conferences of 2026, on 01/11/2026.
01/11/26 El Tigre Venezuela
01/11/26 Chinandega Nicaragua West
01/11/26 Guatemala City La Laguna
01/11/26 Huehuetenango Guatemala Central
01/11/26 Managua Nicaragua
01/11/26 San Salvador El Salvador
01/11/26 Campeche México
01/11/26 Guadalajara México Tlaquepaque
01/11/26 México City Bosques
01/11/26 México City Netzahualcóyotl
01/11/26 Puebla México Amalucan
01/11/26 Tecalco México
01/11/26 Guayaquil Ecuador Prosperina
01/11/26 Lima Perú Callao
01/11/26 Lima Perú Pueblo Libre
01/11/26 Lima Perú San Felipe
01/11/26 Lima Perú Surco
01/11/26 Quito Ecuador La Ofelia
01/11/26 Santa Cruz Bolivia El Bajío
01/11/26 Tacna Perú Arias Aragüez
01/11/26 Trujillo Perú Laureles
01/11/26 Caldwell Idaho East
01/11/26 Firth Idaho
01/11/26 Idaho Falls Lincoln
01/11/26 Idaho Falls Taylor Mountain
01/11/26 Loveland Colorado
01/11/26 Meridian Idaho West
01/11/26 Nampa Idaho South
01/11/26 Pocatello Idaho Alameda
01/11/26 Pocatello Idaho
01/11/26 Pueblo Colorado
01/11/26 Cincinnati Ohio
01/11/26 Columbia Maryland
01/11/26 Virginia Beach
01/11/26 Woodbridge Virginia
01/11/26 Atlanta Georgia
01/11/26 Cocoa Florida
01/11/26 Denham Springs Louisiana
01/11/26 Fort Walton Beach Florida
01/11/26 Jacksonville Florida West
01/11/26 Macon Georgia
01/11/26 Pensacola Florida
01/11/26 Searcy Arkansas
01/11/26 West Columbia South Carolina
01/11/26 Albuquerque New Mexico East
01/11/26 Houston Texas
01/11/26 Kirtland New Mexico
01/11/26 Longview Texas
01/11/26 Mesa Arizona Desert Ridge
01/11/26 Odessa Texas
01/11/26 Peoria Arizona North
01/11/26 San Antonio Texas
01/11/26 Tucson Arizona North
01/11/26 Tyler Texas
01/11/26 Yukon Oklahoma
01/11/26 Alpine Utah North
01/11/26 American Fork Utah West
01/11/26 Brigham City Utah North
01/11/26 Fruit Heights Utah
01/11/26 Hurricane Utah West
01/11/26 Layton Utah
01/11/26 Logan Utah Mount Logan
01/11/26 Mapleton Utah
01/11/26 Ogden Utah West
01/11/26 Orem Utah City Center
01/11/26 Orem Utah Lakeridge
01/11/26 Orem Utah Orchard
01/11/26 Orem Utah Timpview
01/11/26 Payson Utah
01/11/26 Pleasant Grove Utah Manila
01/11/26 Pleasant View Utah
01/11/26 Provo Utah Edgemont South
01/11/26 Provo Utah Sunset
01/11/26 Riverdale Utah
01/11/26 Roy Utah West
01/11/26 Salem Utah West
01/11/26 Springville Utah Spring Creek South
01/11/26 St George Utah East
01/11/26 St George Utah Morningside
01/11/26 St George Utah Pine View
01/11/26 Tremonton Utah South
01/11/26 Washington Utah Coral Canyon
01/11/26 Washington Utah East
01/11/26 Provo Utah 1st (Tongan)
01/11/26 Luganville Vanuatu
Including the Luganville Vanuatu District.
I personally feel we may see changes in the Washington Utah Coral Canyon and Washington Utah East Stakes that weekend.
And the 82 Conferences planned for the following weekend of 01/18/2026.
01/18/26 Tainan Taiwan
01/18/26 Hiroshima Japan
01/18/26 Belo Horizonte Brazil East
01/18/26 Curitiba Brazil Portão
01/18/26 Curitiba Brazil
01/18/26 Hortolândia Brazil
01/18/26 Londrina Brazil
01/18/26 Passo Fundo Brazil
01/18/26 Barcelona Venezuela
01/18/26 Amatitlán Guatemala
01/18/26 El Carmen Honduras
01/18/26 Guatemala City Mariscal
01/18/26 San Miguel El Salvador
01/18/26 Valle de Sula Honduras
01/18/26 Arequipa Perú Selva Alegre
01/18/26 Bucaramanga Colombia
01/18/26 Cartagena Colombia
01/18/26 Huacho Perú
01/18/26 Lima Perú Vitarte
01/18/26 Trujillo Perú Primavera
01/18/26 American Falls Idaho
01/18/26 Nashua New Hampshire
01/18/26 Baton Rouge Louisiana
01/18/26 Palm Bay Florida
01/18/26 Amarillo Texas
01/18/26 El Paso Texas Mount Franklin
01/18/26 Gilbert Arizona
01/18/26 Globe Arizona
01/18/26 Harlingen Texas
01/18/26 Henderson Nevada Anthem Hills
01/18/26 Las Vegas Nevada South
01/18/26 Mesa Arizona Boulder Creek
01/18/26 Mesa Arizona Eastmark
01/18/26 Mesa Arizona Skyline
01/18/26 Phoenix Arizona South Mountain
01/18/26 Prescott Arizona
01/18/26 San Antonio Texas Cibolo Valley
01/18/26 Sparks Nevada East
01/18/26 St David Arizona
01/18/26 Citrus Heights California
01/18/26 Fremont California
01/18/26 Laguna Niguel California
01/18/26 Long Beach California East
01/18/26 Modesto California North
01/18/26 Rialto California
01/18/26 San Diego California East
01/18/26 San Mateo California
01/18/26 Alpine Utah West
01/18/26 Bennion Utah
01/18/26 Franklin Idaho
01/18/26 Heber City Utah East
01/18/26 Herriman Utah Butterfield Canyon
01/18/26 Herriman Utah Rose Canyon
01/18/26 Midvale Utah
01/18/26 Nephi Utah
01/18/26 Nibley Utah
01/18/26 Ogden Utah East
01/18/26 Orem Utah Sunset Heights
01/18/26 Pleasant Grove Utah Manila Creek
01/18/26 Providence Utah
01/18/26 Richfield Utah
01/18/26 Riverton Utah Harvest Park
01/18/26 Riverton Utah North
01/18/26 Salt Lake Cannon
01/18/26 Salt Lake Granite Park
01/18/26 Salt Lake Grant
01/18/26 Salt Lake Millcreek
01/18/26 Sandy Utah Midvalley
01/18/26 South Ogden Utah
01/18/26 Spanish Fork Utah River
01/18/26 Springville Utah Hobble Creek
01/18/26 Taylorsville Utah South
01/18/26 Taylorsville Utah
01/18/26 West Jordan Utah Cobble Creek
01/18/26 West Jordan Utah Jordan Oaks
01/18/26 West Jordan Utah Welby
01/18/26 West Valley Utah Granger
01/18/26 Bogo Philippines
01/18/26 Bongabon Philippines
01/18/26 Sogod Philippines
01/18/26 Visakhapatnam India
01/18/26 Battambang Cambodia
@James G. Stokes & Gary C Williams
Thanks, guys!
Does anyone know which countries with sufficient religious freedom do not currently have a Church missionary presence?
Additionally, which cities worldwide—whether or not the country has a missionary presence—have the largest populations without any missionaries?
During my review of the Brazil Area, found that the São Paulo Brazil Jaragua Stake has been renamed the São Paulo Brazil Franco da Rocha Stake. No changes to the wards.
Other Matt here...
@Rocky
Looks like the Sado Branch operates now as a group tied to the Niigata Branch. Still meeting in separate buildings (since Sado is a island off the main island of Honshu) in Japan.
If anyone is interested, this site just went live again after being down a few years. It was posted on another site earlier today on Christmas Day 2025 with Unit Updates from 2023-2025. Some may remember if from years gone by.
https://www.fullerconsideration.com/DeseretDemographer/units.php
You're welcome. And a Very Merry Christmas.
I curious what the YoY increase in wards and branches were going to look like for the year with the large increase increase in stakes. I was curious if the ward growth was going to match the stake growth or if it was simply due to the US allowing less priesthood and overall membership numbers needed for stakes.
Found a website that updates the number of wards and branches in real time, (though dates haven't been attached for a couple a years, but still essentially line up with the year end total published by the church.)
https://www.fullerconsideration.com/DeseretDemographer/units.php
Even with 93 new stakes created thus far this year, there have only been an increase of 120 new wards, which means that the number of wards per stake is going to greatly decrease this year, from 6.84 to 6.72, the biggest drop YoY I have data of going back at least 15 years.
The interesting part though, is that normally there is a decrease in total branches each year. This is usually due to there branches being upgraded to wards each year than new branches created, and of course with some branches closing. The past 15 years have averaged a net decrease of 47 branches per year. This year, for the first time in a quite a while, there has been an INCREASE in branches, and not by just a few, but by 259 in 2025. That is bonkers. I'm not sure if it is from Africa planting or what, but that is a huge (positive) outlier. Even with the paltry ward growth of 2025, that YoY branches number means the net increase in units will be 259, the 2nd highest of the past decade.
Would love any thoughts people may have on that.
Elder Jeffrey R Holland has died, he was 85.
Are we sure that your +120 is comparing apples to apples rather than 2024 including sensitive units vs 2025 non-sensitive only?
What is the net increase in units for the year ? Does anyone know ?
Well, I suspect there may be some unit changes tomorrow, so it is probably too soon to know net unit changes.
One other thing going on with branches is in the US there has been progress of some groups to branch status especially among language branches.
DR Congo is the biggest place for branch growth. The growing number of branches there is quite impressive. There are some other factors though.
It depends as there are certain levels of allowance for missionaries. I don't know of any missionaries in the Middle East/North Africa Area outside of the Jerusalem Center. There is no proselyting missionaries under the definition we're familiar with in Muslim Countries, Russia, and other countries.
Russia use to have proselyting missionaries until nearly a decade ago when Russia introduced it's "antiterrorism laws". At that time, FHC's were discontinued and church websites were taken down, even members aren't forbidden to talk to others about the church building and home. Restrictions weren't limited to this. Also, membership reported by the church was cut by more than half.
A few countries like China allow missionaries in certain locations. However, since Xi Jinping came into power, restrictions in and outside mainland China has been increasing, at least for religion in general - not just ours.
Also, while there's exceptions and a lot of other factors in play, countries with greater religious freedom thrives.
As for cities, many in southeast quadrant of Asia, namely China and India.
Jakarta is now the world's largest city. While there's missionaries there, proselyting activity is highly restricted. This requires missionaries to focus on teaching members, hosting English classes, conducting service, etc. Indonesia's laws bans people from targeting people of other faiths - especially Muslims.
Of the top 7 largest cities by population, only Tokyo allows proselyting activities as we're familiar with. Delhi India is the next closest when it comes to proselyting. However, most missionary work focusing on strengthening members and improving local leadership due to visa, national and local laws, and other restrictions.
So yes, it depends on your definition of "missionary". Of the same 7 largest cities, 4 does not have LDS missionaries, 2 have missionaries but are highly restricted, and only one allows proselyting to other faiths by non-natives.
With the passing of President Holland, I wanted to invite everybody to listen to the Church news podcast that was just released. It’s a great summary of his ministry and devotion to the apostleship. He gives a great background of his sense of not being prepared for a mission and how it changed him Forever more in his life
🔴SPECIAL LECTURE🔴
CREATION OF THE PUK OF ZION OF DIULU
The Diulu stack was created on Sunday. During a special conference held this Sunday 28th December 2025, bringing together the Dibindi clan and Mbuji-Mayi clan.
Presided by ELDER THIERRY K. MUTOMBO, authority general and president of central Africa interregion.
CALL:
Brother ALAIN MUKADI KABEYA has been called, supported and set aside as chairman of the new Diulu pile.
Brother DAVID-OBED KALONJI MALOJI and brother ELIE KASANGU TSHITE have been named as first and second councillors in the Diulu pile presidency respectively.
This new pile consists of the following units:
Diulu Parish 1
Diulu Parish 2
Dibindi Parish 2
Tshikila Parish
Parish of masanka
Mpokolo branch
https://www.facebook.com/people/Pieu-de-Dibindi/61568291703847/#
🔴 SPECIAL LECTURE 🔴
RE-ORGANIZATION OF MBUJIMAYI POKE.
RISE UP:
Brother ALAIN MUKADI KABEYA has been relieved of his call as president of Mbuji-Mayi pile.
Brother JEAN YAMAPIA SOMUE and brother DAVID KALONJI MALOJI have been relieved of their calls as first and second councillors in the chairmanship.
CALL:
Brother KABONGO NUMBI FREDY has been called, supported and set aside as the new chairman of Mbuji-Mayi pile.
Brother JEAN YAMAPIA SOMUE and brother CIMBOMBO GEKULUKA LADISLAS have been called, supported and set aside respectively as first and second councillors in the Mbuji-Mayi pile presidency.
In its new boundaries the Mbujimayi pile consists of the following units:
Muya Parish 1
Muya Parish 2
Muya Parish 3
Tshikama Parish
Tshiya Parish
🔴 SPECIAL LECTURE 🔴
RE-ORGANIZATION OF DIBINDI POKE.
RISE UP:
Brother KALAMBA NGINDU LOUIS-MICHEL and brother RICHARD KAYEMBA MBOLELA have been relieved of their calls as first and second councillors in the Dibindi pile presidency.
CALL:
Brother RICHARD KAYEMBA MBOLELA and brother THEOPHILE-JUNIOR MPANDA KAMPILU have been called and supported as first and second councillors respectively in Dibindi parishioner presidency.
Within these new limits the Dibindi pile consists of the following units:
Dibindi Parish 1
Dibindi Parish 3
Parish of misesa 1
Parish of misesa 2
Parish of bipemba 1
Parish of bipemba 3
Kanshi Parish
I just learned there is now a French speaking group in Lansing Michigan. It will be sharing meeting space with the Spanish speaking group. They meet in a rented space that only the two groups use.
I'm in the St. George East Stake. We have a general authority coming to our stake for this conference, and the two other St. George stakes are connected to us. We have only six wards, but they each have about ten.
St George East (my stake) and St George Pine View before straddle the St George Morningside Stake. We have a general authority coming to our conference on the 11th. The stakes have 26 wards (2 Spanish) in all. We've had a few units close in the area in the last year or so. I don't see a way to create a new stake out of the three, but there are enough Spanish units in the region (including Enterprise, Cedar City, and Mesquite) to create a stake - plus a Portuguese Ward. I predict the creation of a Spanish stake on the 11th, the merging of a few English units in the other two St George stakes involved, and the dissolution of the Morningside Stake.
Also, the Hurricane Utah West Stake (11 Wards), the Washington Utah Coral Canyon Stake (9 wards), and the Washington Utah East Stake (13 Wards) have a total of thirty-three wards, and it is in an area of rapid development, so it is highly likely new wards will continue to be created in years to come (in fact, there is a severe chapel shortage out there). The three stakes share borders. I envision one to two new stakes now with more to come.
I'm hoping for an additional stake in Toquerville - though it may not happen this so soon. The town has three wards, and nearby Leeds has two, but they are in separate stakes. If you include the Virgin River Ward you would have six, and New Harmony to the north is in a Cedar City stake but could be added for seven. It would leave the La Verkin Stake with six wards, all in La Verkin.
Just had a look at Ukraine and it seems like the Kharkiv Ukraine Stake has had a language change from Russian to Ukrainian. The name changes seem to be changing from Russian to Ukrainian spelling as well, but I can't be too sure.
Some exciting news from Seychelles. The senior missionaries that were set apart a while ago have had their first authorised baptism on the island last week.
According to the church directory of leadership (CDOL), the Chimoio Mozambique Stake continues to only have two wards and four branches.
The increase in branches is certainly concentrated in Africa.
The fullerconsideration site notes that in the last year, Brazil has lost 69 wards and 20 branches. And yet, an increase of 2 stakes in 2025. Seems to support the idea that the number of wards per stake is going down.
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