May 2025 Monthly Newsletter

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Europe Central Turkic and Persian-Speaking Mission to be Created in July 2025

New Mission Created for Turkish and Persian Speakers in Europe

Today, Church News published an article announcing the calling of a mission president and his wife to lead the new Europe Central Turkic and Persian-Speaking Mission. This appears to be a newly created mission, as no mission currently operates under this name. However, it essentially represents a reinstatement of the former Central Eurasian Mission, which operated beginning in 2015.

The Church previously organized the Central Eurasian Mission with headquarters in Istanbul, Turkey, although the mission was later relocated to Bulgaria. From 2012 to 2018, foreign missionaries served in Turkey as volunteers who taught by referral. In 2018, the mission headquarters were relocated to Sofia, Bulgaria, and the mission was consolidated with the Bulgaria Sofia Mission. In 2023, the Church organized the Europe Central Area District, which currently includes branches in Turkey and Azerbaijan and provides ecclesiastical support to isolated members and groups in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—none of which have officially organized branches (but all have had a member group in the past and may still have member groups today). As of year-end 2024, there were fewer than 1,000 Latter-day Saints in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the Central Asian Turkic republics combined.

Importantly, the creation of the new mission appears primarily motivated by the need to better coordinate missionary efforts among the millions of Turkish and Persian speakers living in Central Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Although the headquarters of the new mission have not been announced, they are likely to be located in this region. It is unclear how many European nations will be serviced by the new mission.

The Church has experienced its greatest missionary success with Persian-speakers among peoples from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. There may be as many as 10,000 Persian Latter-day Saints worldwide. Several Persian-language branches now operate in the United States and Turkey, in addition to multiple member groups in other countries such as Canada.

It is also worth noting that the creation of this new mission does not appear to be connected to the recent outbreak of war between Israel and Iran. Rather, it reflects the steady increase in convert baptisms among Persian and Turkish-speaking populations in Europe over the past decade. The sustained growth in this demographic has reached a point where a dedicated, multinational mission is now warranted to better serve their needs.

Outlook and Future Developments

Prospects appear favorable for the creation of additional member groups—and potentially the first Persian- or Turkish-speaking branches in Central Europe—in the coming months and years. In some congregations, Persian or Turkic members already constitute a significant minority of active membership.

However, the outlook for missionary activity in Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia remains poor for the foreseeable future due to longstanding restrictions on religious freedom, war, and the transient nature of many converts, which limits the development of stable local leadership.

New Stakes Created in Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington; New Districts Created in the DR Congo (2) and Colombia; Districts Discontinued in Brazil and Colombia

Cameroon 

The Church created its first stake in the African nation of Cameroon on June 1st. The Yaounde Cameroon Stake was organized from the Yaounde Cameroon District (organized in 2012). Over 900 people attended the meeting to create the new stake. The new stake includes the following five wards and four branches: the Anguissa, the Bastos, the Ekounou, the Eleveur, and the Mimboman Wards and the Biyem-Assi, the Messassi, the Obili (English), and the Soa Branches. Reports over the past couple years have noted that the district was close to becoming a stake but continued to need to maintain the minimum standards for the stake to be created. Cameroon is the second African nation thus far in 2025 to have had its first stake organized (the first stake in Tanzania was organized in Dar es Salaam in January). 

There is now one stake and one district in Cameroon. The Church reported 3,327 members in Cameroon as of year-end 2024. 

Chile 

The Church organized a new stake in Chile on May 11th. The Alto Hospicio Chile Stake was organized from the Alto Hospicio Chile District (organized in 2005) which was created when the Church's second stake in Iquique, the Iquique Chile South Stake, was discontinued (originally organized in 1997). The new stake includes the following five wards and two branches: the La Pampa, the Las Américas, the Los Aromos, the Los Cóndores, and the Tarapacá Wards and the Pica and Pozo Almonte Branches. Local leaders are ambitious that a third stake may be created in Iquique one day, although this goal appears unlikely to be reached for many years considering the Iquique Chile Stake has only six wards. The new stake in Alto Hospicio is the first new stake created in northern Chile since 2014.

There are now 80 stakes and nine districts in Chile. 

Colombia

A new stake was organized in Colombia from the Palmira Colombia District (organized in 1986) and the Tuluá Colombia District (organized in 1992). The new stake includes the following five wards and three branches: the Bizerta, Buga, El Recreo, Santa Bárbara, and Tuluá Wards and the Andalucía, El Cerrito, and Zarzal Branches. Several branches were discontinued as part of the process of converting branches into wards, including two branches in Tuluá and one branch in Buga. 

A new district was organized from three mission branches in the Colombia Bogota North Mission. The Casanare Colombia District was organized with three branches, namely the Aguazul, the El Alcaraván, and the Los Helechos Branches.

There are now 32 stakes and nine districts in Colombia. 

Kansas

A new stake was organized in Kansas on June 1st. The Overland Park Kansas Stake was organized from the Lenexa Kansas Stake (organized in 1994) and the Olathe Kansas Stake (organized in 1986). The new stake includes the following six wards and one branch: the Heritage Park, Overland Park 1st, Overland Park 2nd, Overland Park 3rd, Paola, and Stanley Wards and the Mound City Branch. The new stake is the first new stake created in Kansas since the Garden City Kansas Stake was organized in 2003.

There are now eight stakes in Kansas. 

Maine

A new stake was organized in Maine on June 8th. The Portland Maine Stake was organized from the Augusta Maine Stake (organized in 1968). The new stake includes the following seven wards and one branch: the Cornish, Oxford, Portland, Saco, Topsham, Windham, and Yarmouth Wards and the Casco Bay YSA Branch. The other two stakes and the Saint John New Brunswick Stake were also realigned as part of the new stake creation. The last time a new stake was created in Maine was in 1986.

There are now three stakes in Maine.

Missouri

A new stake was organized in Missouri on June 8th. The Shoal Creek Missouri Stake was created from the Liberty Missouri Stake (organized in 1979) and the Platte City Missouri Stake (organized in 1997). The new stake includes the following six wards and one branch: the New Mark, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Platte Woods, Smithville Lake, and Tiffany Springs Wards and the San Rafael (Spanish) Branch.

Papua New Guinea

A new stake was organized in Papua New Guinea on May 25th. The Lae Papua New Guinea Stake was organized from the Lae Papua New Guinea District (organized in 2017). The new stake includes the following six wards and two branches: the Lae, Malahang, Ngasuwampu, Taraka, Wara Kalap, and Yalu Bridge Wards and the Kavieng and Yalu Branches. The creation of the new stake is a major success that would have been unlikely without the creation of the Papua New Guinea Lae Mission in 2013. More information about the creation of the new stake can be found here. The new stake is the Church's second stake to be created in northern Papua New Guinea within the past 12 months.

There are now four stakes and 10 districts in Papua New Guinea. 

Also, the Church's fifth stake in Papua New Guinea, the Oro Papua New Guinea Stake, is scheduled to be organized on June 15th. 

Peru

A new stake was organized in Peru on May 18th. The Lima Perú La Victoria Stake was organized from the Lima Perú Limatambo Stake (organized in 1970), the Lima Perú Magdalena Stake (organized in 1974), and the Lima Perú San Luis Stake (organized in 1983). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Balconcillo, the El Porvenir, the Jesús María, the La Victoria, and the Santa Beatriz Wards. 

There are now 50 stakes in the Lima metropolitan area - more than any other metropolitan area in the world outside of the United States.

There are now 116 stakes and 18 districts in Peru. The Cañete Perú Stake will be organized from the Cañete Perú District on June 22nd.

Tennessee

A new stake was created in Tennessee on June 8th from the Chattanooga Tennessee Stake. The new Cleveland Tennessee Stake includes the following five wards and one branch: the Athens, Cleveland, Dalton, Dayton, and Ooltewah Wards and the Collegedale Branch. This new stake is the Church's second new stake to be created in Tennessee this year.

There are now 13 stakes in Tennessee.

Utah

A new stake was organized in Utah on June 8th. The Lehi Utah Hardman Farms Stake was organized from a division of the Lehi Utah Holbrook Farms Stake (organized in 2019). The new stake includes the following six wards: the Hardman Farms 1st, Hardman Farms 2nd, Hardman Farms 3rd, Hardman Farms 4th, Hardman Farms 5th, and the Hardman Farms 6th Wards.

There are now 25 stakes in Lehi. 

There are now 644 stakes and six districts in Utah. 

Virginia

A new stake was organized in Virginia on June 1st. The Mechanicsville Virginia Stake was organized from the Richmond Virginia Stake, the Richmond Virginia Chesterfield Stake, the Richmond Virginia Midlothian Stake, and the Newport News Virginia Stake. The new stake includes the following five wards and two branches: the Chickahominy, Meadowbrook, Mechanicsville, Scotchtown, and Tappahannock Wards and the New Kent and Richmond Branches. 

There are now four stakes in the Richmond metropolitan area.

There are now 25 stakes in Virginia. 

Washington

A new stake was organized in Washington State on June 1st. The Moses Lake Washington Stake was organized from the Moses Lake Washington Stake and one branch from the Spokane Washington West Stake. The new stake includes the following five wards and one branch: the Garden Heights, Larson Heights, O'Sullivan, Pioneer, and Ridgeview Wards and the Ritzville Branch. 

There are now two stakes in Moses Lake. 

There are now 62 stakes in Washington State.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)

Two new districts were recently organized in the DR Congo. 

The Bandundu DR Congo District was organized from three branches that formerly were under the direct supervision of the DR Congo Kinshasa South Mission, namely the Bandundu, Disasi, and Mayoyo Branches. All three branches are located in the city of Bandundu where the first branch was created in 2020.

The Tshitenge Democratic Republic of the Congo District was organized from four branches in the Dibindi DR Congo Stake (organized in 2022) and one recently organized mission branch (Lukalaba). The new district includes the following five branches: the Kabwe, Kambanja, Lukalaba, Sangu, and the Tshitenge Branches. The first branch in this area was created in Tshitenge in 2011 back when Mbuji-Mayi was a district.

Prospects appear favorable for the organization of many additional districts in the DR Congo due to the rapid and unprecedented expansion of the Church into previously unreached areas. Locations that appear likely to have districts organized within the near future include Boma (2 branches), Bukavu (2 branches), Kamanda (2 branches), Kikwit (3 branches), Kimpese (3 branches), Kipushi (2 branches), Luiza (2 branches), Muanda (2 branches), Tshikapa (2 branches), and Uvira (2 branches).

There are now 34 stakes and five districts in the DR Congo. On June 15th, three new stakes will be created in Kananga and one new stake will be created in Kinshasa, thereby bringing the total number of stakes in the country to 38.

Brazil

A district was recently discontinued in Brazil. The Três Rios Brazil District (organized in 2016) was discontinued. The district previously had five branches. Two branches in Três Rios were consolidated to create a ward in the Petrópolis Brazil Stake and one branch was also assigned to this stake. Another branch was reassigned to the Volta Redonda Brazil Stake (Vassouras) and another branch was discontinued (Valença).

There are now 288 stakes and 35 districts in Brazil. 

New Stakes Created in Utah (4), Idaho (2), Missouri (2), Arizona, Canada, the DR Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Florida, Nigeria, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia; New Districts Created in Arizona (3), Kenya (2), the DR Congo, Guinea, Malawi, and Sierra Leone; Stakes Discontinued in California and Russia; Districts Discontinued in Albania and Brazil

Utah

Four new stakes were created in Utah.

The Hurricane Utah South Stake was organized on March 30th from a division of the Hurricane Utah Stake (organized in 1929). The new stake includes the following six wards: Hurricane 4th, Hurricane 10th, Hurricane 15th, Hurricane 18th (Spanish), Hurricane 19th, and Three Falls. There are now four stakes in Hurricane; the Church organized its third stake in the city in 2019.

The Lehi Utah North YSA Stake was organized on April 13th from a division of the Lehi Utah Jordan River YSA Stake (organized in 2020). The new stake includes the following five wards: Cold Spring Ranch YSA, Hardman Farms YSA 1st, Hardman Farms YSA 2nd, Holbrook Farms YSA, and Lehi YSA 1st.

The Orem Utah Mountain View (Spanish) Stake was organized on April 13th from Spanish congregations assigned to various stakes in the Orem area. The new stake includes the following eight wards: Cherry Hill 8th (Spanish), Geneva Heights 1st (Spanish), Hillcrest 9th (Spanish), Lakeview 11th (Spanish), Sharon Park 13th (Spanish), Springwater 3rd (Spanish), Suncrest 8th (Spanish), and Vineyard 7th (Spanish).

The Provo Utah Edgemont East Stake was organized on March 16th from a division of the Provo Utah Edgemont Stake (organized in 1971) and the Provo Utah Edgemont North Stake (organized in 1988). The new stake includes the following six wards and one branch: Edgemont 4th, Edgemont 6th, Edgemont 9th, Edgemont 10th, Edgemont 11th, Edgemont 14th, and Quail Ridge Branch (Care Center). There are now 47 stakes in Provo.

There are now 643 stakes and six districts in Utah.

Idaho

Two new stakes were created in Idaho.

The Bonners Ferry Idaho Stake was organized on April 13th from a division of the Sandpoint Idaho Stake (organized in 1978). The new stake includes the following five wards and one branch: Bonners Ferry 1st, Bonners Ferry 2nd, Libby, Moyie Springs, Sunnyside, and Troy Branch. This marks the second new stake created in northern Idaho in recent years (the other being the Post Falls Idaho Stake in 2022).

The Burley Idaho Central Stake was organized on May 4th from the Burley Idaho Stake (organized in 1919) and the Burley Idaho West Stake (organized in 1983). The new stake includes the following seven wards: Burley 2nd, Burley 3rd, Burley 6th, Burley 7th, Burley 8th, Burley 9th, and Cassia (Spanish). There are now seven stakes in Burley and nearby communities.

There are now 145 stakes in Idaho.

Missouri

The Church created two new stakes on April 27th in Missouri.

The Grand River Missouri Stake was organized from the Far West Missouri Stake (organized in 2015) and includes the following eight wards: Far West YSA, Gallatin, Grand River Valley, Mill Creek, Spring Hill, Three Forks, Trenton (Tongan), and Yellow Creek.

The Branson Missouri Stake was organized from the Springfield Missouri South Stake (organized in 1995) and the Rogers Arkansas Stake (organized in 1991). It includes the following five wards and one branch: Bee Creek, Berryville, Branson West, Fall Creek, Harrison, and Branson 3rd (Spanish) Branch.

There are now 21 stakes in Missouri.

Oklahoma

The Church created two new stakes on March 30th in the Oklahoma City area.

The Deer Creek Oklahoma Stake was created from the Edmond Oklahoma Stake (organized in 2018) and the Stillwater Oklahoma Stake (organized in 1981). It includes the following seven wards: Deer Creek, Edmond 5th, Guthrie 1st, Oklahoma City 1st, Oklahoma City 4th, Scissortail, and Village.

The Noble Oklahoma Stake was organized from the Edmond Oklahoma Stake (organized in 2018) and the Norman Oklahoma Stake (organized in 1970). The new stake includes the following six wards: Ada, Noble, Norman 1st, Purcell, Seminole, and Shawnee.

There are now six stakes in the greater Oklahoma City area and 13 stakes in Oklahoma.

Arizona

A new stake was created in Arizona. The Snowflake Arizona Pioneer Stake was organized on May 4th, 2025 from the Centennial Arizona Stake (organized in 2016) and the Snowflake Arizona Stake (organized in 1887). The new stake includes the following six wards: Pioneer 1st, Pioneer 2nd, Pioneer 3rd, Pioneer 4th, Pioneer 5th, and Pioneer 6th. There are now four stakes in the Snowflake–Taylor area.

Also, three new districts were created in Arizona on May 4th to serve incarcerated members. Each of these three districts was created from branches that were previously assigned to stakes.

• The Arizona Central District (Correctional Facility) includes the following 10 branches: Eyman Meadows, Gila River, Heritage Park, La Palma, Lewis, Oak, Perryville, Poston Butte, Ranchview, and Sweetwater.

• The Arizona Northwest District (Correctional Facility) includes the following seven branches: Desert Canyon, Jacks Canyon, Little Reservoir, Maricopa County, Phoenix West, Sacramento Valley, and Sawmill.

• The Arizona South District (Correctional Facility) includes the following five branches: Kimball 3rd, Silverlake, Tucson Wilmot, Whitewater Draw, and Yuma County.

There are now 119 stakes and three districts in Arizona.

Canada

A new stake was created in Canada. The Lethbridge Alberta Henderson Lake Stake was organized on May 4th from the Lethbridge Alberta North Stake (organized in 1997) and the Lethbridge Alberta East Stake (organized in 1974). The new stake includes the following seven wards: Coutts, Henderson, Park Meadows, Redwood, Stirling 1st, Stirling 2nd, and Stirling 3rd. There are now five stakes in Lethbridge (one of which is a YSA stake).

There are now 54 stakes and three districts in Canada.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)

A new stake and a new district were created in the DR Congo.

The Matadi DR Congo Stake was organized on May 4th from the Matadi DR Congo District (organized in 2021). Reports indicate that five of the six branches in the former district were organized into wards, although it is unclear which branches became wards in the new stake. The district formerly included a branch in the nearby city of Kimpese (organized in 2023), although this branch was recently reassigned to the direct supervision of the DR Congo Kinshasa West Mission. Two new branches were also organized in Kimpese. A district appears likely to be organized in Kimpese in the near future. With a stake in Matadi and branches organized in nearby Boma and Muanda (each of which have two branches), a future mission appears likely to be organized in Matadi to serve the western DR Congo in Kongo Central Province, which has a population of approximately seven million.

The Lubunga DR Congo District was created on May 11th from a division of the Kisangani DR Congo District (organized in 2023), which had grown to 12 branches after six new branches were organized in November 2024. The new district comprises three branches (Bakonga, Lokele, and Lubunga) in the Lubunga area of Kisangani, which is south of the Congo River.

There are now 34 stakes and three districts in the DR Congo.

Cote d'Ivoire

A new stake was created in Cote d'Ivoire. The Ébimpé Cote d'Ivoire Stake was organized on March 16th, 2025 from the Agboville Cote d'Ivoire District (organized in 2016) and one ward (Attiesso) from the Abobo Cote d'Ivoire West Stake. The new stake includes the following five wards and four branches: Agboville, Assoko (formerly the Blankro 3rd Branch), Attiesso, Azaguié, and Blankro 2nd Wards; and the Attinguié (formerly the Blankro 4th Branch), Blankro 1st, Blankro 5th, and Ebimpé Branches. Three branches were discontinued when the new stake was organized: Agboville 2nd, Agboville District Branch, and Azaguié 2nd.

There are now 23 stakes and eight districts in Cote d'Ivoire.

Florida

A new stake was created in Florida. The Orlando Florida Citrus Ridge Stake was organized on April 27th from a division of the Orlando Florida South Stake (organized in 1992), the Orlando Florida West Stake (organized in 2020), and the St. Cloud Florida Stake (organized in 2005). The new stake includes the following six wards and one branch: Buena Ventura (Spanish), Citrus Ridge, Davenport, Hunters Creek, Lake Toho, Lake Wilson, and Four Corners (Spanish) Branch. There are now seven stakes in the greater Orlando area.

There are now 33 stakes in Florida.

Nigeria

A new stake was created in Nigeria. The Gboko Nigeria Stake was created from the Gboko Nigeria District (organized in 2019) on March 9th, 2025. The new stake is comprised of the following five wards and three branches: Ahungwa, Akaajime, Mbagba, Mkar, and Uwua Wards; and the Agirigi, Atekombo, and Jingir Branches. The Church has experienced rapid growth in Gboko since the first branch was created in 2016, with baptismal services sometimes numbering close to 100 new converts in recent years.

There are now 80 stakes and 13 districts in Nigeria.

Tennessee

A new stake was created in Tennessee. The Johnson City Tennessee Stake was organized on March 9th from a division of the Kingsport Tennessee Stake (organized in 1980). The new stake includes the following five wards and two branches: Abingdon, Bristol, Gray, Johnson City, and Watauga Wards; and Kingsport YSA and Marion Branches.

There are now 13 stakes in Tennessee.

Virginia

A new stake was created in Virginia. The Piedmont Virginia Stake was organized on March 23rd from a division of the Buena Vista Virginia Stake (organized in 1999), Greensboro North Carolina Stake (organized in 1961), Durham North Carolina Stake (organized in 1987), Richmond Virginia Midlothian Stake (organized in 2005), and Roanoke Virginia Stake (organized in 1970). The new stake includes the following five wards and three branches: Danville, Lynchburg 1st, Lynchburg 2nd, Lynchburg 3rd, and Sandy River Wards; and Bedford, Gretna, and South Boston Branches.

There are now 24 stakes in Virginia.

Guinea

The Church organized its first district in the West African country of Guinea on March 30th, 2025. The Conakry Guinea District was created from the three branches in the greater Conakry area: Conakry 1st, Conakry 2nd, and Coyah. There were 162 members who attended the conference to create the first district. The Church created its first branch in Conakry in 2017. The Church has not published any official year-end membership statistics for Guinea since 2018, when there were 61 members. Current membership is likely between 250 and 400. The Conakry area is assigned to the Cote d'Ivoire Yamoussoukro Mission, whereas the rest of the country is not assigned to a mission and is instead under the direct supervision of the Africa West Area.

Kenya

Two new districts were created in Kenya.

The Vihiga Kenya District was created on March 23rd, 2025 from a division of the Kisumu Kenya District. The new district includes the following four branches: Bukura, Kakamega, Luanda, and Mbale—all organized between 2019 and 2024.

The Church created the Nakuru Kenya District from four mission branches (two in Nakuru and two in Naivasha). The first branch in Naivasha was created in 2012; the first branch in Nakuru was created in 2023.

There are now four stakes and seven districts in Kenya.

Malawi

A new district was created in Malawi. The Kasungu Malawi District was organized on March 23rd, 2025 from a division of the Lilongwe Malawi Stake (organized in 2024). The two wards in Kasungu were downgraded to branches, and a third branch was created in the nearby town of Linyangwa. The creation of the new district was unusual given the Lilongwe Malawi Stake was organized less than one year ago. This decision likely indicates that the congregations in Lilongwe were sufficiently strong to support their own stake without the wards in Kasungu. The change also likely aimed to reduce travel times for leaders and encourage growth in the Kasungu area, where there has been rapid expansion since the first branch was organized in 2020.

There are now two stakes and one district in Malawi. Malawi appears highly likely to have its own mission organized in 2026.

Sierra Leone

A new district was created in Sierra Leone. The Church created the Koidu Sierra Leone District on March 30th, 2025 from two mission branches in Koidu (Kapeteh and Koidu). Three new branches were organized the same day the new district was created (Lebanon, Kania, and Mount Zion). The first member group was created in Koidu in 2016, and the first branch was created in 2017. There are now 565 members in the new district, and the mission president reports rapid growth in the city.

There are now 11 stakes and three districts in Sierra Leone.

California

A stake was discontinued in California. The Antelope California Stake (organized in 1988) was discontinued in early 2025. There were five wards in the stake for many years prior to its closure. The three surviving wards in the former stake were reassigned to the neighboring Citrus Heights California Stake (organized in 1980). The greater Sacramento area has experienced slight decline for many years, resulting in multiple discontinued stakes over the past couple of decades.

There are now 146 stakes in California.

Russia

The Church discontinued one of its few stakes in Russia. The Saratov Russia Stake (organized in 2015) was discontinued and reverted to district status (the original district was organized in 1996). The war in Ukraine appears to be the primary reason for the discontinuation of the stake, with many active members reportedly leaving Russia in recent years. The stake previously had four wards in Saratov, one ward in Penza, and three branches (Balakovo, Engels, and Marks). The new district includes four branches in the area once covered by the original stake: Engels, Penza, Solnichhny, and Volzhski. The district also includes branches in Samara, Toliatti, and Volgograd, each of which was previously part of its own district. This development underscores the dramatic decline of the Church in Russia over the past decade, driven by emigration, restricted missionary efforts, government limitations, and historically low activity rates.

There are now two stakes and four districts in Russia.

Albania

A district was discontinued in Albania. The Elbasan Albania District (organized in 2020) was discontinued, and its branches were reassigned to the Tirana Albania Stake (organized in 2014). No branches were discontinued. The district was likely closed to strengthen the Tirana Albania Stake, which recently had one of its wards in Tirana discontinued. The Church in Albania has experienced moderate growth for the region, although it has slowed considerably in the past five years.

There is now one stake in Albania.

Brazil

A district was discontinued in Brazil. The Patos de Minas Brazil District (organized in 2016) was discontinued and combined with the neighboring Uberlândia Brazil Stake (organized in 1995). The three branches in Patos de Minas were consolidated into a single ward.

There are now 288 stakes and 36 districts in Brazil.

The Top Nine Countries with the Most Stakes with Only One Temple

Overview 

The following list highlights the nine countries with the most Latter-day Saint stakes that currently have only one temple—either dedicated or announced. Stakes are among the most reliable predictors of temple announcements, as they reflect sufficient membership, activity, and leadership to sustain both stake and temple operations. In recent years, due to the Church’s rapid pace of temple construction, all countries with at least 24 stakes now have multiple temples announced or dedicated. This is not a traditional “Top 10” list, as four additional countries or territories (American Samoa, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Switzerland) each have five stakes and one temple. Including them would extend the list to 13 entries, so this post focuses on the nine countries with the highest stake counts under that threshold. Countries with the Most Stakes and Only One Temple (Dedicated or Announced)

Country	Stakes	Districts	Notes
Côte d’Ivoire	23	8	Most likely to receive a second temple; Yamoussoukro or western Abidjan are likely candidates
Nicaragua	12	4	Low growth in recent years may delay second temple; nearly all stakes are in Managua
Paraguay	11	9	Stakes are concentrated in Asunción
Sierra Leone	11	3	Bo, with 4 stakes, is a strong candidate for a future temple
Zimbabwe	11	2	Bulawayo (3 stakes) is the top prospect for a second temple
Costa Rica	10	1	Nearly all stakes are in San José
France	10	0	Southern France (e.g., Toulouse) could be considered for a future temple
Panama	7	4	Slow growth; second temple unlikely soon as nearly all stakes are in Panama City
Liberia	7	2	Likely remains a one-temple country for the near future, as all stakes are in Monrovia

Outlook 

Among these, Côte d'Ivoire is by far the most promising candidate for a second temple due to its high number of stakes and geographic spread. Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe follow, based on stake density outside the capital. France also presents a realistic medium-term possibility, while other nations may require more growth and geographic diversification to warrant an additional temple.

New Temples Announced in April 2025 - Part II: In the United States

Caldwell Idaho Temple

The Caldwell Idaho Temple will be the Church's 11th temple in Idaho following the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple (dedicated in 1945), the Boise Idaho Temple (dedicated in 1984), the Rexburg Idaho Temple (dedicated in 2008), the Twin Falls Idaho Temple (dedicated in 2008), the Meridian Idaho Temple (dedicated in 2017), the Pocatello Idaho Temple (dedicated in 2021), the Burley Idaho Temple (announced in 2021), the Teton River Idaho Temple (announced in 2021), the Montpelier Idaho Temple (announced in 2022), and the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple (announced in October 2024). The new temple will likely be a medium-sized temple to serve up to 15 stakes currently assigned to the Meridian Idaho Temple (which has 20 stakes assigned, so it is likely that the Boise Idaho Temple district, which has 16 stakes, will also be adjusted). I had reclassified Caldwell as a location more likely to have a temple announced in March 2025 due to growth in the area over the past decade. The first stake in Caldwell was created in 1972. The Church reported 481,049 members, 1,274 congregations, and three missions as of year-end 2024. There are currently 144 stakes in Idaho.

Flagstaff Arizona Temple

The Flagstaff Arizona Temple is another temple that has been highly anticipated due to its distant location from the nearest temple and a small but sufficient number of stakes in the area to support a temple. Stakes in northern Arizona are divided between the Phoenix Arizona Temple district and the Snowflake Arizona Temple district. Flagstaff was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. There are two stakes in Flagstaff that were organized in 1956 and 2017. The new temple will likely be a small temple with approximately seven stakes in its temple district. Slow growth has occurred in northern Arizona. As of year-end 2024, the Church reported 444,789 members, 118 stakes, 904 congregations, and six missions in Arizona.

Rapid City South Dakota Temple

The Rapid City South Dakota Temple has also been highly anticipated due to its remote location. The temple will be the first temple to be built in South Dakota. The new temple will likely be a very small temple that serves just two stakes: the Rapid City South Dakota Stake (organized in 1972) and the Gillette Wyoming Stake (organized in 1980)—both of which pertain to the Casper Wyoming Temple (dedicated in 2024). The Church has reported moderate rates of membership growth in South Dakota in recent years. There were 11,979 members, 32 congregations, and two stakes as of year-end 2024.

Greenville South Carolina Temple

The Greenville South Carolina Temple will be the Church's second temple in South Carolina following the Columbia South Carolina Temple (dedicated in 1999). The new temple will likely be a small temple that serves just three stakes—two in Greenville (organized in 1963 and 2003) and one in Asheville, North Carolina (organized in 1979)—all of which pertain to the Columbia South Carolina Temple district. The Church has reported moderate rates of growth in South Carolina in the past decade. As of year-end 2024, there were 46,586 members, 10 stakes, 83 congregations, and two missions.

Norfolk Virginia Temple

The Norfolk Virginia Temple will be the Church's fourth temple in Virginia following the Richmond Virginia Temple (dedicated in May 2023), the Winchester Virginia Temple (announced in April 2023), and the Roanoke Virginia Temple (announced in October 2023). The new temple will likely be a small temple that serves three stakes in the Norfolk/Newport News/Virginia Beach area. The first stake in the area was created in 1964, followed by additional stakes in 1977 and 1988. Norfolk was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. Once the state with the most members without a temple before the announcement of the Richmond Virginia Temple in 2018, there are now four temples dedicated or planned. As of year-end 2024, there were 100,031 members, 22 stakes, 213 congregations, and two missions in Virginia. The Church has generally experienced slow to moderate growth rates in the state as a whole, and stagnant growth in the Norfolk/Newport News/Virginia Beach area for many years.

Spanish Fork Utah Temple

After many, many years on my list of locations more likely to have a temple announced, the Spanish Fork Utah Temple was finally announced. The Spanish Fork Utah Temple was my top prediction for a new temple announcement for this General Conference. The new temple will be the Church's 32nd temple in Utah following the St. George Utah Temple (announced in 1871, dedicated in 1877), the Logan Utah Temple (announced in 1876, dedicated in 1884), the Manti Utah Temple (announced in 1875, dedicated in 1888), the Salt Lake Temple (announced in 1847, dedicated in 1893), the Ogden Utah Temple (announced in 1967, dedicated in 1972), the Provo Utah Temple (announced in 1967, dedicated in 1972), the Jordan River Utah Temple (announced in 1978, dedicated in 1981), the Bountiful Utah Temple (announced in 1990, dedicated in 1995), the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple (announced in 1992, dedicated in 1996), the Vernal Utah Temple (announced in 1994, dedicated in 1997), the Monticello Utah Temple (announced in 1997, dedicated in 1998), the Draper Utah Temple (announced in 2004, dedicated in 2009), the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple (announced in 2005, dedicated in 2009), the Brigham City Utah Temple (announced in 2009, dedicated in 2012), the Payson Utah Temple (announced in 2010, dedicated in 2015), the Provo City Center Temple (announced in 2011, dedicated in 2016), the Cedar City Utah Temple (announced in 2013, dedicated in 2017), the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple (announced in 2017, dedicated in 2023), the Layton Utah Temple (announced in 2018, dedicated in 2024), the Red Cliffs Utah Temple (announced in 2018, dedicated in 2024), the Deseret Peak Utah Temple (announced in 2019, dedicated in 2024), the Orem Utah Temple (announced in 2019, dedicated in 2024), the Taylorsville Utah Temple (announced in 2019, dedicated in 2024), the Syracuse Utah Temple (announced in 2020, dedication scheduled for June 2025), the Lindon Utah Temple (announced in 2020), the Smithfield Utah Temple (announced in 2021), the Ephraim Utah Temple (announced in 2021), the Heber City Utah Temple (announced in 2021), the West Jordan Utah Temple (announced in April 2024), the Lehi Utah Temple (announced in April 2024), and the Price Utah Temple (announced in October 2024). The new temple will likely serve 20–25 stakes in the Spanish Fork, Mapleton, and Springville area. Steady growth has occurred in these cities for many years. The Church in Utah reported 2,205,134 members, 640 stakes, six districts, 5,386 congregations, and 13 missions as of year-end 2024. There are now 643 stakes and six districts in Utah.

New Temples Announced in April 2025 - Part I: Outside of the United States

Reynosa Mexico Temple

The Reynosa Mexico Temple will be the Church's 27th temple in Mexico and the second temple in Tamaulipas state. Previously dedicated or announced temples include the Mexico City Mexico Temple (dedicated in 1983), the Colonia Juárez Chihuahua Mexico Temple (dedicated in 1999), the Ciudad Juárez Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Hermosillo Sonora Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Oaxaca Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Tuxtla Gutiérrez Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Tampico Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Villahermosa Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Mérida Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Veracruz Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Guadalajara Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2001), the Monterrey Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2002), the Tijuana Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2015), the Puebla Mexico Temple (dedicated in 2024), the Querétaro Mexico Temple (announced in April 2021), the Torreón Mexico Temple (announced in April 2021), the Culiacán Mexico Temple (announced in October 2021), the San Luis Potosí Mexico Temple (announced in April 2022), the Mexico City Benemérito Mexico Temple (announced in April 2022), the Cuernavaca Mexico Temple (announced in October 2022), the Pachuca Mexico Temple (announced in October 2022), the Toluca Mexico Temple (announced in October 2022), the Tula Mexico Temple (announced in October 2022), the Cancún Mexico Temple (announced in October 2023), the Chihuahua Mexico Temple (announced in April 2024), and the Juchitán de Zaragoza Mexico Temple (announced in October 2024). The new temple will likely be a small temple that serves only three stakes and two districts. There are two stakes in Reynosa, which were organized in 1980 and 2003. Although Reynosa is in close proximity to the McAllen Texas Temple, difficulties crossing the United States border have likely contributed to the Church's decision to announce a temple in Reynosa. The Church reported 1.53 million members, 1,878 congregations, 230 stakes, 43 districts, and 34 missions as of year-end 2024. Growth rates in Mexico have been essentially stagnant or very slow for many years. Mexico has the second-largest number of Latter-day Saints of any country in the world.

Reynosa was not a less likely or a more likely location predicted to have a temple on my temple predictions map. The reason why I had not included it is due to the few number of stakes in the area.

Chorrillos Peru Temple

The Chorrillos Peru Temple will be the Church's 10th temple in Peru following the Lima Peru Temple (dedicated in 1986), the Trujillo Peru Temple (dedicated in 2015), the Arequipa Peru Temple (dedicated in 2019), the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple (dedicated in 2024), the Cusco Peru Temple (announced in April 2022), the Chiclayo Peru Temple (announced in October 2022), the Iquitos Peru Temple (announced in April 2023), the Piura Peru Temple (announced in October 2023), and the Huancayo Peru Temple (announced in October 2023). A temple in southern Lima was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely serve 10 stakes in the southern Lima metropolitan area, although additional stakes in the Pisco area may also be assigned to the temple. Lima and Manila, Philippines, became the first cities outside of the United States to have three temples dedicated or planned with this month's temple announcements. As of year-end 2024, the Church reported 648,045 members, 797 congregations, 115 stakes, 18 districts, and 15 missions in Peru. Peru is the country with the fifth-largest number of Latter-day Saints in the world.

Rivera Uruguay Temple

The Rivera Uruguay Temple will be the Church's second temple in Uruguay. Rivera is a medium-sized city with approximately 85,000 inhabitants, making it the second-most populous city in northern Uruguay following Salto (population: 114,000). Neighboring Tacuarembó was on my list of less likely locations for new temples. The Church's first temple in Uruguay was dedicated in Montevideo in 2001. The new temple will likely be a small temple that will serve approximately 10 stakes in northern Uruguay (which are assigned to the Montevideo Uruguay Temple district) and southern Rio Grande do Sul State in Brazil (which are assigned to the Porto Alegre Brazil Temple district). The Church created its first (and only) stake in Rivera in 1977, which was the first stake to be created in northern Uruguay. The most recently organized stake in central or northern Uruguay was in Treinta y Tres in 2012. Church growth in northern Uruguay and in Brazil along the Uruguayan border has been stagnant for many years. There were 109,905 members, 18 stakes, two districts, and two missions in Uruguay as of year-end 2024.

Campo Grande Brazil Temple

The Campo Grande Brazil Temple will be the Church's 24th temple in Brazil following the São Paulo Brazil Temple (dedicated in 1978), the Recife Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Porto Alegre Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Campinas Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2002), the Curitiba Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2008), the Manaus Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2012), the Fortaleza Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2019), the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2022), the Belém Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2022), the Brasília Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2023), the Salvador Brazil Temple (dedicated in 2024), the São Paulo Brazil East Temple (announced in 2020), the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple (announced in April 2021), the Vitória Brazil Temple (announced in October 2021), the Maceió Brazil Temple (announced in April 2022), the Santos Brazil Temple (announced in April 2022), the Londrina Brazil Temple (announced in October 2022), the Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple (announced in October 2022), the Teresina Brazil Temple (announced in April 2023), the Natal Brazil Temple (announced in April 2023), the Goiânia Brazil Temple (announced in October 2023), the João Pessoa Brazil Temple (announced in October 2023), and the Florianópolis Brazil Temple (announced in April 2024). Campo Grande was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely be a small temple that serves at least three stakes—two of which are in Campo Grande and were organized in 1991 and 2009. Additional stakes in Mato Grosso State may also be assigned to the new temple. The remote location appears to be the primary factor that contributed to the announcement of the new temple, as the closest Brazilian temple is located in Brasília over 500 miles away (and the planned Goiânia Brazil Temple is more than 400 miles away).

Porto Portugal Temple

The Porto Portugal Temple will be the Church's second temple in Portugal following the Lisbon Portugal Temple (dedicated in 2019). Porto was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely serve three stakes—two of which are located in Porto (organized in 1986 and 1989). The Church has headquartered a mission in Porto intermittently over the decades, as it was first organized in 1987, closed in 2011, reinstated in 2015, closed again in 2018, and reinstated once more in 2024. Currently, all stakes in Portugal are assigned to the Lisbon Portugal Temple. The Church reported 48,840 members, 64 congregations, 7 stakes, 1 district, and 2 missions as of year-end 2024. The Church has experienced slow to moderate membership growth rates in Portugal in recent years, although the number of congregations has been relatively stagnant for many years.

Uyo Nigeria Temple

The Uyo Nigeria Temple will be the Church's seventh temple in Nigeria following the Aba Nigeria Temple (dedicated in 2005), the Lagos Nigeria Temple (announced in 2018), the Benin City Nigeria Temple (announced in 2020), the Eket Nigeria Temple (announced in October 2022), the Calabar Nigeria Temple (announced in October 2023), and the Abuja Nigeria Temple (announced in October 2024). Uyo was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely serve at least six stakes in the Uyo area, where the Church has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The Church created its first stake in Uyo in 2001. The other five stakes likely to be assigned to the new temple district have all been created within the past 10 years. The four temples in southeastern Nigeria—Aba, Calabar, Eket, and Uyo—are in a small geographical area less than 100 miles across, making it one of the greatest concentrations of temples in the world outside of North America. The unprecedented rate of temple growth in Nigeria has been greatly needed to keep up with rapid growth that has been maintained for decades. There were 250,341 members, 840 congregations, and 11 missions as of year-end 2024. Currently, there are 80 stakes and 13 districts—all of which are assigned to the Aba Nigeria Temple.

San Jose del Monte Philippines Temple

The San Jose del Monte Philippines Temple will be the Church's 14th temple in the Philippines following temples in Manila (dedicated in 1984), Cebu (dedicated in 2010), Urdaneta (announced in 2010), Alabang (announced in 2017), Cagayan de Oro (announced in 2018), Davao (announced in 2018), Bacolod City (announced in 2019), Tacloban City (announced in 2021), Naga (announced in October 2022), Santiago (announced in October 2022), Tuguegarao City (announced in April 2023), Iloilo (announced in April 2023), and Laoag (announced in October 2023). Nearby Quezon City was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. The new temple will likely serve approximately 18 stakes in the northern Manila metropolitan area and in cities between Manila and Angeles City. Steady growth has occurred in this area of the Philippines. The first stake was created in San Jose del Monte in 2013, followed by a second stake in 2017. New stakes were also created in Baliwag and Camarin in 2019. As of year-end 2024, there were 882,461 Latter-day Saints, 1,324 congregations, 131 stakes, 56 districts, and 26 missions in the Philippines. Moderate growth rates have occurred for the Church in the Philippines during the past couple of decades.

Nouméa New Caledonia Temple

The Nouméa New Caledonia Temple will be the first temple in New Caledonia—an overseas collectivity of France. Nouméa was on my list of less likely locations to have a temple announced. There is only one stake in New Caledonia, which was created in 2012. Slow growth has occurred for the Church in New Caledonia. As of year-end 2024, there were 2,531 members and 9 congregations in New Caledonia. The new temple will likely be a very small temple similar to the Yigo Guam Temple or the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple—both of which are under 7,000 square feet. The remote location appears to be the primary factor that prompted the temple announcement.

Liverpool Australia Temple

The Liverpool Australia Temple will be the Church's seventh temple in Australia following the Sydney Australia Temple (dedicated in 1984), the Adelaide Australia Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Melbourne Australia Temple (dedicated in 2000), the Perth Australia Temple (dedicated in 2001), the Brisbane Australia Temple (dedicated in 2003), and the Brisbane Australia South Temple (announced in April 2024). The announcement came as a complete surprise to me, as there are only nine stakes in the Sydney metropolitan area, and the last new stake to be created was in 2016. Stagnant growth in the number of congregations has occurred in the Sydney area. Traffic is probably one of the primary factors that contributed to the new temple announcement given that the area has not experienced much growth in recent years and there are not even 10 stakes in the metropolitan area (all other metropolitan areas where a second temple has been announced have had at least 10 stakes, and often more than 15). The Church in Australia reported 158,969 members, 296 congregations, 40 stakes, 4 districts, and 5 missions as of year-end 2024.

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