The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy has concluded a ministry in Central Africa. Elder Dube and his wife, Naume, arrived in Kampala, Uganda, on April 22, 2026, beginning a 12-day, three-nation visit to the Africa Central Area. His visit included the countries of Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Born in Zimbabwe, in Southeast Africa, Elder Dube is the first native-born African to serve as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy. Read more on Church Newsroom. news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is contributing US$25 million to a @UNICEF effort that provides nutrition to millions of children and mothers around the world. The donation supports the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a global initiative that works to prevent and treat malnutrition. Through a matching challenge announced in 2025, the Church’s contribution will generate an additional $25 million, bringing the total impact to $50 million. This contribution will help the fund reach up to 320 million children and women each year by 2030 with proven, lifesaving interventions, including support for programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines and Sierra Leone. Photo Credit - © UNICEF/UNI591049/Mmina/Elephant media Photo Credit - © UNICEF/UNI610268/Dejongh Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church…

“We can do this!” taught Elder W. Mark Bassett in a recent general conference message — a theme reflected throughout his funeral service in North Salt Lake, Utah, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Family, friends, and Church leaders gathered to honor the General Authority Seventy, who died on May 11, 2026, at age 59. Presided over by President D. Todd Christofferson @ChristoffDTodd, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, the service recounted Elder Bassett’s Christ-centered life, his love for his family, and his devoted global ministry. “Elder Bassett’s life was a model of hard work and strength,” said a letter from the First Presidency to Elder Bassett’s wife, Angela, which was read aloud by Elder Quentin L. Cook @CookQuentinL of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “He demonstrated love for the Lord throughout his life as he spent time in selfless service to his family and his fellow man. He leaves a legacy of light, personal integrity, kindness and commitment to righteous living.” Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-…

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced open house and dedication dates for the Cody Wyoming Temple and the Wichita Kansas Temple, as well as the location of the Rosario Argentina Temple. Preliminary work is now underway on the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple.  “The work of the temples is centered in Jesus Christ. All that is learned and done here relates to Him,” President Dallin H. Oaks has said. Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/news-f…

Today, all are invited to come and see the exhibits, statues and experiences featured in the new Temple Square Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. The opening of the visitors’ center marks a significant step in the reopening of Temple Square in anticipation of the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, scheduled for April 5, 2027, through October 1, 2027. The visitors’ center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with no reservations or tickets required. Guest experiences are offered in English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish. Experiences in American Sign Language (ASL) will be available soon. The only experience requiring a reservation is the “Inside a Temple” tour, a guided 30-minute experience on the lower level of the center. Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/temple…

In July, the Church will open 55 new missions to accommodate a growing number of missionaries already called. The addition will bring the total number of missions to 506 and allow missionaries to better support the growing number of congregations worldwide. “What we are witnessing today is more than growth in numbers,” Elder Dale G. Renlund (@DaleGRenlund) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in a May 2026 social post. “Across the world, missionaries are demonstrating a deep devotion to the Savior and a sincere consecration to His work. An increasing number express that their fundamental reason for serving is their love for Jesus Christ and their desire to join Him in His work — an inspiring reflection of the faith and commitment that characterize today’s missionary force. “As the work goes forward, this is indeed a joyous and marvelous work and a wonder.” Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church…

A glimpse inside the Provo Missionary Training Center in Utah. See how missionaries learn, grow, and prepare to serve the Lord around the world. youtu.be/DL4Tau3IJOw

Watch this milestone delivery in Dallas, Texas, as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues supplying thousands of pounds of food to pantries across the United States as part of America250. Learn more on Church Newsroom newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church…

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: The 100th truckload of food donations from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to 250 food banks across all 50 United States, as part of America250’s “America Gives” initiative, on its way to Joe’s Food Pantry (Catholic Charities) in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church…

From the arrival of the first missionaries in 1965 to the creation of the country’s 45th stake in Otavalo just three months ago, Church growth in Ecuador reflects a long-standing legacy of faith. Ecuador by the numbers: - Nearly 280,000 members and 338 congregations nationwide. - 45 stakes, including the newly formed Ibarra Ecuador Stake. - 3 temples (Guayaquil, Quito, and now Otavalo). Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church…

A new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been announced for Otavalo, Ecuador, bringing another house of the Lord to the Andes region. Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the South America Northwest Area Presidency made the announcement on behalf of the First Presidency on Thursday, May 14, 2026, during an evening devotional in Otavalo with local Latter-day Saints. “We are pleased to announce the construction of a temple in Otavalo, Ecuador,” the First Presidency statement says. “The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later. This is a reason for all of us to rejoice and express gratitude for such a significant blessing — one that will allow more frequent access to the ordinances, covenants and power that can only be found in the house of the Lord.” Elder Dale G. Renlund (@DaleGRenlund) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided at the devotional. He was joined by Elder S. Mark Palmer of the Presidency of the Seventy. Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/new-te…

Leaders from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) visited Salt Lake City this week and met with representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to discuss ongoing efforts to support vulnerable migrants in Latin America. IOM Director General Amy Pope said the Church’s support helps migrants find jobs and build small businesses through skills training and startup funding. “Thanks to our collaboration with the Church, we will not only meet urgent needs but also help people rebuild their lives with real opportunities — jobs, businesses, and stability,” Pope said. Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/intern…

Here’s what’s new this past week for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Don’t miss the full stories — visit our website or follow us for the latest updates. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org

We are deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority Seventy who had been serving since April of 2016. Elder Bassett passed away on May 11, 2026, as a result of a traumatic brain injury. He was with his family in St. George, Utah, when the incident occurred.  At the time of his death, Elder Bassett was serving as the Executive Director of the Missionary Department, overseeing worldwide missionary efforts. His service in this calling coincided with a period of historic growth in missionary efforts around the world and unprecedented levels of missionaries deciding to serve. Elder Bassett will be deeply missed and always remembered for his great faith and dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ. During a devotional for missionaries held at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, just days before his passing, Elder Bassett bore testimony and challenged missionaries to “Invite everyone to come—and do everything you can to help them enter this beautiful gate, which leads to eternal life." His devotion in life reflected these teachings and leaves a loving legacy for all. Our love and prayers are with his dear wife Angela, his children, and his grandchildren during this difficult time. Learn more: newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-…

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided an exterior rendering of the Rapid City South Dakota Temple. This house of the Lord was announced in April 2025 and will be the first temple in the state. “God desires all of us to strive for His highest possible blessings by keeping His highest commandments, covenants and ordinances,” President Dallin H. Oaks (@OaksDallinH) taught in a recent general conference. “All of which culminate in His holy temples being built throughout the world.” Read more at newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/render….

Today, my counselors in the First Presidency and I were grateful for the opportunity to visit the Salt Lake Temple, which has been undergoing a significant renovation since 2020.   We look forward to welcoming people from throughout the world during the Salt Lake Temple Celebration and open house, to be held from April through October 2027.   Above all, we look forward to teaching about the sacred purposes of temples throughout the world. In the temple, faithful men and women receive divine instruction, sacred responsibilities, and spiritual power.   It is in the temple that eternal covenants are made that bind us and our families to our Heavenly Father and to one another for eternity.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: BYU–Pathway Worldwide students in Nairobi, Kenya, celebrate graduating from the program. The program has nearly 89,000 students around the globe. Learn more on Church Newsroom. news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/141-st…

Here’s what’s new this past week for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Don’t miss the full stories — visit our website or follow us for the latest updates. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the open house and dedication dates for the Montpelier Idaho Temple. Public tours will be held from Thursday, September 10, through Saturday, September 26 (excluding Sundays). The dedication will take place on Sunday, October 18, at 10 a.m. (rebroadcast at 2 p.m.). The dedicatory session will be broadcast to all congregations in the Montpelier Idaho Temple district. Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ are considered houses of the Lord, where the teachings of Jesus Christ are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ceremonies that unite families for eternity. Learn more on Church Newsroom. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/milest…