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| − | [[Image:Kinshasa-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-Temple-2019.jpg|250px|thumb|<center><span style="color:#0000FF">Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple</span></center>|right]] | + | [[Image:Red-Cliffs-Utah-Temple.png|250px|thumb|<div align="left"><span style="color:#0D8ED3">Red Cliffs Utah Temple. ©2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.</span></div>]] |
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| − | Members of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] around the world were delighted when President [[Thomas S. Monson]] announced plans for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple at the opening session of the 181st Semiannual [[General Conference|general conference]] of the Church. Kinshasa, the country’s capital and largest city, will house the first Latter-day Saint temple built in the nation and in Central Africa. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo Temple will be the fourth Latter-day Saint temple built on the African continent. The other three temples in Africa are in [[Johannesburg South Africa Temple|Johannesburg, South Africa]] (dedicated in 1985); [[Accra Ghana Temple|Accra, Ghana]] (2004); and [[Aba Nigeria Temple|Aba, Nigeria]] (2005). The [[Durban South Africa Temple]] and [[Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire Temple]] have been announced.
| + | For a five-week period, St. George, Utah, will be home to both the Church’s oldest operating temple — the [[St. George Utah Temple]] — and the newest — the '''[[Red Cliffs Utah Temple]]''' — until the dedication of the [[Urdaneta Philippines Temple]] on April 28, 2024. The two temples in St. George are located just 3.5 miles apart. |
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| − | The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced rapid membership growth since the first [[Stake|stake]] of the Church in Kinshasa was created in 1996. There are currently 9 stakes in the combined conurbation of Kinshasa-Brazzaville with a total of 15 stakes and 4 [[District|district]]s in the countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo. Congolese members currently travel more than 2,100 miles (3,200 kilometers) to Johannesburg, South Africa, to enjoy temple worship and ordinance work. Unreliable public transportation makes the journey to the Johannesburg South Africa Temple difficult. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple will be a tremendous blessing to over 23,000 Church members spread throughout the vast region of Central Africa.
| + | :President [[Jeffrey R. Holland]] recounted how he and his wife, Sister Patricia Holland, were driving in the proposed area of the new temple, knowing the need for a name since St. George has had its namesake temple for nearly a century and a half. He recalled his wife looking north toward Pine Valley and mentioned Red Cliffs as a possibility because of the dominating geological feature.[https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2024/03/24/president-eyring-dedicates-the-red-cliffs-utah-temple-a-tribute-to-faith-of-the-past-and-confidence-in-the-future/] |
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| − | The completed temple will contain [[Ordinance|instruction]] rooms, [[Sealing Power|sealing rooms]], a [[Celestial marriage|celestial]] room, and a [[Baptism for the Dead|baptistery]]. In instruction rooms, Church members learn about the purpose of life and make promises to live faithfully. Marriages are performed in sealing rooms, and Latter-day Saints believe families can be sealed, or joined, not only for this life but for eternity. The celestial room symbolizes eternal life in the presence of God and Jesus Christ.
| + | :They later suggested Red Cliffs as a name option to the First Presidency, the Apostle said, adding that the name represents not only the immediate area but also honors much of the entire temple district that encompasses the Virgin River region.[https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2024/03/24/president-eyring-dedicates-the-red-cliffs-utah-temple-a-tribute-to-faith-of-the-past-and-confidence-in-the-future/] |
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| − | ==Rapid Church Growth in Africa==
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| − | The construction of Latter-day Saint temples (Temples are separate from chapels, where members gather for weekly worship services), no matter the location, is a sign of not only a Latter-day Saint community that is strong and mature but also one that is growing. The fact that the Church in Africa has grown exponentially in the past 30 years is surprising to even those who understand the culture and complexity of this vast region of the globe - whether they are leaders and converts living and serving in Africa, or those who journey to Salt Lake City, Utah to help guide the affairs of the global Church.
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| − | In 2014, more than 12,000 people were baptized and became members of the Church in Southeast Africa (about 4 percent of growth Churchwide) and 24,000 people were baptized and became members in West Africa (about 8 percent of the 296,000 converts around the globe). And in 2015, growth merited the creation of the Church’s first two stakes (groups of congregations under the direction of an ecclesiastical leader) in Mozambique. Also in 2015, the Church created 17 new stakes (each similar in size to a diocese) throughout Africa.
| + | President [[Henry B. Eyring]], Second Counselor in the [[First Presidency]], dedicated the temple in two sessions on Sunday, March 24, 2024. |
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| − | An understanding of historical context helps a person appreciate the rapid growth in membership that has occurred. In Africa 30 years ago, the Church had 137 separate congregations and about 22,000 members. Today, there are more than 1,600 congregations and half a million members — that’s 11 times more [[Ward|wards]] and [[Branch|branches]] and 20 times more members than in 1985.
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| − | ==Establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kinshasa==
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| − | Kinshasa’s first Latter-day Saint [[Missionaries|missionaries]] arrived in February 1986. Church services were organized in members’ homes until September of that year when the remodeled villa the Church purchased was ready to accommodate its 208 members. By July 1987, there were 300 members in the country, many of them young men and young families. Nine years after the Zaire Kinshasa Mission was established, the first stake (or group of local congregations) was organized. As of 2014, there were 37,909 Church members in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 130 congregations, 11 [[Family History Library|Family History Centers]] and now a temple on the way.
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| − | ==Temple Site==
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| − | The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple will be constructed next to the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo [[Stake Center]] on land that has been reserved for several years. An [[Institute|institute]] and [[Seminary|seminary]] building also operates on the 10-acre property. The temple will be located at Avenue de l'OUA, Commune de Ngaliema, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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| − | The sacred edifice located in the Quartier Bosoko, Ngaliema, area of Kinshasa is situated on nearly five acres. Stone from Egypt and porcelain tile from South Africa covers the floors of the building, which is over 12,000 square feet. The interior design features a subtle elegant geometric and diamond motif. Landscaping offers a vibrant array of local flora in contrast to the white plaster exterior and zinc roof. | + | The '''[[Manti Utah Temple|Manti Temple]]''' closed for a major renovation in October 2021 and will be rededicated on April 21, 2024. |
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| − | ==Groundbreaking Ceremony==
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| − | The ground was broken for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple on Friday, 12 February 2016. Attendance at the ceremony was by invitation only, with the general public invited to view the proceedings live from local meetinghouses. Elder [[Neil L. Andersen]] of the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] presided. He was joined by other leaders of the Church and in the community.
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| − | During remarks to the Latter-day Saints and members of the community, Elder Andersen commented, "This holy house will also bless the country and the people who surround it, whether or not they are members of the Church. It will be a light upon a hill, and the glory of the Lord will be upon it." He also paid tribute to the people of Africa and of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He stated, "They are a spiritual people. They trust in God and they pray to God. Our Heavenly Father loves His sons and daughters here and answers their prayers."
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| − | Attending the groundbreaking were a number of government and religious leaders and 800 Latter-day Saints. Members of the Area Presidency, Elders [[Carl B. Cook]] and [[Kevin S. Hamilton]], and their wives attended as well as Elders Jean Claude Mabaya, Wembo Lono and Alfred Kyungu of the [[Seventy]]. There are more than 40,000 members and 145 congregations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| + | A joint statement from the Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was released on March 5, 2024: |
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| + | : Today, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the responsibility and ownership for the '''[[Kirtland Temple]]''', several historic buildings in Nauvoo, and various manuscripts and artifacts officially transferred from Community of Christ to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for an agreed-upon amount. Together, we share an interest in and reverence for these historic sites and items and are committed to preserving them for future generations.[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/sacred-sites-and-historic-documents-transfer-to-church-of-jesus-christ] |
| − | ==The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple Dedicatory Services==
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| − | On Sunday, 14 April 2019, under a beautiful African sky, hundreds of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered to witness a historic moment - the dedication of the Kinshasa Democratic of the Republic of the Congo Temple.
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| − | Elder [[Dale G. Renlund]] of the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]] led the dedication and performed the cornerstone ceremony, which symbolizes the completion of the temple and its readiness to be dedicated for sacred use. He was accompanied by his wife Sister Ruth Renlund, members of the Africa Southeast Area Presidency and their wives, and other leaders.
| + | “We are deeply honored to assume the stewardship of these sacred places, documents, and artifacts,” said [[Russell M. Nelson]], President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We thank our friends at Community of Christ for their great care and cooperation in preserving these historical treasures thus far. We are committed to doing the same.”[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/sacred-sites-and-historic-documents-transfer-to-church-of-jesus-christ] |
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| − | In his dedicatory prayer, Elder Renlund offered a blessing upon the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that they may be provided for in their needs and that there may be continued peace in the country. He also gave a blessing upon the members of the Church that they may be made strong amidst their challenges.
| + | Included in the transfer are original elements of the Kirtland Temple, including an oval window frame, front door keystone and frame, stone arch, windows, and pieces of original stucco and sandstone.[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/frequently-asked-questions-clarify-the-transfer-of-sacred-sites-and-historic-documents] |
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| − | In his remarks at the dedication ceremony, Elder [[Joseph W. Sitati]], a member of the Africa Southeast Area Presidency, highlighted the significant growth in the number of temples of the Church worldwide, and the blessings that these holy edifices bring to the lives of the members of the church and the countries in which they are located.
| + | The Kirtland Temple will remain an historic building. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reopened it on March 25, 2024, for public tours at no charge. |
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| − | The dedication of the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple marks an important milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the DRC, the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa by area. The history of the Church in the DRC dates to the 1970s when the first Congolese converts were baptized in Europe. Today there are more than 60,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the DRC, where the Church is experiencing phenomenal growth.
| + | <center><embedvideo service="youtube" urlargs="rel=0" dimensions="400x225" alignment="inline">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c147-Dzyvyk&rel=0</embedvideo></center> |
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| − | The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple is the 163rd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide and the fourth operating temple on the African continent. The three other temples currently operating are in [[Johannesburg South Africa Temple|Johannesburg, South Africa]]; [[Accra Ghana Temple|Accra, Ghana]]; and [[Aba Nigeria Temple|Aba, Nigeria]]. The [[Durban South Africa Temple]] is under construction. Plans have been announced to build temples in Harare, Zimbabwe; Nairobi, Kenya; and the Abidjan Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple will serve seven countries in the surrounding area, including Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, and Gabon.
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| − | <center><embedvideo service="youtube" urlargs="rel=0" dimensions="400x225" alignment="inline">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wji_fyrj9vg&rel=0</embedvideo></center> | |
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| − | <noinclude>[[category:Templates]]</noinclude>
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For a five-week period, St. George, Utah, will be home to both the Church’s oldest operating temple — the St. George Utah Temple — and the newest — the Red Cliffs Utah Temple — until the dedication of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple on April 28, 2024. The two temples in St. George are located just 3.5 miles apart.
“We are deeply honored to assume the stewardship of these sacred places, documents, and artifacts,” said Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We thank our friends at Community of Christ for their great care and cooperation in preserving these historical treasures thus far. We are committed to doing the same.”[4]
Included in the transfer are original elements of the Kirtland Temple, including an oval window frame, front door keystone and frame, stone arch, windows, and pieces of original stucco and sandstone.[5]
The Kirtland Temple will remain an historic building. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reopened it on March 25, 2024, for public tours at no charge.
