Difference between revisions of "Template:Featured Temple"

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[[Image:Rome-Italy-Temple-2019.jpg|250px|thumb|<center><span style="color:#0000FF">Rome Italy Temple</span></center>|right]]
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[[Image:Kinshasa-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-Temple.jpg|250px|thumb|<center><span style="color:#0000FF">Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple</span></center>|right]]
  
On Saturday, 4 October 2008, during the opening session of the 178th Semiannual [[General Conference]], [[Thomas S. Monson]], then President of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], announced the building of a temple in Rome, Italy.  
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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 Côte d’Ivoire Temple]] have been announced.
  
There are more than 30,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Italy, with seven [[Stake|stakes]] and two [[Mission|missions]]. The [[Rome Italy Mormon Temple|Rome Italy Temple]] will be the first LDS temple constructed in Italy and the 12th temple in Europe. When completed, the Rome Italy Temple will serve members who, according to local Rome [[Stake President]], Massimo De Feo, currently travel to the [[Bern Switzerland Temple]] if they wish to do temple work. He also said that the Church has seen a significant increase in requests for baptisms for the living and the dead, and for [http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/mormon/marriage/ celestial marriage ceremonies and family sealing ceremonies] which officially bind couples or families together for eternity. He also believes that many Italian members who moved away because of inadequate ways to practice their faith will return to Italy once the temple is complete.
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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.
  
==Early Missionary Work in Italy==
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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.
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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.
  
Just three years after the Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, the first missionaries arrived in Genoa, Italy, on 25 June 1850, including Elder [[Lorenzo Snow]], who would become the fifth president of the Church. Over the next three years, 221 people were baptized and organized into three [[Branch|branches]]. But most proselytizing in Italy stopped in the early 1860s in the face of local opposition and because of a request from Church leaders for Italian members to migrate to Utah. An attempt to reopen missionary work in Italy in 1900 was refused by the government. The Church was finally reestablished in Italy in 1951, following the conversion of Vincenzo di Francesca, who happened to discover a charred copy of the [[Book of Mormon]] in a garbage bin. The cover and title page was missing, and it took him years to find out the identity of the book and achieve baptism into the Church. Italians who had joined the Church in other countries began to return to Italy during this period. They attended Church with LDS serviceman stationed in Italy in various branches. By the end of 1964, Church records showed 229 members in Italy. That same year, Elder [[Ezra Taft Benson]], an apostle who would become the 13th president of the Church, petitioned the government for permission to resume missionary work. Permission was granted, the mission was re-opened, and missionaries began to proselyte on 27 January 1965.  
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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.
  
==Rome Italy Temple Site and Design==
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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.
  
The two-spired, three-story, 140-foot Rome Italy Temple is located in northeast Rome near the Grande Raccordo Anulare, the circular road (beltway) that surrounds the city, at Via di Settebagni, 376, just 11 miles from Saint Peter’s Basilica, near the village of La Cinquina Bufalotta. Its architecture was inspired by ancient Rome. Architect [https://www.ldsdaily.com/church-lds/first-photos-of-rome-italy-temple-released/ Neils Valentiner said], "This had to be one that when you walked onto this site, every person should feel like they were on an Italian site. They would recognize it because of the materials, because of the design, and because of the surrounding." He also stated that the temple’s design was inspired by San Carlino, a Roman Catholic church in Rome. He said, "The curved ceilings, the curved walls, the expression of the colonnades and columns. And that started this very early concept of a curved church, a curved temple, and temple building both on the exterior as well as on the interior."
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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.
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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.
  
The temple sits on 15 acres and will feature lush gardens, and a 40,000-square-foot temple with floor and ceiling designs to mimic Michelangelo’s Capitoline Hill plaza overlooking the Roman forum. It is part of a religious and cultural center that includes a multifunctional meetinghouse, a visitors’ center, a family history center and housing for visitors. Marble from Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Brazil is being used to decorate the interior and exterior spaces. The exterior finish will be made of Sardo Bianco granite quarried and fabricated in Italy. A charming Italian Villetta, which stood at the highest point of the temple site, was razed to make way for the Rome Italy Temple. The Villetta served for a time as an apartment for the full-time [[Missionaries|missionaries]].
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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."
  
The construction plans for the Rome Italy Temple site also includes a [[Stake Center]] meeting house (a stake being roughly similar to a Catholic diocese), a [[Visitors' Centers|Visitors' Center]] that will house [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765613988/LDS-visitors-center-in-Rome-to-feature-recreated-Christus-statue.html digitally reproduced marble replicas of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s renown sculptures] of Christus and the Twelve Apostles, a [[Family History Library|Family History Center]], and patron housing.  
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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.
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==The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple Open House==
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The [[First Presidency]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] has announced open house and dedication dates for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple in Africa.
  
==Rome Italy Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony==
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The free public open house will begin on Tuesday, 12 March 2019, and continue through Saturday, 30 March 2019, except for the Sundays of March 17 and 24. Current information about reservations for the open house can be found at [lds.org/temples/open-houses lds.org/temples/open-houses]. Members of the media, as well as local dignitaries and government leaders, are invited for a special preview of the temple on Monday, 11 March 2019, prior to the public open house.
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==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.
  
President [[Thomas S. Monson]] dedicated the temple site on Saturday, 23 October 2010. He was accompanied by Church officials, including Elder [[William R. Walker]], Executive Director of the Temple Department; [[Erich W. Kopischke]], President of the Europe Area and his two counselors, Elder [[Gerald Causse|Gérald Caussé]] and Elder [[José A. Teixeira]]; Elder Alfredo L. Gessati, Area [[Seventy]]; President [[Massimo De Feo]], Rome Italy [[Stake President]]; and President Raimondo Castellani, Bern Switzerland [[Temple President]]. Numerous government officials were also in attendance including Mr. Giuseppe Ciardi, vice mayor of Rome, and Senator Lucio Malan.
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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.
  
During his remarks to the 500 guests at the groundbreaking ceremony, [http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.uk/article/the-rome-italy-temple-construction-site-progresses he said], "My heart is filled with gratitude. Members throughout Italy and the entire Mediterranean area will be able to come here." Senator Lucio Malan commented that it was "A ceremony that profoundly touched me for the sincere and heartfelt appreciation of those attending. A positive day for Italy because those who profess to obey the laws of the state and the laws of God make the country in which they live a better place."
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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.
  
Shortly after ground was broken for the temple, Rome Mayor, Gianni Alemanno, visited the temple site with Elder José Teixeira of the [[Quorum of the Seventy]]. According to a report on the [http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormons-around-world-country-newsroom-websites-may-2 Mormon Newsroom] website, Mayor Alemanno, an environmental engineer, "was impressed with the Church’s high construction standards and materials, including the systems employed to manage water consumption, electrical production and the low environmental impact of the temple complex." The full story is available on the [http://www.media-mormoni.it/articolo/visita-del-sindaco-di-roma-al-sito-del-tempio Italy Mormon Newsroom] website.
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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.
  
==Church Announces Open House and Dedication Dates==
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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.
 
 
The Rome Italy Temple opened to the public for a free public tour on Monday, 28 January 2019. The open house will run through Saturday, 16 February 2019, excluding Sundays.
 
 
 
[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] announced that the Rome Italy Temple will be dedicated on Sunday, 10 March 2019, through Tuesday, 12 March 2019.
 
 
 
Speaking about the temple, President [[Russell M. Nelson]] [http://www.ldsliving.com/Church-Announces-Dedication-Dates-for-the-Rome-Italy-Temple/s/88087 said], "The sacred ordinances performed in this holy temple will unite families for eternity. God loves all His children equally and has provided a way for them to be linked in love, generation to generation. We are thrilled to be able to dedicate a temple in this city replete with historical importance throughout the ages." Of the Rome Italy Temple, the 162nd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the world, Elder [[David A. Bednar]] of the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]] and chairman of the Temple and Family History Department said, "It is beautiful. The craftsmanship is expert and perfect."
 
  
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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 [[Johnnesburg 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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Revision as of 11:54, 17 July 2019

Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple

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 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 (dedicated in 1985); Accra, Ghana (2004); and Aba, Nigeria (2005). The Durban South Africa Temple and Abidjan Côte d’Ivoire Temple have been announced.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced rapid membership growth since the first 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 districts 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.

The completed temple will contain instruction rooms, sealing rooms, a celestial room, and a 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.

Rapid Church Growth in Africa

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.

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.

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 wards and branches and 20 times more members than in 1985.

Establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kinshasa

Kinshasa’s first Latter-day Saint 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 Centers and now a temple on the way.

Temple Site

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 and 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.

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.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

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.

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."

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.

The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple Open House

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced open house and dedication dates for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple in Africa.

The free public open house will begin on Tuesday, 12 March 2019, and continue through Saturday, 30 March 2019, except for the Sundays of March 17 and 24. Current information about reservations for the open house can be found at [lds.org/temples/open-houses lds.org/temples/open-houses]. Members of the media, as well as local dignitaries and government leaders, are invited for a special preview of the temple on Monday, 11 March 2019, prior to the public open house.

The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple Dedicatory Services

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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; Accra, Ghana; and 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.