Difference between revisions of "Template:Featured Temple"

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[[Image:Paris_France_Temple_Cont2.JPG|thumb||<center><span style="color:#0000FF">Paris France Temple</span></center>]]
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[[Image:Kinshasa-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-Temple-2019.jpg|250px|thumb|<div align="left"><span style="color:#0000FF">Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple</span></div>|right]]
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Paris France will be the location of one of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s]] newest temples. The news was first broken by the French press in July 2011 while government approvals were still pending. Church President, [[Thomas S. Monson]] announced the Church's intention of building a temple on the outskirts of Paris in July 2011 and then confirmed it during the October 2012 semi-annual [[General Conference]] worldwide broadcast. Construction is planned for grounds in Le Chesnay, France, located in Paris’ western suburbs.
 
  
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There are currently about 38,000 members of the Church in more than 100 congregations in France. [[Missionaries]] are serving in two missions in the country.
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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, houses the first Latter-day Saint temple built in the nation and in Central Africa. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo Temple is 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.
  
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The Paris Temple is the first to be completed in France. In the past the French Saints have attended temples in [[Frankfurt Germany Temple|Frankfurt Germany]], [[The Hague Netherlands Temple|The Hague, Netherlands]], and [[Bern Switzerland Temple|Bern, Switzerland]].
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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 [[Stake|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. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple is a tremendous blessing to over 23,000 Church members spread throughout the vast region of Central Africa.
  
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[[Mormon Missionaries|Mormon missionary]] work in France began shortly after the Church’s organization. The apostle [[John Taylor]], who later served as the prophet of the Church, began a lengthy European proselyting mission in 1849. France’s first six Latter-day Saints organized the country’s first congregation in April of 1850 in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Just over three years later, there were nine small congregations in France, totaling 337 church members. Many of France’s first members (289 of that 337) were from the Channel Islands.
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The completed temple contains [[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.
  
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The growth of the Church continued at a slow pace until World War II ended. The LDS Church’s contributions to European reconstruction after the war sparked interest from outsiders. Missionaries resumed the work in France and the Church’s growth rate increased. In 1955, the renown [[Mormon Tabernacle Choir]] stopped to perform at the Parisian Palas de Chaillot during its historic European tour, at which time the country’s membership was roughly 1,500. The first meetinghouse for church members was finished and dedicated in 1962.
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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.
  
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Former Church President [[Gordon B. Hinckley]] visited France in 1998, prophesying that someday French members would enjoy a temple of their own. During a return visit in 2004, he asked members to exercise patience and faith. Now these members, who come from all walks of life, enjoy the exciting fulfillment of that promise.
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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.
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==Temple Site==
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The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple is 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 is located in the Quartier Bosoko, Ngaliema, area of Kinshasa at Avenue de l'OUA, Commune de Ngaliema, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo 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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==Updates==
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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. 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 members of the Area Presidency, Elders [[Carl B. Cook]] and [[Kevin S. Hamilton]], and their wives, Elders Jean Claude Mabaya, Wembo Lono and Alfred Kyungu of the [[Seventy]], a number of government and religious leaders, and 800 Latter-day Saints.
  
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In France,  Le Parisien reported that the final hurdles were cleared for the construction of the Paris France Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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During remarks to the Latter-day Saints and members of the community, [http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/ground-broken-first-kinshasa-temple 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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[http://www.leparisien.fr/espace-premium/yvelines-78/le-maire-a-dit-oui-au-temple-des-mormons-09-11-2011-1709366.php Le Parisien reported on 9 November 2011], "It's now a done deal. The city council has just given its green light by validating the building permit filed by La Foncie des Régions on behalf of the Mormon Church."  
 
  
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In February 2012, [http://www.voanews.com/english/news/europe/Frances-First-Mormon-Temple-Sparks-Controversy-138959424.html Voice of America reported] controversy regarding the building of the Paris France Mormon Temple. France is traditionally a Catholic country, but as in many countries in Western Europe, few attend church.  As a secularized country, France is wary of any religion, especially a religion as demanding of its followers as Mormonism.  The fact that only worthy Mormons can attend the temple also concerns some French people.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assures the French people that it is not extremist in any way and that the gardens (open to the public) will be a blessing to local residents. There is always an open house staged before a Mormon temple is dedicated to worship, and many LDS temples offer holiday programs for the public.
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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. 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.
  
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==Versailles Open House Answers Questions==
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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.
  
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[[Image:versailles-open-house-team.png|thumb|<center><span style="color:#0000FF">Paris France Mormon Temple</span></center>]]
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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.
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On March 16, 2012, local authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsored an open house to answer questions of local citizens about the LDS Church, Mormon beliefs, and Mormon temples, plus specific questions regarding the future Paris France Temple. The open house was also to share the history of the Church in France.
 
  
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While only 124 people attended the open house, most of them were local leaders or journalists, who could publicize the event, thus spreading the information they received there. The open house was highly publicized, with announcements in local newspapers and posters in many local buildings such as cafes and bookstores. The mayor of Versailles pointed out that the relatively small attendance was a good sign. If people were vehemently opposed to the project, they would have attended to take a side in whatever controversy might be addressed. M. Gerard, who was in charge of arranging parking over the two-day affair, noted the change in the attitude of those in attendance, who arrived looking dour and left smiling and in a genial mood.
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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.
  
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TV, radio, and journalism representatives were all present and interviewed both Church leaders and visitors. All of their major reports were quite positive.
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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 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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In addition to the Mayor of Versailles, Mr. Philip Brillaut (the Mayor of Le Chesnay) attended with an attending group of 12 people, who included city councilors and representatives of city administration. Their tour consisted of a visit to the family history center and watching a short video about temples. Mr. Brillaut expressed his feelings about his experience, "This open house enabled me and the people who accompanied me, to provide answers to questions I asked myself and those subsequent to the petition. The model was essential to understanding urban planning. The team that received us was warm, respectful and accurate in all responses. The human[ity] remains the strongest in respect of each.”
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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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Twenty percent of the visitors commented in the guest book, and all comments were positive.
 
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<center><embedvideo service="youtube" urlargs="rel=0" dimensions="400x225" alignment="inline">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtlT9-ujW6Q&rel=0</embedvideo></center>
 
  
  
 
<noinclude>[[category:Templates]]</noinclude>
 
<noinclude>[[category:Templates]]</noinclude>

Revision as of 20:20, 10 January 2020

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, houses the first Latter-day Saint temple built in the nation and in Central Africa. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo Temple is 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 Cote 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. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple is a tremendous blessing to over 23,000 Church members spread throughout the vast region of Central Africa.

The completed temple contains 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.

Temple Site

The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple is 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 is located in the Quartier Bosoko, Ngaliema, area of Kinshasa at Avenue de l'OUA, Commune de Ngaliema, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo 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. 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 members of the Area Presidency, Elders Carl B. Cook and Kevin S. Hamilton, and their wives, Elders Jean Claude Mabaya, Wembo Lono and Alfred Kyungu of the Seventy, a number of government and religious leaders, and 800 Latter-day Saints.

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 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 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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