Kananga_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo_Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its members in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As of 2021, the LDS Church reported 102,862 members in 269 congregations in the DRC,[1] making it the third largest body of LDS Church members in Africa, behind Nigeria and Ghana.[4] Currently, the DRC ranks as having the 16th highest LDS growth rate among countries of the world, with an annual growth rate of 13 percent.[5]

Quick Facts Area, Members ...

History

More information Year, Membership ...

The LDS Church was first recognized in Zaire in 1986. That year the first missionaries began preaching in Kinshasa. The establishment of the church was aided by the Banza family, who had joined the church while studying at a university in Geneva, Switzerland. The third petitioner to establish the church that year was Nkitabungi Mbuyi, who had joined while studying in Belgium and subsequently served as a missionary for the church in England before his return to Zaire.[7] The church has grown quickly since then, with the first stake being organised in 1996.

Since establishing itself in the country, the LDS Church has played a large role in providing humanitarian aid services in the nation. This has involved installing clean water distribution systems in areas where sanitation and water are low.[8][9]

In 2011, it was reported that the church had reached a total of 100 congregations in the DRC.[10]

By late 2019, the church had 22 stakes and one district as well as several branches directly under missions in the DRC.

Stakes

More information Stake, Organized ...

Missions

Temples

Temples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Red = Operating
Blue = Under Construction
Yellow = announced
Black = Closed for Renovations

On October 1, 2011 the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson. On February 12, 2016 ground was broken for the temple in a ceremony conducted by Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The temple was dedicated by Dale G. Renlund on April 14, 2019.[12] Since then three other temples have been announced.

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Location:
Announced:
Groundbreaking:
Dedicated:
Size:
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
1 October 2011 by Thomas S. Monson[13][14]
12 February 2016 by Neil L. Andersen
14 April 2019 by Dale G. Renlund[15][16]
12,000 sq ft (1,100 m2) on a 5-acre (2.0 ha) site
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Location:
Announced:
Groundbreaking:
Size:
Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
5 April 2020 by Russell M. Nelson[17]
20 August 2022 by Matthew L. Carpenter[18]
19,300 sq ft (1,790 m2) on a 2.57-acre (1.04 ha) site
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Location:
Announced:
Size:
Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo
3 October 2021 by Russell M. Nelson[19][20]
11,000 sq ft (1,000 m2) on a 1.6-acre (0.65 ha) site
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Location:
Announced:
Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
1 October 2023 by Russell M. Nelson[21][22]

See also


References

  1. "Facts and Statistics: Statistics by Country: the Democratic Republic of the Congo", Newsroom, LDS Church, retrieved 10 June 2023
  2. Excludes groups meeting separate from wards and branches.
  3. Category:Democratic Republic of the Congo Family History Centers, familysearch.org, retrieved August 21, 2022
  4. Wendall J. Ashton; Jim M. Wall, Deseret News, various years, Church Almanac Country Information: Democratic Republic of the Congo
  5. Renlund, Dale. "Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ". churchofjesuschrist.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  6. Collett, Howard (11 Sep 2010). "A prayer for clean water: New well brings new life to DR Congo". Church News. Deseret News. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  7. Means, Sean P. (March 12, 2020). "Review: 'Heart of Africa' offers a different view of LDS missionary life". Salt Lake Tribune.
  8. Swenson, Madison (Nov 23, 2022), "Church Opening Six New Missions in 2023", KSL TV 5, retrieved January 13, 2023
  9. Walker, Joseph (1 October 2011). "LDS general conference opens with the announcement of six new Mormon temples". Deseret News. Salt Lake City. Retrieved 19 April 2022..
  10. "Mormon church president announces plans for new temples in Utah, Wyoming, Colombia, Africa". Washington Post. AP. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011..

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