What's Happening?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has significantly expanded its global network of temples over the past 50 years. As of 2026, the Church has 211 dedicated temples, with an additional seven scheduled for dedication in the first half of the year.
Furthermore, 57 temples are under construction or scheduled for groundbreaking, and 108 are announced and in planning stages, bringing the total to 383 temples worldwide. This expansion reflects a substantial increase from the Church's early years, when it ended the 19th century with only four dedicated temples, all located in Utah. The growth has been particularly notable since the 1980s, with a major push under the leadership of Presidents Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, and Gordon B. Hinckley. The most recent surge in temple announcements came under President Russell M. Nelson, who announced 200 new temple locations during his nearly eight-year tenure.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of the Church's temple network is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the Church's commitment to increasing accessibility to its sacred spaces for its global membership, which is spread across 75 countries and 46 U.S. states and territories. This growth also reflects the Church's broader strategy to strengthen its presence and influence worldwide. The construction and operation of these temples can have economic impacts on local communities, providing jobs and boosting local economies. Additionally, the expansion underscores the Church's resilience and adaptability, as it continues to grow despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted temple dedications.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, the Church plans to continue its temple expansion, with several dedications and groundbreaking ceremonies scheduled for 2026. This ongoing growth suggests that the Church will maintain its focus on increasing its global reach and providing more opportunities for its members to participate in temple activities. The Church's leadership may also continue to announce new temple locations, further expanding its network and influence. As these projects progress, they will likely attract attention from both Church members and the broader public, highlighting the Church's ongoing evolution and expansion.
