Two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Jacob Aaron Kesler and Elder Robert “Tommy” Gardner, both 20, died in a traffic accident in North Dakota when their vehicle struck a semi-trailer truck. The Church expressed condolences to their families and fellow missionaries.
President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the construction of 15 new temples around the world, including locations in West Jordan and Lehi, Utah. This brings the total number of temples to 350, with 189 dedicated, seven scheduled for dedication, 45 under construction, and 53 with published site locations. The announcement reflects a global expansion of religious worship, with temples planned in areas such as French Polynesia, Mexico, Brazil, Scotland, Australia, Canada, the United States, and Venezuela. President Nelson emphasized the importance of regular temple worship and its role in strengthening faith and providing spiritual assurance.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the construction of 15 new temples, including two in Utah, during the spring 2024 general conference. The new temple locations span across various countries such as French Polynesia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Australia, Canada, Venezuela, and the United States. This expansion reflects the church's global growth and commitment to providing sacred spaces for its members.
President Russell M. Nelson emphasized the significance of priesthood keys during the April 2024 general conference, highlighting their role in bringing about spiritual blessings and enabling the gathering of Israel. He stressed the temple's importance as the gateway to God's greatest blessings and urged individuals to rejoice in the restoration of priesthood keys. President Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been actively engaging with various groups and recently expressed gratitude for women's devotion during a worldwide devotional.
President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the construction of 15 new temples around the world, emphasizing the importance of temple worship for spiritual strength and blessings. The temples will be located in French Polynesia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Australia, Canada, the United States, and Venezuela, reflecting the global expansion of the Church. Each temple holds significant religious and historical significance for the Latter-day Saints in these regions.
Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have announced the transfer of significant historical properties and artifacts related to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The transaction involves land, buildings, artifacts, and documents in Kirtland, Ohio, and Nauvoo, Illinois, with the most significant items including the Kirtland Temple, the Smith Family Homestead, the Mansion House, the Nauvoo House, and the Red Brick Store. The historic sites will remain open to the public, and the two churches have a strong, respectful relationship, having collaborated on numerous historical and humanitarian projects in the past.
The responsibility and ownership for the Kirtland Temple, historic buildings in Nauvoo, and various manuscripts and artifacts have officially transferred from Community of Christ to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The historic transfer underscores the commitment to preserving religious and cultural heritage and fostering opportunities for growth and service to the world. The Kirtland Temple and historic buildings in Nauvoo will reopen for public tours at no charge, and both organizations express their dedication to preserving these sacred places, documents, and artifacts for future generations.
President Jeffrey R. Holland rededicated the St. George Utah Temple, the oldest operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after a major renovation. The temple holds significant historical and doctrinal importance for the church, representing the pioneers' quest for a temple experience and the promise of eternal families. President Holland, who has personal ties to the temple, emphasized the temple's role in creating eternal unions and spoke about the sealing ordinance. The renovation aimed to capture the past, present, and future of the church, symbolizing the temple's connection to both the church's pioneer past and its future.
Elder Patrick Kearon has been called as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was ordained by President Russell M. Nelson and other church leaders. Elder Kearon, who previously served as the senior president of the Presidency of the Seventy, expressed humility and trust in the Savior as he takes on this sacred call. He fills the vacancy left by the death of President M. Russell Ballard. Elder Kearon's diverse background and experiences have shaped his ministry, and he will be sustained at the April 2024 general conference.
Elder Patrick Kearon has been called to be the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was ordained by President Russell M. Nelson and other church leaders. Elder Kearon, who previously served as the senior president of the Presidency of the Seventy, expressed his humility and trust in the Savior as he takes on this new role. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is responsible for being witnesses of Christ and has administrative responsibilities within the church. Elder Kearon will be replacing President M. Russell Ballard in the quorum.
Elder Patrick Kearon, a convert baptized in 1987, has been called and ordained as an apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He becomes the third member of the current Twelve born and raised outside the United States and the second European serving in the quorum. Elder Kearon's calling marks the first time an apostle has been called outside of an international general conference since 1994. As an apostle, he will serve as a special witness of the name of Christ in all the world, traveling and fulfilling ministering and administrative responsibilities for the global church of 17 million members.
Patrick Kearon, a British convert known for his compassion towards refugees and abuse survivors, has been announced as the newest apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kearon, who had been serving as senior president of the Presidency of the Seventy, fills the vacancy left by the death of M. Russell Ballard. As an apostle, Kearon will serve for the rest of his life and become one of the church's "special witnesses of the name of Christ." He is known for his speeches on welcoming refugees and advocating for religious freedom.
Elder Patrick Kearon has been called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, filling the vacancy left by the death of President M. Russell Ballard. Elder Kearon, who has served as the senior president of the Presidency of the Seventy, was ordained by President Russell M. Nelson and other church leaders. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is responsible for being special witnesses of Christ and overseeing the global operations of the church. Elder Kearon expressed his humility and trust in the Savior as he takes on this sacred call.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a video display in Times Square as part of their Light the World initiative, featuring scenes from the nativity and messages of Jesus Christ's light. The video billboards showcased a silver-star-filled night sky, the walls of Jerusalem, the nativity scene, and phrases in multiple languages. The initiative encourages people to share their light and help others through acts of love. The display coincided with the global launch of the 2023 Light the World Giving Machines campaign, which allows people to donate to charities.
President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at the age of 95. Known for his strong convictions and unwavering faith, President Ballard served as an Apostle for over three decades and played a significant role in the development of missionary work within the Church. He is survived by his seven children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral details are pending.