LDS church apostle speaks in Brazil ahead of opening of 200th temple

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made an anticipatory visit ahead of the dedication of the Salvador Brazil Temple.

Elder Ulisses Soares visited the Brazilian Government during their special session to speak about the importance of building what members call “a house of the Lord.” This temple will also mark a piece of history for the Church, founded in 1830.

“The Salvador Brazil Temple will become the 200th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the 11th house of the Lord completed in Brazil,” the Church said in a Monday press release.

According to the Church Newsroom , the Salvador Brazil Temple is located on the eastern coast of Brazil and was announced by President Russell M. Nelson in October 2018’s General Conference.

Members hold temples as a sacred space where they believe they can grow closer to Jesus Christ. The building is 29,963 square feet and sits on 4.6 acres. Ground was broken in August of 2021.

In recent years, temple building and announcements have accelerated, with President and Prophet of the LDS Church Russell M. Nelson announcing 168 new temple sites, with many currently under construction or in the planning phases, according the Church Newsroom.

The Salvador temple will be dedicated on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the temple in two sessions, according to the Church.

According to the Newsroom of the LDS Church, Elder Joni L. Koch, also spoke during the special session. Koch serves as the Brazil Area President.

“The construction of the Church’s temple here is a standard, a monument to the courage to do what is right, to preach what is right, even when the majority does not accept, does not understand, and attacks us. But Jesus Christ was never afraid. And we, as members of His Church, likewise cannot be afraid,” Elder Koch said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.