The Shifting Landscape of Latter-day Saint Temple Announcements: A New Era Under President Oaks
For nearly a decade, the announcement of a new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was synonymous with Russell M. Nelson. The church’s previous president, until his passing in September, revealed plans for an unprecedented 200 temples – more than half of the faith’s current 383 existing or planned structures. But the cadence has changed. The first temple announcement under his successor, Dallin H. Oaks, arrived not during the globally broadcast General Conference, but at a local Christmas devotional in Portland, Maine, signaling a potential reshaping of how – and where – the Church announces its sacred building projects.
From Grand Reveals to Local Celebrations: A Strategic Shift
President Nelson’s temple announcements were often a highlight of General Conference, generating excitement and a sense of global connection. However, President Oaks has indicated a deliberate “slowing down” of these large-scale announcements, citing the sheer number of temples already in the planning and construction phases. This isn’t a halt to growth, but a recalibration. The Portland, Maine announcement, delivered by General Authority Seventy Allen D. Haynie, marks a significant departure – the first temple announced outside of General Conference since 1989. This localized approach suggests a move towards more intimate, community-focused unveilings.
“In a recent meeting of the First Presidency, a decision was made that… the announcement of the construction of a new temple should be made on location” by an apostle or a member of an area presidency,” Haynie explained. This shift in protocol isn’t merely logistical; it’s a statement about prioritizing regional engagement and fostering a sense of ownership within local congregations. It’s a move away from a top-down announcement to a more collaborative reveal.
The Geographic Puzzle: Filling the Gaps in Temple Coverage
The choice of Portland, Maine, is particularly noteworthy. It will become the first temple in the state, addressing a significant gap in temple coverage within the Northeastern United States. Currently, six U.S. states – Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia – remain without an existing or announced temple. This geographic disparity likely plays a role in the Oaks presidency’s strategic planning. While President Nelson’s announcements were often driven by inspiration and a sense of urgency, President Oaks appears to be taking a more methodical approach, focusing on areas with the greatest need and potential for growth.
This targeted approach could also be influenced by demographic shifts and the Church’s ongoing efforts to increase its global reach. Analyzing temple placement data reveals a growing emphasis on regions with expanding Latter-day Saint populations and areas where increased accessibility to temple ordinances is a priority.
Implications for Future Temple Announcements
The Portland announcement provides several clues about what to expect in the coming years. We can anticipate:
More Localized Announcements
Expect fewer grand reveals during General Conference and more announcements delivered by area presidencies at regional events. This will likely foster stronger connections between local members and the temple building process.
Strategic Geographic Focus
The remaining six states without temples are likely candidates for future announcements. Furthermore, areas with rapidly growing Latter-day Saint populations, particularly in developing countries, may also see increased temple construction.
A Slower, More Deliberate Pace
While the Church remains committed to building temples worldwide, the pace of announcements is likely to be more measured under President Oaks. This allows for careful planning, resource allocation, and community engagement.
The shift in announcement strategy doesn’t diminish the significance of new temples; rather, it reflects a change in leadership style and a renewed emphasis on localized engagement. It’s a move that acknowledges the substantial progress made under President Nelson while charting a new course for the future of temple building within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What impact will this new approach have on member engagement and temple attendance? Only time will tell, but the Portland announcement signals a fascinating new chapter in the Church’s ongoing story of growth and expansion.
For further insights into religious demographics and trends, see Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life.
Explore more about the growth of the Church in New England here.
