The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Republic of the Congo
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| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Republic of the Congo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Area | Africa Central |
| Members | 12,626 (2023)[1] |
| Stakes | 4 |
| Wards | 29 |
| Branches | 7 |
| Total Congregations[2] | 36 |
| Missions | 1 |
| Temples |
|
| FamilySearch Centers | 3[3] |
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Republic of the Congo refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its members in the Republic of the Congo. The country was opened to the church's missionaries in 1991.[4] Since then, the church has grown to 11,481 members in 32 congregations.[5]
History
[edit]1960s-1980s
[edit]The earliest presence of the LDS Church in Congo can be traced back to the 1960s. The exact date of the first members or the initial missionary activity in the country is not widely documented, but during this period, the church began to slowly establish a foundation.
In the 1980s, as the church expanded its missionary efforts globally, more formalized activities began in Congo. Missionaries were sent to teach the gospel, and local congregations (called branches) were established in various cities.
1990s
[edit]The 1990s marked a significant period of growth for the LDS Church in Congo. More Congolese individuals and families joined the church, leading to the establishment of additional branches and the eventual creation of districts (a group of congregations). Local leadership was developed, with Congolese members serving in important roles.
2000s
[edit]As the church continued to grow in Congo, it faced challenges related to infrastructure, communication, and the country's socio-political landscape. Despite these challenges, the faith and dedication of Congolese members sustained the church's progress.
The church's humanitarian efforts also played a role in increasing its visibility and positive impact in Congo. Projects focused on providing clean water, education, and medical assistance to local communities.
2010s-present
[edit]The LDS Church in Congo continued its steady growth throughout the 2010s. The number of congregations increased, and temples were announced in nearby countries, contributing to a sense of regional growth and unity among African church members.
The church's focus on self-reliance and education has helped empower members in Congo to improve their livelihoods and contribute positively to society. These efforts align with the church's broader global initiatives.
The church's presence in Congo continues to be an important part of its international membership.
| Year | Membership |
|---|---|
| 1971 | 10 |
| 1991 | 99 |
| 1995* | 1,000 |
| 1999 | 1,602 |
| 2004 | 3,404 |
| 2009 | 4,462 |
| 2014 | 6,053 |
| 2019 | 8,542 |
| 2022 | 11,481 |
| *Membership was published as an estimated or rounded number. Source: Jim M. Wall, Deseret News, various years, Church Almanac Country Information: Republic of the Congo, Windall J. Ashton[5] | |
Stakes
[edit]
Red =Operating Temple
Green = Stake
Purple = meetinghouse not part of stake or district
As of February 2023, the following stakes existed in the Republic of the Congo:
| Stake | Organized | Wards[6] | Branches[6] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazzaville Republic of Congo | 19 Oct 2003 | 7 | |
| Diata Republic of the Congo | 8 Nov 2020 | 6 | 2 |
| Makelekele Republic of Congo | 31 Aug 2014 | 6 | |
| Pointe-Noire Republic of Congo | 19 Jul 2015 | 6 | 2 |
The Mindouli Branch, Ouésso Branch, and the Republic of Congo Brazzaville Mission Branch are not part of a stake or district. The Republic of Congo Brazzaville Mission Branch serves individuals and families not in proximity to a church meetinghouse.
Missions
[edit]The Republic of the Congo Brazzaville Mission boundaries is the same as the country's boundaries.
Temples
[edit]The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was dedicated on 14 April 2019 by Dale G. Renlund. While not in the Republic of the Congo, this temple is located in proximity to the stakes in the Brazzaville area. On April 3, 2022, church president Russell M. Nelson announced a temple will be built in Brazzaville.
|
edit | ||
| Location: Announced: Groundbreaking: Dedicated: Size: |
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1 October 2011 by Thomas S. Monson[7][8] 12 February 2016 by Neil L. Andersen 14 April 2019 by Dale G. Renlund[10][11] 12,000 sq ft (1,100 m2) on a 5-acre (2.0 ha) site | ||
|
edit | ||
| Location: Announced: |
Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo 3 April 2022 by Russell M. Nelson[12][13] | ||
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/republic-of-the-congo [bare URL]
- ^ Excludes groups meeting separate from wards and branches
- ^ Category:Republic of Congo Family History Centers, familysearch.org, retrieved 15 June 2023
- ^ of the Congo-67395 Desertet News Church Almanac, Country Information: Republic of the Congo
- ^ a b "Facts and Statistics: Statistics by Country: Republic of the Congo", Newsroom, LDS Church, retrieved 2 May 2021
- ^ a b as of February 2023
- ^ 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..
- ^ "Mormon church president announces plans for new temples in Utah, Wyoming, Colombia, Africa". Washington Post. AP. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011..
- ^ "Ground Broken for First Central Africa Temple: Africa now has three temples in development, three more in operation". Newsroom, United Kingdom. LDS Church. 12 February 2016.
- ^ "Elder Renlund Dedicates Kinshasa Temple in a Historic Occasion for Latter-day Saints: A key milestone, a blessing for Central Africa". Newsroom. LDS Church. 14 April 2019.
- ^ "Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Fourth operating temple in Africa". Newsroom. LDS Church. 1 October 2018.
- ^ "7 new temple locations announced by President Nelson to close conference", Deseret News, Deseret News, 3 Apr 2022
- ^ "President Nelson Announces 17 New Temples", Newsroom, LDS Church, 3 Apr 2022
External links
[edit]- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Central Africa Area) - Official Site
- LDS Church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Congo Newsroom
- ComeUntoChrist.org Latter-day Saints Visitor site
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