The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to move forward in 2026 with remarkable progress in temple construction, humanitarian work, and community involvement. The Church, often recognized for its commitment to faith, family, and service, now reaches more than 17 million members across the globe, with a strong and growing presence in the United States.
Leadership Focus and Global Direction
Under the leadership of President Russell M. Nelson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains committed to strengthening faith in Jesus Christ and fostering global unity. President Nelson, now among the longest-serving modern Church leaders, has encouraged members to seek personal revelation and to make the temple central to their spiritual lives.
Serving alongside him in the First Presidency are President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring. Together, they guide the Church through significant developments in a time of rapid social and technological change. Their message emphasizes kindness, moral strength, and unwavering devotion to Christ.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continues to travel worldwide, visiting congregations, dedicating temples, and sharing messages of hope through digital platforms. Leaders such as Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and Elder David A. Bednar frequently reach millions of followers through social media, reinforcing gospel teachings and encouraging acts of compassion and community service.
Historic Temple Growth Continues
Temple construction remains one of the Church’s defining undertakings. As of early 2026, there are more than 350 temples announced, under construction, or operating around the world. Temples are considered sacred houses of worship where members make covenants with God and perform ordinances that unite families eternally.
Recent U.S. Temple Highlights:
- Orem Utah Temple: Recently dedicated, serving thousands of members in Utah County.
- Taylorsville Utah Temple: A modern facility designed to accommodate Utah’s expanding population.
- Red Cliffs Utah Temple: Welcomed thousands of visitors during its open house before dedication.
- Burley Idaho Temple: Anticipated for dedication in 2026, marking another step in the Church’s growth in the Northwest.
- Cleveland Ohio Temple: Announced as part of the Church’s continued commitment to its historic roots in the United States.
Temple announcements now occur regularly during the Church’s semiannual General Conference. Each announcement demonstrates how the Church prioritizes accessibility for members, ensuring that people around the world can participate in temple worship without extensive travel.
Humanitarian Efforts and Relief Work
Humanitarian outreach remains a central mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through Latter-day Saint Charities and community partnerships, the Church contributes substantial resources to global and local causes.
Recent humanitarian highlights include:
- Disaster Relief: Support for communities affected by hurricanes, floods, and wildfires across the U.S.
- Food Assistance: Increased donations to food banks and agricultural projects aimed at promoting food security.
- Refugee Support: Collaboration with organizations providing housing, education, and medical care to displaced families.
- Community Service: Thousands of Church members continue to volunteer through JustServe, an initiative connecting people to local service projects regardless of religion.
These efforts reflect the Church’s focus on following the Savior’s example by serving those in need. Each project is designed not only to provide immediate aid but also to encourage long-term self-reliance and stability.
Education and Family Values
Education has always been a priority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church operates a network of universities and colleges that combine rigorous academics with moral and spiritual development.
Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, stands out as a major center of learning, ranked among the nation’s best private universities. The school promotes academic excellence, integrity, and service. Sister institutions—BYU–Idaho, BYU–Hawaii, and Ensign College—extend similar opportunities to thousands of students each year.
The Church’s educational system also includes the global Seminary and Institute programs, which provide religious education to youth and young adults. These programs strengthen faith, build character, and prepare students for leadership and service.
Youth development continues through the For the Strength of Youth (FSY) gatherings, which bring together teenagers for faith-based activities, learning, and friendship. The energy and spiritual focus of these events demonstrate the Church’s ongoing investment in the next generation.
Missionary Work and Global Outreach
Missionary service is a defining feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. More than 65,000 missionaries currently serve across six continents, teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in over 150 languages.
Missionaries often begin their training at one of the Church’s Missionary Training Centers (MTCs), the largest located in Provo, Utah. These centers prepare young men and women with language skills, cultural understanding, and spiritual preparation before they enter the field.
The Church has adapted to modern communication by incorporating technology into missionary work. Missionaries now use digital tools and social media to share uplifting messages, conduct virtual lessons, and connect with individuals interested in learning about the faith. This modern approach allows the Church to reach people even in areas where traditional missionary visits are limited.
Membership Growth and Demographic Trends
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to experience steady growth. Membership now exceeds 17 million, with approximately 6.8 million members residing in the United States.
Current Statistics (as of 2026):
| Category | Global | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Total Membership | 17.0 million+ | 6.8 million |
| Temples (announced/dedicated) | 350+ | 185+ |
| Congregations | 31,000+ | 14,000+ |
| Missionaries | 65,000+ | — |
The Church’s largest populations in the U.S. are found in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, and Florida, with emerging growth in the Midwest and East Coast.
Internationally, countries in Africa, South America, and the Pacific Islands show continued expansion. This broad global presence underscores the Church’s mission to bring the message of Jesus Christ to every nation.
Faith and Technology in Harmony
In an increasingly digital world, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses technology to share faith and connect with members. The official Church website and mobile apps offer access to scriptures, family history tools, and inspirational messages.
The Church’s YouTube channels and social media accounts deliver spiritual content to millions of followers each week. Leaders frequently post encouraging messages on Instagram and Facebook, focusing on hope, kindness, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
FamilySearch, the Church’s family history platform, continues to grow as a global resource. With more than 14 billion searchable records, it helps individuals trace their ancestry and connect with relatives around the world.
Through technology, the Church aims to strengthen personal faith while uniting families across generations.
Cultural and Social Involvement
In the United States, the Church maintains an active role in cultural and civic life. It supports religious freedom, education, and community involvement. Church representatives regularly participate in interfaith discussions, emphasizing mutual respect and shared humanitarian goals.
Utah, home to the Church’s headquarters in Salt Lake City, continues to reflect the Church’s influence in culture, education, and service. Historic sites such as Temple Square attract millions of visitors every year, providing a welcoming space for learning and reflection. The ongoing renovation of the Salt Lake Temple, expected to finish in the near future, remains one of the most significant restoration projects in the Church’s history.
The Church’s Pioneer Day celebrations, family-oriented events, and cultural productions such as The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square continue to shape Utah’s identity while sharing messages of peace and faith with the world.
Recent Announcements and Key Developments
Recent months have brought a series of notable updates from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
- Temple Dedications: Several new temples completed in 2025 and early 2026, including major U.S. and international locations.
- Humanitarian Milestone: More than $1 billion in charitable donations reported in 2025 to support global aid and community projects.
- Media Expansion: The Church’s video series on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ has reached millions of viewers online.
- Family History Progress: Record-breaking participation in family history events, helping individuals discover personal connections to the past.
These ongoing efforts highlight the Church’s balanced approach—honoring its heritage while adapting to meet modern challenges.
A Steadfast Commitment to Faith
As 2026 unfolds, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains firmly committed to its mission of helping people come closer to Jesus Christ. Its focus on service, family, and faith continues to inspire members and communities around the world.
From its headquarters in Salt Lake City to congregations in small towns and major cities across the U.S., the Church stands as a symbol of hope and unity. Through consistent leadership, humanitarian work, and spiritual outreach, it continues to grow both in numbers and in influence.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints moves into the future with faith, compassion, and purpose—inviting everyone to discover the peace and light found in following Jesus Christ. What are your thoughts on its ongoing impact in 2026? Share your perspective below.