Full Breakdown
President Dallin H. Oaks dedicates the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple
8/17/2026, 10:01:43 PM
Core Event – Dedication of the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, President Dallin H. Oaks dedicated the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple. The ceremony, attended by his wife Kristen M. Oaks and several General Authority Seventies, was broadcast to members throughout the temple district. The dedication marked the Church’s 12th dedicated temple in Brazil and the 220th operating temple worldwide.
Background & Context – LDS Church growth in Brazil
Brazil now hosts more than 1.5 million members and over 2,000 wards and branches. The first Brazilian temple, the São Paulo Brazil Temple, was dedicated in 1978 when membership numbered about 54 000. Since then the Church has announced 12 additional temples, bringing the eventual total to 24.
Timeline – Key milestones for the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple
- April 4, 2021 – Temple announced by President Russell M. Nelson.
- June 17, 2023 – Groundbreaking presided over by Elder Juan A. Uceda.
- June 13-27, 2026 – Public open house (excluding Sundays).
- August 15, 2026 – Photo of the completed temple.
- August 16, 2026 – Dedication by President Oaks.
Data & Statistics – Temple numbers and membership
- 12th dedicated temple in Brazil; 220th operating temple worldwide.
- 12 additional Brazilian temples are under construction or in planning.
- The Church reports 164 temples worldwide in various stages, for a total of 385 temples that are dedicated, being built, or announced.
- The Belo Horizonte temple occupies 2.44 ha (6.03 ac) with a building size of 2,665 m² (28,685 sq ft) and a height of 19 m.
Official Statements & Responses – Summary of leadership remarks
President Oaks noted that a local member’s travel time to a temple was reduced from nine hours to one hour, highlighting the practical impact of the new building.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our service in the temples is centered on Jesus Christ,” — President Oaks
- “I was anxious to come to Brazil, into any city, because I esteem the nation so highly,” — President Oaks
Why It Matters – Impact on members and global temple building
The dedication is President Oaks’s first international temple dedication, underscoring the Church’s focus on expanding temple access.
What’s Next – Upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration
Latter-day Saints are preparing for the Salt Lake Temple Celebration scheduled April 5 through October 1, 2027, which will run alongside the recent dedication.
