Latter-day Saint leaders dedicate new temples in Brazil, Ohio

President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, dedicated the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple on Sunday, August 16, 2026. This marked the 220th temple for the church. The dedication ceremony took place in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where President Oaks emphasized the sacred nature of temples as houses of the Lord, dedicated to the work of preparing members for exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God.

Also on the same day, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Cleveland Ohio Temple, the church’s 221st temple. Located in northeastern Ohio, the new temple adds to the growing network of houses of the Lord across the United States.

Before dedicating the Belo Horizonte temple, President Oaks highlighted the significance of temple work in the context of the Savior’s teachings and the covenants made in these sacred spaces. He spoke of the importance of temples in teaching the most essential truths of mortality and the life to come, reinforcing their role in the Heavenly Father’s plan for His children.

President Oaks noted that the church currently has 221 dedicated temples, with 164 more under construction or in planning, bringing the total number of houses of the Lord worldwide to 385. This includes 12 additional temples being built in Brazil, a country with over 1.57 million members and more than 2,000 wards and branches. The expansion of temples in Brazil will increase the total number of temples in South America to 24.

Reflecting on the growth and maturity of the church in Brazil, President Oaks expressed joy at the progress and the increasing number of members and congregations. He encouraged Latter-day Saints to remember the purpose of temples and to act upon the teachings and ordinances performed within them.

Service in temples centers on Jesus Christ, President Oaks added, underscoring the central role of the Savior in all temple work. The dedication of these new temples continues the church’s commitment to providing sacred spaces for spiritual growth and eternal progression.

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