Church of Jesus Christ Reaches Historic Milestones with Record Growth and New Temple Announcements

Introduction: A Faith Community Experiencing Unprecedented Growth

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has emerged as one of the fastest-growing religious organisations globally, making headlines in 2025 with remarkable membership expansion and significant institutional developments. The worldwide membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grew to 17,509,781 as of Dec. 31, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the faith community. For millions of believers worldwide and those interested in global religious trends, understanding these developments offers insight into changing patterns of faith and spiritual engagement in modern society.

Record-Breaking Membership Growth

In the last 12 months ending June 30, 2025, the Church had more convert baptisms than any other 12-month period in the faith’s 195-year history. This extraordinary expansion represents a significant shift in religious demographics. In 2024, the church saw 308,000 people join — approximately 50,000 people more than in 2023, demonstrating sustained momentum. Every region of the world saw at least a 20% increase in convert baptisms in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, reflecting truly global appeal.

Historic Temple Announcement in Portland, Maine

In a departure from tradition, Elder Allen D. Haynie, United States Northeast Area President, announced the construction of a temple in Portland, Maine during a local Christmas devotional on 14 December 2025. Such an announcement by a member of an Area Presidency has never occurred before, marking a new approach under President Dallin H. Oaks, who said it is appropriate that “we slow down the announcement of new temples” due to the large number already in planning stages. Maine is home to more than 11,000 Latter-day Saints who comprise 27 congregations.

Conclusion: Significance for Global Religious Landscape

These developments signal a period of transformation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The record-breaking growth, combined with strategic temple construction, demonstrates the organisation’s expanding global influence. For observers of religious trends, this expansion challenges narratives of declining faith among younger generations. The church has “more members (17.5 million), missionaries (80,000), congregations (31,670), missions (450) and temples (382) than it has ever had”. As the church continues adapting its approach to temple announcements whilst experiencing historic growth, these trends will likely shape conversations about faith communities’ relevance in contemporary society for years to come.