Updated
Updated · Deseret News · Aug 11
Oaks to Dedicate Brazil's 12th Operating Temple for 1.5 Million Saints
Updated
Updated · Deseret News · Aug 11

Oaks to Dedicate Brazil's 12th Operating Temple for 1.5 Million Saints

3 articles · Updated · Deseret News · Aug 11

Summary

  • Aug. 16 will mark President Dallin H. Oaks’ first international temple dedication as church president when he consecrates the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple.
  • The ceremony will be Oaks’ second temple dedication since he became prophet in October 2025, following the Burley Idaho Temple dedication in January.
  • 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. broadcasts are planned for church units in the temple district after the single-story, 2,665-square-foot temple completes its dedication.
  • Brazil will then have 12 operating temples out of 24 announced, expanding service for more than 1.5 million Latter-day Saints in the country.
  • President Russell M. Nelson announced the Belo Horizonte temple in April 2021, and construction began in June 2023 before a public open house ran June 13-27.

Insights

Why did the new Church president choose Brazil for his first international dedication, and what does it signal for global expansion?
With 24 temples planned across Brazil, what deeper strategy is driving this rapid, localized architectural expansion?
What hidden civic impact drew top Brazilian political leaders to tour this surprisingly small, newly dedicated religious complex?