The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 42,689 members, 12 stakes and 4 districts, 145 congregations, two missions, as of December 31, 2014.[1][2]

Currently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks as having the 16th highest LDS growth rate among countries of the world, with an annual growth rate of 13 percent.[3]

History

The LDS Church was first recognized in Zaire in 1986. That year the first missionaries began preaching in Kinshasa. The establishment of the Church was aided by the Banza family, who had joined the Church while studying at a university in Geneva, Switzerland. The third petitioner to establish the church that year was Nkitabungi Mbuyi, who had joined the Church while studying in Belgium and subsequently served as a missionary for the Church in England before his return to Zaire.[4] The church has grown quickly since then, with the first stake being organised in 1996.

Since establishing itself in the country, the church has played a large role in providing humanitarian aid services in the nation. This has involved installing clean water distribution systems in areas where sanitation and water are low.[5]

In 2011, it was reported that the church had reached a total of 100 congregations in the DRC[6]

By late 2019 the Church had 22 stakes and one district as well as several branches directly under missions in Congo.

In 2020, the LDS Church canceled services and other public gatherings indefinitely in response to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.[7]

Membership history
Year Membership
1988400a
19901,400a
19943,400a
19965,300a
19986,400a
20008,197a
200210,991a
200414,991a
200617,074a
200819,313a
200920,883b
201023,615b
201127,058b
201230,435b
201542,689b
201962,563
  • a Cumorah.com - Country Profiles[8]
  • b Actual Membership for January 1 of the respective year[9]

Missions
The Plan of salvation in Swahili.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo Kinshasa East Mission
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa West Mission.[10]
  • Democratic Republic of Congo Lubumbashi Mission
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo Mbuji-Mayi Mission

Temple
Main article: Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple

On October 1, 2011 the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson. On Feb 12, 2016 ground was broken for the temple in a ceremony conducted by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the 12 apostles. The temple was dedicated April 14, 2019 with Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the 12 aposltes presiding.[11]

163. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo

Location:
Announced:
Dedicated:
 Size:
 Notes:

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
1 October 2011
14 April 2019 by Dale G. Renlund
12,000 sq ft (1,100 m2)
Announced by Thomas S. Monson on 1 October 2011[12]

See also

References
  1. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temples
  2. "Country information: Democratic Republic of the Congo", 2013 Church Almanac, Deseret News
  3. Africa, Caribbean Lead the way in LDS Growth [sic]
  4. talk by Dale Renlund on the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo given at the October 2019 general conference
  5. "Church Helps Bring Water to African Communities". Luputa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Mormon Life: Global Snapshots. 17 April 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  7. Lovett, Ian. "Mormon Church Cancels Services World-Wide Amid Coronavirus Crisis", The Wall Street Journal, 12 March 2020. Retrieved on 3 April 2020.
  8. Cumorah.com- country profiles- Congo DR
  9. "Country information: Democratic Republic of the Congo", Deseret News Church Almanac (multiple almanacs from various years), Deseret News
  10. Cumorah.com International Atlas
  11. article on Kinshasa Temple dedication
  12. Walker, Joseph (1 October 2011). "LDS general conference opens with the announcement of six new Mormon temples". Deseret News. Salt Lake City. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
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