Lisbon Portugal Temple

During the course of his remarks at the opening session of the 180th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 2 October 2010, President Thomas S. Monson announced a new temple to be built in Lisbon, Portugal. This will be the first temple to be built in Portugal.

As of 1 January 2011, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported 39,031 members in six stakes and four districts, 68 Congregations (33 wards and 35 [[branch]es), and two missions - Portugal Lisbon Mission and Portugal Porto Misssion. The Saints in Portugal currently attend the Madrid Spain Temple, a nearly 400-mile drive from Lisbon.

History of the Church in Portugal

The first Church meetings held in Portugal took place in the early 1970's among United States Armed Forces stationed there. In 1974, Spencer W. Kimball, the twelfth President of the Church, visited Portugal and received confirmation that the Church would be recognized, and that missionary work was to begin in the country.

In November 1974, Elder William Grant Bangerter of the Seventy arrived in Lisbon to preside over the newly created Portugal Lisbon Mission. Four missionaries were transferred from a mission in Brazil to begin the work. The earliest Church meetings were held in the home of a Canadian embassy member living in Portugal.

By July 1975, there were 100 Portuguese Latter-day Saints, and by July 1978, membership had reached 1,000. Today more than 38,000 Church members live in Portugal, organized into dozens of local congregations. These congregations, called wards and branches, serve as the center for all local Church activities, including Sunday worship services and classes for children, youth and young adults, and men and women. Weekday activities provide opportunities for additional instruction, social events, and cultural offerings such as dancing, musical and theatrical performance and sports.

High ideals are taught with strong emphasis on family life, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and commitment to high moral principles that characterize Latter-day Saint beliefs. Converts come from a wide age range and from all socioeconomic groups.

Humanitarian services totaling millions of dollars have been given worldwide. Relief without regard to race, nationality, or religion is given. Food, clothing, medical supplies, and economic aid continue to alleviate the suffering of deprived people. European nations, and more recently, Eastern Europeans receive special assistance.