Latter-day Saint Leaders Modernize Temple Traditions

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is witnessing a modernization in its temple announcement traditions. Under the leadership of Dallin H. Oaks, a significant shift in how new temples are announced has begun.

New Temple Announcement Marks a Turning Point

For the first time during Oaks’ presidency, a temple announcement was made outside the traditional General Conference setting. On December 14, 2025, Allen D. Haynie, a general authority Seventy and the Northeast Area president, revealed that a new temple will be constructed in Portland, Maine. This marks a historic milestone as Maine will be home to its first Latter-day Saint temple.

Reasons for the Change

Dallin H. Oaks, named the 18th prophet-president of the Church on October 14, acknowledges that the number of temples in various phases of planning and construction necessitates a slower approach to announcements. “It is appropriate that we slow down the announcement of new temples,” he stated, emphasizing the church leadership’s responsibility to determine when and where these announcements will occur.

• New temple in Portland, Maine, announced on December 14, 2025.
• This temple is Maine’s first for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• The announcement was made by a member of an area presidency, a first in church history.
• During Russell M. Nelson’s presidency, 200 temples were announced, highlighting a dramatic increase in temple constructions.

Implications for the Faithful

Haynie described the new temple as a significant blessing. It will enhance access to sacred ordinances, which are essential to the Latter-day Saint faith. The specific details regarding the location and timing of the construction are expected to be announced in the future.

This change in tradition follows a long-standing practice established by Oaks’ predecessor, Russell M. Nelson, who favored announcing new temples during General Conference gatherings. During Nelson’s nearly eight-year leadership, over half of the 383 existing or planned temples were announced, totaling 200 new temples.

The Path Ahead

As the Church continues to grow, the modernization of temple announcement practices reflects a new direction under Oaks’ leadership. With one temple announced, there remains a substantial number to be revealed in the future.

Currently, six U.S. states – Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia – do not have an existing or announced Latter-day Saint temple. The anticipation for future announcements remains high as the Church adapts to its evolving needs.