As of April , the total number of temples in Africa either in operation, under construction, or announced is twenty-one. See Geographical List of Temples. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced rapid membership growth since the first stake of the Church in Kinshasa was created in At the time of the announcement, there were 9 stakes in the combined conurbation of Kinshasa-Brazzaville with a total of 15 stakes and 4 districts in the countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo.
Congolese members traveled more than 2, miles 3, kilometers to Johannesburg, South Africa, to enjoy temple worship and ordinance work. Unreliable public transportation made the journey to the Johannesburg South Africa Temple difficult. The Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple is a tremendous blessing to over 23, Church members spread throughout the vast region of Central Africa. The completed temple features one instruction room , one sealing room , a celestial room and a baptistry.
In instruction rooms, Church members learn about the purpose of life and make promises to live faithfully. Marriages are performed in sealing rooms, and Latter-day Saints believe families can be sealed, or joined, not only for this life but for eternity. The celestial room symbolizes eternal life in the presence of God and Jesus Christ.
The construction of Latter-day Saint temples temples are separate from chapels, where members gather for weekly worship services , no matter the location, is a sign of not only a Latter-day Saint community that is strong and mature but also one that is growing.
The fact that the Church in Africa has grown exponentially in the past 40 years is surprising to even those who understand the culture and complexity of this vast region of the globe - whether they are leaders and converts living and serving in Africa, or those who journey to Salt Lake City, Utah, to help guide the affairs of the global Church. In , more than 12, people were baptized and became members of the Church in Southeast Africa about 4 percent of growth Churchwide and 24, people were baptized and became members in West Africa about 8 percent of the , converts around the globe.
