October, 1997 General Confernce

— LDS GENERAL CONFERENCE —

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

President of the church


      The church intends to build regular temples in both Houston, Texas and Porto Alegre, Brazil. But because many remote areas of the church have fewer members and major growth is unlikely, small temples — of a new design — will be built in some areas.
      Every temple ordinance will be available in such temples, built to regular temple standards, with only half the capacity of larger temples.
      "We are planning for such structures immediately in Anchorage, Alaska, in the LDS colonies in northern Mexico, and Monticello, Utah."
      These facilities will have no paid employees, but depend on local members for staffing.
      On other matters of concern:
     

  • There is no point in doing missionary work unless church members hold onto the fruits of that effort. Converts must be nurtured carefully.
         
  • Young women are under no obligation to serve missions. This is a sensitive matter. Missionary work is essentially a priesthood responsibility.