Deseret News | Rome LDS temple, four others announced

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Rome LDS temple, four others announced

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Member in KC | 6:19 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Far West is in the middle of now where Missouri, with little population, let alone memebers. You take a dirt road to it that becomes impassible when it's mud.

Missouri has St. Louis and for the KC members, although they are assigned the St. Louis temple, Winter Quarters is actually closer. Kansas does not have a temple. Places like Topeka and Witchita have to travel even farther than the KC metro (which travel 4 hours to the temple). I would expect it be built in Johnson County or Wyndotte County.

I just watched on the local news here and they announced that the mormons were building a temple. What was funny was that the picture on the screen was a big cross with mormon church underneath. So I guess were Christians now LOL.

Starla | 6:32 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I was privileged to spend a few days in Rome this summer and attend church there. The saints were exceptional! Their excitement for the Gospel was like a breath of fresh air. I rejoice with them this day!

Yes Rome!!!!! | 6:40 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Tears of joy have been shed today. 5 new Temples.
Congratulations Italy! We love you Pres. Monson.

Milan Mission ('97,'98)

Comments continue below

Hunter's Ridge | 6:49 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I am so excited by the announcement of the Kansas City area temple. Imagine...a barbeque sandwich on the way to the temple. It really will be heaven on earth.

MRMR | 7:12 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Who really CARES!!!!!!!!!! Stop being so DRAMATIC!!!!!!!!!!!

LDSCajun | 7:13 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Rome, Italy. Is this the first time a temple has been built in a city recorded in the New Testament or the Bible for that matter.?

re: genlin | 7:17 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I second your comment, also as a convert to the LDS Church from Catholicism. The rude comments from LDS members are uncalled for. It's my (maybe not-so-humble) opinion that we reap the winds of anti-Mormonism every time someone makes a comment like that. And there are far too many. We bring this upon ourselves. If we lived our religion, I think there'd be a small fraction of the criticism of the LDS Church that exists now.

CP | 7:25 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

All these Temple, it's AWESOME!! My husband's family is from Italy and he was thrilled when he heard Pres. Monson say there will be a temple in Rome. The Lord's work moves forward and always will.

Debbie in Iowa | 7:34 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

The "greater Kansas City Temple" also blesses those of us in the Omaha Temple District. This temple is so busy, it's hard to get an appointment. Everytime I go, I am surrounded by my wonderful friends from Kansas City, and members in the state of Kansas. Their temple attendance in Nebraska has humbled me because they drive farther than the 2 hours I drive from Des Moines to attend the temple.

Kansas Mormon | 8:06 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Believe it or not, some of us members in the US still have to drive over 5 hours to attend the temple. We live in the Omaha temple district but Denver is actually closer. We are SO excited to hear that Kansas City is actually happening. It is just even a little closer, only 4 hours! And much closer to many church history sites. Thank you Pres. Monson!!

Emily | 8:26 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Well, my gasp and tears were all for Kansas City. (My husband's family is there and we lived there for a couple of years.)
I think Witchita is too far away to be "greater KC area". The KC area has 7 stakes and growing. That's a lot of people who have to go to St. Louis with the current gas prices. My guess, if it's not in Jackson, is that it will be somewhere in Johnson county, in one of the more affluent neighborhoods, although I'd be jazzed if it was in Lee's Summit; that's where my relations are. They just built a new stake center there and they may have more land already purchased, you never know.
Yay for KC and all the other temples announced!

Darin | 8:36 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

The KC area temple can be in Far West. I love speculation. I always get it wrong.

Blessed | 9:16 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I'm thrilled for the people who will live near the new temples. Those of us who live near temples can show our gratitude by attending them more often.

Amazed | 9:25 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I served a mission in Italy 10 years ago. It was an amazing announcement made today. I had heard about the temple location for some time, but didn't know that they were this close. I found a blog that had pictures of the area, beautiful. Congratulations to the people of Italy.

Tim [CORRECTED COPY] | 9:25 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

[[CORRECTED COPY - TYPO ON ORIGINAL THAT HAD DIFFERENT MEANING]]

The decision to build a temple in the Kansas City area is both an inspired and timely one.

Having lived in KC in the early 1990's and seeing most of the growth in the Church occur on the KANSAS side of the state line, I pray fervently that it is built in Johnson County, KANSAS.

The last thing we need is for a bunch of sign-seeking wannabes moving en masse to Jackson County for what? No jobs...the place is not exactly busting at the seams for meaningful work...it is, after all, a classic rust belt city.

Also, with the housing market in the tank, you're best off staying where you are now and not moving...unless of course, you live in an even more messed up city, such as Galveston, New Orleans, Detroit, or heaven forbid, Milwaukee...

My advice: Stay [CORRECTION: should read STAY PUT, and not STAY OUT - typo there: I sincerely apologize] help the Kingdom of God grow where you are, and attend a temple closer to home.

CCampbell | 9:36 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

The two and a half acre "Temple Lot" is owned by the fairly small Church of Christ (Temple Lot). The LDS Church owns a portion of the original 63 acres purchased by Bishop Partridge (with Visitor's Center, Stake Center, and Mission Office). The Community of Christ (RLDS Church) also owns lots of land within the same few blocks and this is the place of their headquarters, Auditorium, and their amazing spiral Independence Temple, which is not like LDS Temples in function. I would say it is unlikely a regular functioning LDS temple would be yet placed on the "Meadow" behind the Visitors. Something like Lee's Summit, Clay County, or Johnson County is probably more likely.

osmir brazil | 9:50 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Um templo em Roma vai ser maravilhoso. a europa abre os braï¿½os para receber o avangelho

To: Good Work | 9:59 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I second your comment, there is just such a feeling of joy and warmth here that we are not letting negatives, either way become the topic. I am so thrilled about these temples, yes there are many temples that are not very busy, such as the St. Louis, but the church is right to bring the temples to the people. And maybe they won't get used as much as needed now, but they will be there for the 1000 years of temple work. Let's face it, we are seeing things happen, look at the theme of the talks today. I am reading in Alma and there will be things going on and it is about 80 years before the birth of the Savior. We see many things going on, and who knows when the Savior will return to rule over this earth, but we need to have many temples for that time. Just over ten years ago the Missouri Temple was the 50th to be dedicated, it won't be long until there are 150. To Member in KC, your comment about the news and the cross cracked me up, awww to not take myself to seriously.

Follow the money | 10:10 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Tithes paid in Euros are pretty important these days.

South West | 10:12 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

When Pres Monson announced 5 new temples I thought they may announce the Salt Lake valley South west temple.

Any news on this one, it was announced back when the daybreak temple was announced but the exact location was supposed to be announced soon, that was back in 05 ?

KC | 10:41 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

It's Wichita, not WITCHita. And it's three hours from KC. Stop the speculation and wait for the church to make the announcement.

Canadian | 11:07 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

to bush to the last breath. Perhaps you could do a google search to find out about Canada. Alberta has a large population of LDS. I hardly think Heavenly Father's prerequisite for a temple is an "inspired" war. Get a grip. Canadian soldiers are dying in Iraq as well. No we don't have Republicans here believe it or not we have our own government.

Karen | 11:11 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

"The Greater Kansas City Area" sounds like code to me for Independence, Missouri. While everyone was hearing Rome, I heard Missouri. President Monson spoke of land aquired and months and years. Why would we build a temple any where else but Independence? My mother served her first mission in Independence ten years ago. She watched the RLDS rename themselves the Community of Christ. The church owns land there on Walnut St and has kept a good working relationship with the Church of Christ - Temple Lot who owns the exact site which was dediated by Joseph Smith. It is possible that many members "missed the mark" and only heard Rome.

Aussie LDS | 11:33 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I am so excited to see the work go forward in the announcement of new Temples . we used to travel 13 hours in a bus to got to Sydney Temple . Now we can attend Brisbane Temple less than a hour away . We live close to our chapels . Why not have temples close to where we live? As we age it is so difficult to travel. The best part is All Lds Constructions are paid for before they are built . So not encumbered with debt . A glorious day indeed.

Ed Clinch | 12:07 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Faith Promoting Rumor:

About 10 years ago in Bloomington, Indiana, my doctoral candidate in European Studies/ LDS religion teacher talked about a "prophesy" of a temple in Rome "within sight of the Vatican". That came from a high LDS official, according to him, so take that with a grain of salt. And a slab of pepperoni.

That said, I bet that this Roman temple will be in the suburbs, but some day there could be two or more...

And how nice for this former instructor of mine; he taught me about Church history, which is what the Kansas City area is all about.

I also hope that the Saint Louis temple can receive more patronage.

Lessee...Philly? Very cool. First in the state of PA.

Alberta? Nice.

Cordoba. Very good for that side of the Andes, but I am still hoping for both southern and northern Chile to get theirs...

There are over 500,000 members in Chile, and only 200,000 or so are relatively close to Santiago.

Chile is like the length of Juneau to Cabo San Lucas.

No joke, Chile needs a few more temples.

Economics keep el pueblo down.

Anyway, stay strong fieles. Viva la fe.

Re: Benjamin at 10:49am | 12:11 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

The land the Church owns now is on the north end of Rome, aside the beltway called the "Grande Raccordo Anulare." Land in the city itself is scarce, very expensive, and very difficult to build on, given all the archeological and bureaucratic implications.

A note to those who have griped about the Church building a temple in Rome, please allow me to clear up two issues:

1. This has nothing to do with the Roman Catholic Church. This has everything to do with wonderful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have been working for years to have temple blessings available in their own land.

2. It is not our place to decide whether the membership numbers in Italy merit a temple over other areas. There are a lot of factors at play, not just membership. From what I can gather, those complaining already have a temple within a couple hours' distance. For shame! Most Italian saints must travel for hours or even days and can only get to the temple once a year if that. I'm SO happy for them.

Michael in Tucson, Arizona

rob southern mo | 12:36 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

I am very excited about the new temples. Calgary has
deserved a temple for many years. Many strong wards and stakes in that (beautiful) area.
I think the K. C. temple will be built on the Kansas
side of the metro area. (I don't think bringing up the war is appropriate on this blog but I do appreciate the oil and gas that Alberta sends down to us...it is very much appreciated).
I hope they build a mid-size temple because the Oklahoma City Temple is often crowded and we are directed to St. Louis, (a full-size temple)which is about an hour longer drive. I was just talking to a member and told him that I thought they would announce a temple for Kansas City soon....wow, the next conference. The growth of the church is a wonderful thing.

Steve Jacobson | 12:37 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

As a missionary in Italy in 1970 Hatman Rector Jr. then of the seventy promised the italian saints a temple would be built in Italy. It seemed such a stunning statement at the time. However, I felt at the time it was right. After all of these years the announcement of a temple in Rome!
I am so happy for the saints in Italy!!

Anziano 78-80 | 1:19 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

This is great news for the members in Italy (and nearby) and all of the missionaries who served there. I challenge all of us to write our friends in Italy and encourage them to be ready to attend. This gives us a great opportunity to re-affirm our love and support of these wonderful people. Tanti Auguri!!

I cheered all the way from my house in Europe!!!

former Anziano | 1:26 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Great comment Michael in AZ. What a blessing this is for all of us! We have waited a long time for this day! I love the Italian people and am so grateful a temple is being built in Rome. The members there are great and it will also bless members throughout Italy and the surrounding countries.

I lived on the church land while serving there ('98-'00), it is beautiful! Right near the mission home and close to the city center, but still close to the GRA and away from the noise of Rome. It will be nice to get rid of the old villa and replace it with a beautiful temple!

The Lord has blessed us beyond measure.

St. Louisan | 1:32 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

At the dedication of the St. Louis temple in 1997, Pres. Hinckley commented that it was no accident that the first _completed_ temple in Missouri was on the other side of the state, where in the 1840s people actually supported the civil rights of the Latter-day Saints. Then he said something like the following. "I know you are all wondering when we will build a temple on the other side of Missouri. Well, I'm not making that announcement today (smile). But when this temple is busy night and day, maybe we can talk about it." The STL temple is not that busy, in large part because the original temple district is now shared with about 5 other newer temples. But my point is, that was then, and this is now; the prophet then knew it was not yet time, and the prophet now knows it is time. I am hoping for Independence, but if there is really that much Church growth on the Kansas side, that would probably be less likely to cause misunderstandings. Oh, and for those of you who don't know and can't look it up--Kansas City is in Jackson Co., as is Independence.

awesomeron | 4:52 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

The New Temple most spoken about is Rome, you could hear the stir and the rumble in the silence.

I guess I am happy. I am more concerned about the areas of the World that we still cannot go. More then 1/2 the World, places in our own land that we are highly resented, because of our core values and beliefs.

The Laie Temple is Closing in December for a year and a half, Major Renovations. Their is a Small Temple at Kona on the Big Island, the next closest is San Diego, or on in the Pacific. I am not sure what the people in Love at BYUH are going to do. Many are from the Islands, working their way through at the PCC.

I am always glad when their is a New Temple and people have to Travel Less in order to do the work.

Dear Rightascension | 5:36 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

You need to re-listen to the announcement. The gasp and chuckles did not come until AFTER President Monson announced the Rome Temple. There was not reaction to the greater Kansas area.

How Thrilling | 5:47 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Oh, what wonderful news for those in the areas where a temple will be built.

Often when a temple is announced many of the fears of no LDS are allayed when they find out about what happens there and when they are given the opportunity to visit during an open house. So many who have fought against a temple, afterwards say they wished they hadn't and the temple has brought a beauty and peace to the area the appreciate. It has added to their community.

The Lord is truly involved in this work. It is not for us to speculate why "the greater Kansas City are" or why suddenly in Rome. President Hinckley has always said that when the Saints prepare themselves the Lord will bless them with a temple. What about saying "You Go Saints." You did what the prophet said and the Lord is blessing you for your devotion.

I would sincerely hope the Pope would take the opportunity to visit the Rome Temple. I would think that he would be invited and be given a personal tour by the Prophet.

The Real Wallyworld | 6:42 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Where ever in the "KC area" the new Temple is going to be built should not really matter. But if you all want to guess, then that cool with me..At least those in that area will be blessed by having a Temple close to them.

Do you think that The Church will invite the Pope to the Temple open house in Rome and if so do you think he would go?? I think it would be a perfect goodwill gesture to the Catholic church and their community and I hope if invited he would go.

David Shannon | 6:53 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

As a former return missionary in 1979, I served in two districts in Roma and one just outside called Ciampino. As we turned leadership over to the members, they became strong and capable Saints. The temple will do the same for them. We will set it up and then let them run it after a while. In my other serving areas, a few members met in our apartments for church. We come along way baby ! Forsa Italia

U-Haul? | 7:00 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Theres a funny comment in here that if the 'greater kansas city area' temple is in independence, then we better get packed and ready to move. Hasn't it been preached for the last couple decades atleast that Zion is wherever the saints are gathered, and that the gathering of Zion, although a physical gathering, isn't necessarily going to be Missouri for everyone?

I'm very curious to see if the temple in Rome will cause a backlash of the deeply traditional catholics in that country against the presence of the Mormons. It might not increase church membership in Italy, but without a doubt, the Rome temple will increase the strength of the members that are already there.

And isn't it very fitting for the announcement of a Rome temple to be announced by Pres. Monson? As a missionary, I always imagined he would be the prophet to shake things up in the world as he is a very no-nonsense kind of guy and doesn't sugar coat the truth, but lays it out there as it is.

Kim -Mo Saint | 7:18 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

I live in Platte City Mo, just north of the airport. Our stake has grown and grown over the last ten yrs. Our new church(about 7 yrs old) is busting out at the seams. Would love to see the temple built up north. Close to the airport and plenty of hotels for any saints coming to visit our temple. We are so blessed to be getting a temple in our area. I can't imagine the blessings the KC saints will receive being able to attend the temple with great regularity. Now is the time to make sure we are all ready and worthy to attend the temple. What a wonderful time to be alive and to see our church move forward and grow at such astonishing rates. Keep our President Monson and his council in our prayers.

and then... | 7:27 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Why was there no announcement of another Brazil temple, come on fellow Membros Brasileiros, lets get our act together. We need to have enough temples so no one has to travel over 5 hours to get to a temple.
Next year, lets get one build in Cuiaba-Mato Grosso and one in Brasilia.

Gary Taylor | 7:44 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

We in the Northwest corner of Arkansas would find a temple in South Kansas City an hour closer than our Oklahoma City Temple. As a descendent of a family who was driven out of Missouri three times, I look forward to returning to to that part of Missouri to do the Lord's work.

Kristine | 8:26 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Wow, I'm glad they finally announced the temple in the Philly area. Saints in the area have wanted a temple here for so long, there has been rumors of putting one near Valley Forge for the last decade or so.
One of my friends (non-member) has been waiting for the day when a temple can be built in Philly so she can see what one would look like.
For me, the travel time will be cut in half. Traffic would get so bad on I-95 we would have to leave @ 5 AM to get to the DC temple by 10. It will be interesting to see where they put the temple

Ryan Thornton, Fayetteville, AR | 8:30 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

With continued growth in Northwest Arkansas, I look forward to seeing a temple in our area soon. It will be nice to have the KC temple closer to home. We are excited.

just thinking II | 8:35 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

we would love to have a temple here in Brasilia. but Pres. Monson was here june 2 and did not announce one, too bad. we have a ten hour trip to Campinas, maybe soon.

Greg | 8:35 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

Alleluia! Having served a mission to Italy and having spent my formative years in the Philadelphia Stake I was doubly thrilled. I thank the Lord for his tender mercies. What a blessing.

Genti, guardate, la luce vien!

Such Nonsense | 8:53 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

These gushing comments are so naive and embarassing, I no longer will admit that I am a former Mormon.

re: Rome | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

First of all, there is a Vernal, Utah Temple. Secondly, you can't just look at the immediate area, but who all will be in the temple district. The Rome temple district is going to include several nearby countries. It will reduce the travel time for people in some countries from 15 hours to the Bern Switzerland temple to 3 or 4 hours to the Rome, Italy temple. The Lord knows what he is doing. There needs to be enough people to support a temple in the immediate worker between ordinance workers, etc. After that, it is more important that it be central to a lot of areas that don't have a temple to make it easier on those people to go to the temple and receive the temple ordinances such as temple sealings. Also, the Lord knows if an area is going to grow while the temple is being constructed. There will be reactivations and more baptisms while the temple is being constructed and shortly thereafter. This temple, will be well used by the membership.

A Philly Temple!!?? | 9:10 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

And I thought the best news for Philly this year would be the Phils winning the World Series (Remember President Uchtdorf's talk on HOPE?) But a temple in my hometown tops it all!

I grew up in the Media Branch and had combined Mutual with THE Philadelphia Ward in the 60's. The nearest baptismal font when I was baptized in 1963 was Wilmington, DE. Our stake stretched from Reading, PA to Wilmington, DE and covered Southern New Jersey. How great it has been to watch the growth of the church in the City of Brotherly Love and it's surrounding areas.

I can't wait to be able go home again and visit the house of the Lord in the Cradle of Liberty.

kc temple | 9:22 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

when people in kc refer to the greater kc area, they are generally referring to the kansas side.

hl | 9:29 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

We better get some good walking shoes.

Write | 9:33 a.m. Oct. 5, 2008

To K@ and Parker:
Actually the Catholic Church does do proxy work.

When my grandfather died in 1966 my Dad's co-workers took up a collection to have novenas said for him. These novenas (special prayers) were to pray that my grandfather's soul would move through Purgatory on to the next level.

We were Protestants in those days - and my Dad brought the letter and card to the kitchen table and explained to us why his co-workers wanted to do this. We weren't offended at all (even though in those days the differences between Protestant and Catholic were sharp and clear) - in fact my Dad was actually touched that they would be so thoughtful to do this. Sure - we didn't accept anything the Catholic Church did - but regarded these novenas/prayers as a good thing, as a kindness.

So - it is proxy work and is a standard practice of the Catholic Church.

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2 photos

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Five new temples were announced in the opening session Saturday of the 178th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gallery (2 photos)