Deseret News | Violence forces closure of LDS Nigeria temple

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Violence forces closure of LDS Nigeria temple

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observing | 9:31 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I know the scriptures are true and when I relate the present day to what has taken place in the past, I think of the disciples being taken from the people when the people became too wicked. This is a very sad situation...

Chachi | 9:45 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

The closure might pressure local officials to control crime, or it could embolden the lawless elements who realize that their actions can wield influence.

CougarKeith | 9:47 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Time is shorter than we think, and the acceleration will continue! I personally am VERY DEEPLY CONCERNED at the world's situation everywhere! It is a sad thing for the world, but good for the Lord, his time is speedily approaching and so many ignore what is plainly before our eyes!

Comments continue below

Brother Chuck Schroeder | 9:48 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I am sure President Gordon B. Hinckley would roll over in his grave right now, if he knew they closed that Temple. Did Jesus Christ himself demand, in HIS CHURCH, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must indefinitely closed its Aba Nigeria Temple as a precautionary measure because of recent violence ?. That's what I would like to know. He's the boss.

@grim reaper | 10:10 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Wow, were you just waiting for another LDS article to pop up so you could jump on and throw garbage?
How about being concerned for all Nigerians in an increasingly violant situation in their country.
These are good and decent people.
Meanwhile I'm happy to contribute monthly toward helping those in countries where great needs exist.
Including my own country.

Lori B. | 10:11 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

What the heck kind of judgmental question is that? Walk a few miles in some Nigerian shoes before you throw a nasty judgment like that out there. Unbelievable.

Grandmother of 23 | 10:18 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

The above comment seems a bit petty to me. Many in Africa join the church and fall away but they are still our brothers and sisters. There are many who stay true and faithful and I'm sure the above comment hurts them deeply. "Judge not that ye be not judged"

Eric | 10:26 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I wonder how many self-righteous LDS members(living in relative ease)think they will actually get past The Lord while looking down their noses at their brothers and sisters.

Anonymous | 10:27 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

None all welfare, most still active.

Didgbads | 10:28 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I think there are more people on church welfare here in the Salt Lake Valley right now than anywhere.

US Diplomat in Africa | 10:28 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I am currently living in my 4th African country, and although I do not know the exact statistics, I know that the activity levels and dedication of the LDS members on this continent is very inspiring. I remember at one Stake Conference I attended in Ghana where the attendance was 125%! Our meetings are regularly packed as well. This is particularly impressive because most of the people have to ride extremely packed mini-buses (i.e., 30 people in a 12 passenger van) and/or walk for long distances to attend their meetings. As for church welfare, most of the Africans whom I've met are very, very poor, but the people here take care of each other the best that they can. Many of the people here have greatly benefitted from the Perpetual Education Fund, and they can now be more productive members of their communities. I am continually impressed by their enthusiasm, dedication, and optimism that they regularly demonstrate. I feel blessed to be able to better learn the gospel of Christ from these amazing saints in Africa!

Kimberly | 10:29 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Reap, What the heck does that have to do with the story? Are you worried about how your money is being spent? Instead of asking how much of our resources they are using, why not ask if they are safe, how can we help, and say a prayer for them.

Gordon Shaw | 10:30 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

It is sad to hear of violence directed at anyone especially those who are peace loving. These people are only trying to do the best for the people of Nigeria. It is sad but also a sign of the times. May those people of Nigera be blessed and watched over.

re: reap what you sow | 10:30 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

what does it really matter to you? Sure, some are probably inactive now, others are active and getting stronger, and some (many) probably need assistance- much the same as in other areas of the world. As an active church member in the states that pays to the humanitarian fund regularly, I'm thrilled that some of that money goes to good people like these that need the assistance.

I'm pretty sure that either way, the church is well enough off- I'm also confidnet that many of these people have the opportunity to be helped with the Perpetual Education Fund.

what? | 10:32 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

to cougarkeith and chucky...

wow - so keith thinks the end of days is approaching, and chucky thinks it's up to Jesus and God to decide to close a temple...

gotta love a good mormon conversation - never a dull moment (although lots of dim moments

Bro | 10:32 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

The temple wouldn't have closed without the consent of the first presidency, so, yes, Jesus Christ is the one who would have told them to close the temple. Yes, He is the boss.

US Diplomat in Africa | 10:34 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I wish that people would stop speculating about the closure! I know the facts behind why the temple was closed, and good judgement was certainly used in this situation.

RE: reap | 10:35 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

The church sowed the Gospel and reaped Membership. How does these peoples' activity or welfare status come into play here? The church did not sow the violence it has received resulting in the temple closure. Your poor attempt at trolling is laughable.

Anonymous | 10:36 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I feel for the members of the Church there, and hope that they're temple opens up as soon as possible!

Bill | 10:39 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I am worried about people like Chuck and his comments and attitudes. If he truly is a member, has he lost faith that the leaders of the church seek guidance from Christ.

Re: Brother C. S. | 10:39 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

The Lord does not command in all things. He expects us to use common sense in areas He does not command and to follow Him when He does command.

Anonymous | 10:42 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Rest assurred that President Hinckley, and Jesus Chirst agrees with this and all other decisions that are made by the living prophets. I am quite certain they work together on issues that provide safety to those who will listen. I know that I have been blessed and protected by listening to and following the prophets in these latter days.

K | 10:43 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Good grief, you people are cranky today...

But this is a sad thing. I never thought I would see a Temple close (the indefinitely part is what concerns me...)

Prayers for the safety of the ALL of the Nigerian people.

Brother B | 10:43 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

If you have forgotten, President Hinckley is not the Current Prophet. President Monson is, who for members of the LDS church is "the mouth piece of the lord" so to answer your question Yes!

Sis in TX | 10:45 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Brother Chuck-
If you believe that Gordon B Hinckley was a prophet then you certainly believe that those same keys that called him ...also called President Monson, whos decision it ultimately was to close the temple. President Hinckley would not roll over in his grave but support and sustain the Lord's prophet on his hard decision. We must support that decision and pray for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria that are surely broken hearted by this sad turn of events. And just BTW...Gordon B Hinckley knows.

@Brother Chuck | 10:47 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Yes, Christ is the boss. And right now, President Monson is His mouthpiece. I very much doubt that President Hinckley is rolling over in his grave. He has a testimony of following the current prophet, so I bet he's just fine with the decision.

Spence | 10:50 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I didn't realize how big the Nigeria Temple was. Or how many members there are there. That's really amazing!

Wow | 10:51 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

What a sad, sad world we live in. Bro. Chuck do you not believe that church leaders are lead by Jesus Christ - the boss as you put it. This would be under his direction to protect his fold! Think before you speak and insert your foot into your mouth! Be concerned for your fellow brothers and sisters!

@the reaper | 10:51 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I have no idea what kind of bone you have to pick with the church. As for the welfare program of the church; it is the best model in the world for helping the poor and the downtrodden. It helps them while allowing them to keep their dignity. I just wish our country would follow the same program.
Voluntary and maintain your self respect. awesome!

I hope the best | 10:56 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I served my mission in Africa. What type of comment was that. You don't know the types of sacrifices these church members go through. A lot of members walk miles just to go to church, not like you having to walk 40 feet. Lets try thinking before you cast judgment like that, or try walking a mile in their shoes.

John Pack Lambert | 11:00 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

It is sad that violence has gotten so large in Nigeria that this action was neccesary. However I think the "people are evil" or "end of the world" lines are uncalled for.
This is a sad day for the great many faithful saints in Nigeria. Hopefully things will settle down and the temple can be reopened in the near future.

Anonymous | 11:00 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Won't somebody PLEASE think of the children?

@ Brother Schroeder | 11:03 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I am sure that decision was made by the current President of the Church and not by the temple department. And I am sure Pres. Monson consulted this with the Lord because after all, it's His House. Indefinetely does not mean definetely closed. It means they don't know when they will open the temple again. What the saints should do is pray long and harder that the saints in Nigeria may be blessed again with their temple. May the Nigeria temple be the light for the dark days the nigerian people is living now.

Hair Trigger Reactions? | 11:07 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

It's sad to hear of the troubles going on in Nigeria. I hope the situation calms down again for the sake of those who live there. This temple closure is just a precautionary safety measure, and some of the readers have read much too much into this decision. Take a few deep breaths and watch how things unfold.

Neil Peterson | 11:17 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

In responce to "Reap What You Sow". I can tell you first hand how many are active and how many are reciving Church welfare. I served as a senior missionary in Nigeria during the kidnapping. There are as many active people there percentage wise, as anywhere else in the world. There are not as many members reciving assistance in Nigeria percentage wise as there are in many places in America.

Your insinuation that Africans join the Church just for assistance is way off base. I would suggest that you examine your predilection attitude.

Alex | 11:20 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Cool down, Brother Schroeder.

The temple will reopen. The work will go on. Relax. This is not the last remaining holdout temple on the earth. There are others there in Africa alone and there will be more.

Must there be martyrs whenever violence ever threatens to disturb the temple schedule for a time. No. There is a time for martyrdom and this ain't it. When you notice a fist begin to fly in your direction, sticking your face in its path and getting killed by it doesn't make you a martyr for the cause.

Don't worry, one day you will get your body count.

Oh, and about Pres. Hinckley rolling over in his grave. Puhlease. Temples are closed and opened all of the time for holidays and cleaning, even with President Hinckley. I suppose that those temple workers and patrons should have died rather than allow the temple to close for repairs or to clean the toilets.

Dubbs | 11:22 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

The Brethren are inspired, as a member of the church "Brother" you should know this and your question seems silly if you believe they are inspired.

Tennor | 11:26 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Yes. Yes He did.

Grandfather of 23 | 11:28 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I agree with Grandmother of 23 but I sort of have to if you know what I mean

Lee | 11:30 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I don't think that peace and stability will ever come to that continent.It seems that this violence get worse every year.There is also rampant corruption and lawlessness in these African countries.Mostly, it all goes back to colonial days and what tribes benefited from those colonial powers back then.We have seen the outright genocide in Rwanda.Look at the situation in Zimbabwe and Sudan.We have starvation in Ethiopia and Chad.If peace and calm does come, it will be generations from now.

Historic Desecration Examples | 11:38 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

To Brother Chuck, you obviously have a think against LDS theology and temple work. Just remember that the Lord allowed his temple to be descreated in ancient times, as outlined in the Bible, because he allows men their agency to do bad things. In the end, He will judge everyone according to their works and their intent. But men will not frustrate or stop HIs work from progressing. Please dont malign the LDS faith through mean-spirited comments just because you may disagree with its theology. That's not being "brotherly."

Brother Chuck Schroeder | 11:47 a.m. Aug. 26, 2009

My reply back to all who responded to me.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has indefinitely closed its Aba Nigeria Temple as a precautionary measure because of recent violence can't Obama's ties to Nigeria stop it?. Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama was closely associated as early as age 25 to a key adviser to a Saudi billionaire who had mentored the founding members of the Black Panthers. Percy Sutton, the former borough president of Manhattan, off-handedly revealed the unusual circumstances about his first encounter with the young Obama. Although many Americans have never heard of Khalid Abdullah Tariq al-Mansour (his full name), he is well known within the black community as a lawyer, an orthodox Muslim, a black nationalist, an author, an international deal-maker, an educator, and an outspoken enemy of Israel. According to the Social Activism Project at the University of California at Berkley, Warden, a.k.a. Khalid al-Mansour, was the mentor of Black Panther Party founder Huey Newton and his cohort, Bobby Seale. He also sits on the board of the non-profit African Leadership Academy, along with top McCain for President adviser Carly Fiorina.

Flecher | 12:08 p.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I can't believe that we can't put our Temples where ever we want to. Nigeria was legally dedicated by proper authority. Now some are taking pot shots at our most beloved Angel.

katamb | 12:10 p.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Thanks for the info U.S. Diplomat. I'll continue to pray for the people of Nigeria, as well as all other troubled areas of the world, including the U.S. Don't think this same situation could not happen here.

Chuck | 12:15 p.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Oh come on...can't you guys see that Chuck was just an anti-mormon trolling to cause an issue? And he succeeded. People on forums are so gullible and socially inept.

Bro Chuck's Rant n Rave's | 12:18 p.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Don't the liberal's like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?. That now has indefinitely closed its Aba Nigeria Temple, as a precautionary measure because of recent Soviet-style communism violence over there.

What's Hillary Clinton doing about this?.

What is Obama doing about this along with his daddy?.

Obama senior's journal article repeatedly asks what the Kenyan government means by "African Socialism," as distinct from Soviet-style communism, and concludes that the new phrase doesn't mean much. When he wrote the paper, he was in Nairobi and working on a never-completed Harvard doctoral dissertation, according to his brief biography in the journal. Obama Hid His Father’s Socialist and Anti-Western Convictions From His Readers.

Just me | 12:21 p.m. Aug. 26, 2009

This is a sad and unfortunate announcement for the Saints in Nigeria. Hopefully the violence will end, peace will be found, and the Temple will be reopened to continue blessing their lives. May we all pray for and support the wonderful people of Nigeria.

The rest of the untold story | 12:34 p.m. Aug. 26, 2009

MEND says The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and oil don't mix. A top Nigerian militant has indicated he may accept a government pardon and lay down arms but there was no confirmation from the country's main rebel group. Minister Godwin Abbe said Government Tompolo, who was declared wanted dead or alive by the army in May, had expressed an interest to participate in the federal amnesty programme and a meeting could soon take place. The military launched its biggest offensive in the region for years last May against Tompolo and his supporters, destroying a number of his camps. The amnesty programme has split militant factions in the region with hundreds of rebels, including dozens of senior leaders, surrendering their weapons to the government. MEND, which says it is fighting for a fairer share of the region's oil wealth, said it considered rebels that take clemency to be sell-outs. The government has denied giving cash for arms under the amnesty programme. More bodies lay in the streets in Maiduguri after religious clashes in Nothern Nigeria. More than 700 people were killed.

A Mormon Democrat dad | 12:36 p.m. Aug. 26, 2009

Bro. Chuck,

What the heck does your response have to do with anything? Do you think Pres. Obama (or Bush or Reagan) would tell other country leaders, "Let the Mormons keep their temple open so they can perform baptisms and ordinances for the dead? They are good Christians and God said they need to."

There are non-Christian countries where a comment like that would be offensive. If you are a true believer, you'd know that God does not measure in time, man does. You'd know that God is in control and it doesn't matter whether the Nigeria temple is closed indefinitely or not. There are 129 other temples in the world open and performing work. When it is ready to be open, it'll reopen and life continues to move forward.

Life is too short to worry about such trival things. As is taught, we only need to worry about our personal relationship with God. Further, I take it by your remarks you are very much Republican and upset about the recent election which again has zero bearing on the topic at hand.

Best wishes to you.

A in LA | 12:47 p.m. Aug. 26, 2009

I too am saddened that the Nigerian temple has had to close but I am thankful for our church leadership that looks after the physical, as well as the spiritual, safety of its members. Hopefully the temple will be able to be re-opened soon to again bless the lives of all those saints. I wonder if WE could be more faithful and show our thankfulness for the plethora of open temples, so easily accessable to us, by attending more often. I would also hope that we would all keep the Nigerians in our prayers. I am sure they are very heartbroken.

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Dan Dockstader

Members in Nigeria gather during the dedication of the Aba Nigeria Temple on Aug. 7, 2005. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has indefinitely closed the temple because of recent violence and has evacuated temple workers to other areas.