Mormons to renovate Salt Lake City temple, build 8 new ones

The sun sets behind the Mormon Temple, the centerpiece of Temple Square, in Salt Lake City in 2006. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Piza)

A couple looks at the Salt Lake City temple during the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' two-day conference Saturday, April 6, 2019, in Salt Lake City. Church members are preparing for more changes as they gather in Utah for a twice-yearly conference to hear from the faith's top leaders. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

The Salt Lake City temple is reflected in a pool during The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' two-day conference Saturday, April 6, 2019, in Salt Lake City. Church members are preparing for more changes as they gather in Utah for a twice-yearly conference to hear from the faith's top leaders. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

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April 8, 2019 - 10:05 am

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says it’s planning to build eight new temples and renovate several older ones including the faith’s flagship temple in Salt Lake City.

Church President Russell M. Nelson announced Sunday during a church conference that six of the new temples will be built outside of the United States, in Pago Pago, American Samoa; Okinawa, Japan; Neiafu, Tonga; San Pedro Sula, Honduras; Antofagasta, Chile; and Budapest, Hungary. The other two will be in Tooele, Utah, and Moses Lake, Washington.

Nelson said details about the renovation of the Salt Lake City temple and surrounding grounds will be announced April 19.

The faith has 162 temples open and 47 others planned or under construction. They are used for the most sacred ceremonies, such as weddings.

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