Elder Steven D. Shumway of the Philippines Area Presidency will preside at the event, marking the formal start of construction for this long-awaited house of the Lord.

A Growing Presence in the Philippines

The Naga temple, first announced in 2022, serves as a testament to the thriving faith of over 900,000 Latter-day Saints across the nation. It will become the third temple currently under construction in the country, joining the sites in Cagayan de Oro and Tacloban City.

This announcement comes during a year of unprecedented growth for the Church in the Philippines. With the dedication of the Alabang, Bacolod, and Davao temples earlier in 2026, there are now six operating houses of the Lord in the country, complementing those in Cebu City, Manila, and Urdaneta.

A Sanctuary for Families

While all are welcome to join Sunday worship services at local meetinghouses, the primary purpose of temples is to provide a sacred space for members to participate in ceremonies that unite families for eternity.

As President Dallin H. Oaks shared in October 2025, “The sealing powers of the priesthood… bring families together for eternity.” The upcoming temple in Naga will offer a beautiful, permanent sanctuary for members to experience these blessings, deepening their connection to heaven and to each other.

To read more about this news, visit Church Newsroom.

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“The temple is a powerful symbol of the light of Jesus Christ that has now come to Davao,” Elder Kopischke shared during the media preview. “It is a symbol of peace and understanding.”

To help you make the most of this historic season, he extended five heartfelt invitations to every visitor who walks through these sacred gates.

1. Look Beyond the Structure

While the craftsmanship is breathtaking, Elder Kopischke invites us to look past the physical beauty of the brick and mortar. The temple is more than a landmark; it is a testament to the eternal nature of the soul and the strength of the families it serves.

2. Take Time to Ponder

The temple grounds are a refuge from the noise of the world. Use this visit as a rare opportunity to be still. We encourage you to reflect, listen to your heart, and bring your questions—we are here to answer them and seek truth alongside you.

3. Feel the Light and Peace

There is a unique spirit found within these walls and throughout the surrounding gardens. You are invited to simply feel. In this environment of love, many find a sense of calm and clarity that is difficult to find anywhere else.

4. Ask the Most Important Question

As you tour the rooms, Elder Kopischke suggests asking yourself: “What is Jesus Christ offering me?” This temple is a physical representation of His grace, His promises, and His desire to be part of our daily lives.

5. Be a Channel of Invitation

If you feel something special during your visit, don’t keep it to yourself. Use your own voice and your own channels to invite as many people as possible. Help others experience the same peace and beauty that you found here.

Plan Your Visit The Philippines Davao Temple Open House runs from March 26 to April 10, 2026. Everyone—regardless of faith or background—is warmly invited to attend. Bring a friend, bring your family, and come experience the peace for yourself.

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The updated guidelines are available now on the Gospel Library app and the Church’s official website.

A Focus on Sacred Covenants

At the heart of this update is a renewed emphasis on the “work of salvation and exaltation.” Chapter 1 and Section 3.5 have been reorganized to highlight how essential ordinances and covenants are to our spiritual progression.

The handbook now offers deeper explanations of the specific blessings and promises associated with:

• Baptism and Confirmation
• Melchizedek Priesthood ordination
• The Temple Endowment and Sealing

As President Dallin H. Oaks taught in the April 2024 General Conference, these sacred agreements are not just formalities; they are the requirements for entering and finding exaltation within the celestial kingdom.

Expanding Leadership in Sunday School

One of the most significant procedural changes involves Ward Sunday School presidencies. To better support the mission of teaching the gospel, the First Presidency announced that bishops may now call either a man or a woman to serve as the Sunday School president.

• If a man is called: He must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, and his counselors and secretary must also be men.
• If a woman is called: Her counselors and secretary must be women.

This adjustment allows for greater flexibility, allowing bishops to follow the Spirit and consider the unique needs and talents within their specific wards. Note that at the stake level, the Sunday School president remains a member of the high council.

Key Updates at a Glance

The revision covers a wide array of topics designed to streamline Church administration and enrich the member experience:

These updates serve as a reminder that the General Handbook is a living document, designed to evolve as the Church grows. By aligning our local efforts with these inspired instructions, we can better foster a community of faith and belonging.

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This change is more than just a policy update; it is an invitation for more of God’s children to bring their unique spiritual insights to the vital work of gospel instruction.

What This Means for Your Ward

The transition is effective immediately at the local level. Here is a quick look at how these new presidencies will be structured:

• Expanded Leadership: Bishops may now prayerfully call either a man or a woman to lead the Sunday School in their ward.
• Unified Presidencies: To maintain current administrative guidelines, presidencies will remain single-gender. If a woman is called as president, her counselors and secretary will also be women. Likewise, if a man is called, the presidency will remain all-male.
• Local Focus: For now, this change applies specifically to individual wards. Stake and General Sunday School presidencies will continue to be comprised of priesthood holders.

Strengthening the Heart of the Home and Church

The core mission of the Sunday School remains unchanged: to help us all come unto Christ through the diligent study of His word. Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson noted that this change provides Bishoprics with “additional options” as they seek inspired leaders to foster spiritual growth.

Sara Daniela Acosta, a member of the Sunday School General Advisory Council, beautifully captured the spirit of this announcement. She reminded us that regardless of who stands at the head, the goal is for members to “learn together, teach each other, grow in faith and draw closer to their Savior.”

A Step Toward Greater Inclusion

For many who have long felt that the administrative tasks of Sunday School—such as organizing classes and supporting teachers—could be capably handled by the sisters of the Church, this news is a reason to rejoice. While the Church continues to move in “baby steps,” as some observers note, each step forward is a testament to the ongoing Restoration and the belief that “He denieth none that come unto him” (2 Nephi 26:33).

As we see more of our sisters stepping into these leadership roles, we can look forward to a richer, more vibrant culture of learning where every voice is valued and every soul is nourished by the good word of God.

This is a developing story.

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In the opening moments of General Conference, with the Church still mourning the recent passing of its beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, a simple yet profound tribute set a reverent tone for the proceedings. President Dallin H. Oaks, his long-time associate, stood to offer a personal witness of the man he had served with for decades.

He testified, “I have learned more about the gospel and gospel leadership from my long friendship and association with President Nelson than from any other person I have known personally. He is our model as a servant and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

A Legacy of Shared Service

Their shared ministry spanned nearly four decades. Called as Apostles in the same General Conference of April 1984, they served side-by-side in the Quorum of the Twelve, their bond deepening as they later led the Church together in the First Presidency. Together, they offered a unified and powerful witness of the Savior to all the world, their lives intertwined in the sacred work of the Restoration.

A Life Worthy of Emulation

President Oaks’ tribute is powerful not only for its sincerity but for its source. Coming from one who has himself dedicated a lifetime to studying the gospel, it speaks volumes about President Nelson’s profound influence as a teacher and leader.

President Nelson’s life was indeed a master class in discipleship. His energetic, forward-looking ministry was anchored in an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. He was, as President Oaks declared, a true model of a servant-leader. As we reflect on his prophetic life, may we strive to emulate his unwavering faith, his devotion to keeping covenants, and his tireless love for all of God’s children.

To see his message, visit this link.

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This meeting was much more than just a formal get-together. It’s important because it shows new ways that big churches are working hand-in-hand. It also highlights how much The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints genuinely cares about what the local Roman Catholic leaders are trying to achieve for our communities. Simply put, they have a strong, positive relationship that’s already making a real difference in people’s lives.

Photo Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A Growing Friendship Built on Shared Values

Cardinal David recently returned from Vatican City, where he was one of the cardinals who helped choose Pope Leo XIV. So, he has some very special insights! Elder Kearon, meanwhile, is in the Philippines on a 10-day trip. His goal isn’t just formal meetings, but to truly connect with people and other faith leaders across the country.

“It was wonderful to see Cardinal David again,” Elder Kearon shared. “He always cares for those who might be forgotten. I remembered what Jesus taught in Matthew 25:40 — ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'” This quote beautifully shows that both leaders believe deeply in serving others and helping those in need. This shared value is at the heart of their mission and underlines how much The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints respects and supports the goals of the local Catholic leadership.

They’d actually met before, in August 2024. Then, just a few months later, in December 2024, Archbishop David was named a Cardinal by Pope Francis. During their latest visit, Cardinal David even shared personal stories about the process of choosing the new Pope. He also spoke warmly about how Pope Francis supported him during tough times. It’s clear there are deep, personal connections, even among global faith leaders.

New Partnerships: Directly Supporting Bishop Ambo’s Efforts

This meeting wasn’t just about good feelings; it was about putting faith into action. Elder Kearon deeply admired Cardinal David’s tireless work with the poor and marginalized. And here’s where it gets exciting: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is actively stepping up to support these key Catholic projects.

They talked a lot about Cardinal David’s regular visits to “Persons Deprived of Liberty” (PDLs), or people in jail. He gives them spiritual guidance and emotional support. They also discussed ways to help people struggling with drug addiction. Cardinal David wisely sees this as a public health problem, not just a crime. This kind and thoughtful approach is fully supported by the Church.

After their main discussion, Elder Kearon actually joined Cardinal David at a gathering of 250 people who were either on parole or had recently been released from jail. These individuals are part of the Kaagapay Ministry Project. This program, run by the Diocese of Caloocan, helps people recover from drug addiction by offering emotional and psychological support, with the help of dedicated church volunteers. For decades, Cardinal David has been a strong champion for helping people rebuild their lives and find spiritual healing.

To help the Kaagapay Ministry, Elder Kearon gave Cardinal David 30 sets of the Church’s “Finding Strength in the Lord: Emotional Resilience” books. These guides teach people how to improve their emotional well-being using Christian teachings and practical life skills. What’s more, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also donated 250 food kits and 250 hygiene kits for the parolees and former detainees. This kind of hands-on help makes a big difference and directly supports the goals of the local Catholic outreach.

A History of Trust: Years of Working Together

Photo Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This strong relationship isn’t new; it’s been built over many years. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines have had a strong and lasting friendship. They’ve worked together on many humanitarian projects and built trust through open conversations between their faiths. Cardinal David fondly remembered working with the Church on various projects even when he was just starting his ministry in Pampanga.

Their strong bond was clearly seen in January 2020, when Cardinal David attended a lunch with other faith leaders hosted by Elder Quentin Cook, another top leader from the Church. There, he shared a powerful message about love and service. More recently, in November 2023, when a fire in Navotas City affected 160 families, the Church, working directly with Cardinal David and the Catholic Diocese of Caloocan, quickly provided essential supplies. But they didn’t stop there. Their teamwork led to even more projects, like planting 600 bamboo trees and building two greenhouses to help people get more food and support local jobs.

This latest meeting between Elder Kearon and Cardinal David is more than just a formal visit. It shows a deeper promise to work together and do good for everyone. It clearly shows how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not only building a strong relationship with the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines but is also dedicated to actively helping and improving the vital humanitarian and community work of the local Catholic leaders.

Source: https://news-ph.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-kearon-and-cardinal-david-reconnect-minister-to-parolees-in-caloocan

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If you haven’t heard of President Nelson before, he’s spent his life helping and serving people. He spent decades as a world-renowned heart surgeon, helped develop the first heart-lung machine used in open heart surgeries, and presided on many medical boards, associations and councils before being called as a global faith leader in 1984.

Since then, he has traveled all around the world, serving and lifting people of all walks of life on six continents, as he teaches about the life of Christ, and how to follow Him in a changing and ever-more-difficult world. If you’ve ever felt directionless, lost, or struggled to hold onto your faith, we hope you tune in and see what he has to say.

If you’d like to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its beliefs, chat with us or send us an email.

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Elder Brent H. Nielsen, executive director of the Missionary Department remarked, “Technology is there, and it’s so easy to do.” He also noted how this new initiative can expedite the process, “We just put it online and they can read it in a matter of minutes.”

Apart from helping prospective missionaries access their call in a much shorter time, Elder Nielsen also noted how this move can hasten the VISA application process and help save on postage costs. Elder Nielsen called this news a “wonderful change.”

This initiative – which has already been started in Utah and Oregon – is expected to be implemented in all missions by the end of 2018 and Filipino prospective missionaries expressed a “mix of emotions” over the news.

Carla Esguerra expressed her initial disappointment that she’ll no longer experience the traditional way of revealing calls. “Opening a white envelope containing your call in front of your family and friends has become such a sweet tradition here in the Philippines. I’m just a little surprised to know that I could probably not experience that anymore but then I believe that since technology helps us access things easier, this will help future missionaries prepare more.”

Louise May Javelona said she feels that this initiative “is an evidence of how the Lord is hastening His work.” She further stated that this new change can “help prospective missionaries have more time to evaluate themselves and prepare more to become excellent missionaries before entering the Missionary Training Center.”

Most of the prospective missionaries in the Philippines are “beyond excited” with this change. Brent Arconilla expressed excitement over the fact that he’ll get his call faster without worrying about anyone seeing his assignment first. “I always believe the work of the Lord can’t be frustrated. It goes forward – and using technology in the missionary process is an evidence of it.”

Despite the mixed reactions, these prospective missionaries are sure that this move is an evidence of the hastening of the work of Salvation. Brent added “Technology today is so advanced. Missionary work is also moving forward in a rapid pace considering more and more Young Single Adults are preparing for missions. This change just shows how much the Lord wants us prospective missionaries to have the best missionary preparation experience.”

Apart from receiving calls online, future missionaries for the Church will also receive mission materials – which include maps, list of things to bring, and information about the mission they’re serving in – electronically.

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A recent article from Deseret News related a recent change on how to get tickets for General Conference if you plan to travel to Salt Lake City and watch it live. David Miles, the director of events and support services at Temple Square, shared that the change will leverage the use of technology. People living outside the United States of America and Canada will need to inform a Stake President in their area about their plans to attend. The Stake President will then order the tickets online in advance. The electronic tickets, which can be printed at home, will then be sent to an email account of the Stake President specifically set-up for this purpose.

This new method is a lot easier than what we have been used to: going through long lines and presenting documents to prove that we are indeed from international countries before we can get our tickets.

This is also not limited to members of the LDS church. Non-members and friends who are travelling to Utah during General Conference weekends, who are interested in attending, are more than welcome to approach the Stake President in the area and ask for ticket reservations.

It is also important to note that aside from this change, other general conference ticketing guidelines have not changed and are still in effect.

You can share this good news with family and friends who might be taking a trip to Utah for the April 2018 General Conference so they get their ticket orders in early. This could also open doors for missionary work if non-members who are curious about the LDS church know that they can attend this event.

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Video: No Blessings Denied the Faithful – Elder Gary E. Stevenson

All of us look at our life sometimes and try to evaluate where are we. Where am I in my life?

I’ve always said that when you begin to compare yourself one with another, it either leads to discouragement or at least to pride. Neither of those are good. But that’s often what happens when people begin comparing. They start to think, “my lot in life is better,” or “my lot in life is much worse,” and so it’s not a constructive exercise for us to try to compare our circumstance to another.

Blessings come in the near term, blessings come in the long term, sometimes blessings are in store for us, I believe, after we pass through the veil, in our post-mortal existence. And so we’re in a very finite space right now, and in this finite space it just isn’t beneficial to try to compare adversity that we’ve had or to try to compare the blessings that we have.

We remember when Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden. One of the things that was introduced when they left was thorns and thistles and we all have them in our lives but we can have confidence that all of those can be overcome, whatever those might be that are placed in front of us. The Lord tells us that there’s going to be adversity along the way, and He even suggests to us that our afflictions will be consecrated for our gain.

Now, sometimes we have to wait some years for this, but ultimately we can be assured that the promise of eternal life is for everyone. Everyone will be rewarded for their faithfulness equally. If you endure to the end, you’ll be blessed. It might be hard today and tomorrow and next month, but it will not always be hard.

You can do this as you exercise your faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement. There will be sometimes adversity and trials that will come to us that seem like they’re almost too hard to bear, but then He says, “nevertheless be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.” That’s a promise from the Lord. Be of good cheer in the midst of your adversity be of good cheer for I will lead you along and I bear testimony that Jesus Christ will lead you along in any adversity that you have.

Video: Lifting others – Sister Carol F. McConkie

It is so important that we understand first of all that everyone’s in a different place along the path and we develop an awareness of the people that are around us. I know people who come to church every Sunday so they can be inspired and uplifted and who just simply walk away feeling judged and unloved, unneeded like there is no place for them at church.

We need to do this differently; we need to be deeply aware of what the purpose of coming to church on Sunday is and make sure that everyone who comes feels loved, needed, accepted and lifted. Everybody has struggles we don’t even know about and It’s so important that we be aware that everyone around us is loved of God and that we need to see them through Christ-like eyes and we cannot allow judgment to dictate the way we interact with people. It’s just simply not right.

I feel that the Lord places us where we are and connects us with the people around us for a purpose, because it’s not only about our own progression, but about helping others progress. And I have come to recognize that we are place where we are so that we can love and lift others.

We just cannot be or even call ourselves a disciple of Christ if we are not helping others along that path. The gospel of Jesus Christ does not marginalize people. People marginalize people, and we have to fix that. We need to be sensitive and love them and allow them the opportunity to grow and to blossom and to be their best selves. They have talents and abilities and personality that is needed in the kingdom of God, and if we’re going to build the kingdom of God on the earth we need everyone to come, and do their part, and we need to recognize that. When anyone’s shadow darkens the door of a chapel they ought to feel immediately embraced, and loved and lifted and inspired when they walk out that door to go and be better because they know the Lord loves them and because they have friends in their faith.

Video: Is there a Place for me? – Elder D. Todd Christofferson

I don’t believe I’ve ever met anybody who didn’t want to belong to something that made them feel worthwhile, that made them feel that they had value. When people wonder, “is there a place for me?” it may be any number of things behind that and now they ask themselves, “Do I fit? Do I belong here? Do they really need me?” and I want to say emphatically, “Yes.” I think of the metaphor of Paul, which I love very much, about the Church is the body of Christ and he says we’re baptized into that body, and he says it’s one body, many members but one body.

I understand, you know, people’s feelings at times that they may not be needed and sometimes others are guilty of saying, “We don’t need this person, we don’t need that person, we’re fine as we are,” neither one is true. That’s not the Christian way, that’s not the way Christ sees us. He sees us, all of us, with infinite worth and whatever our condition at the moment may be, the body of Christ is there to sustain each member.

When a person feels isolated I don’t deny the reality of the feeling and why it’s so natural to feel that way, but each of us, whenever that sense may come upon us, need to stop and think. “Jesus Christ died for me. Jesus Christ thought me worthy of his blood and He loves me, He has hopes for me and He can make a difference in my life. His grace can transform me, and maybe this person sitting next to me, ignoring me or even wanting to move away, maybe he or she doesn’t, but that doesn’t change the reality of what Christ feels toward me and the possibilities I have in Christ.” And it breaks my heart if someone comes and is very vulnerable and says, “I want to try it, I want to be here,” and then get a cold shoulder or a lack of interest, and that’s tragic, it really is tragic. We have to be better than that.

The diversity we find now in the church may be just the beginning, frankly. I think we’ll see greater and greater diversity, in the ancient church there was tremendous diversity. And it’s not just diversity for diversity’s sake, but the fact that people can bring different gifts and perspectives and the wide range of experience and backgrounds and challenges that people face will show us what really is essential in the gospel of Christ. And much of the rest that’s been perhaps acquired over time, and is more cultural than doctrinal, can slip away and we can really learn to be disciples. So we, on the one hand, have got to be better as a people at receiving and helping and walking together with everybody, and on the other hand, that every individual needs to be determined that they’re going to have a place in the kingdom of God. They’re going to have a place in the body of Christ and others who are thoughtless or careless or worse can’t prohibit that, can’t drive them away, can’t take it away from them.

Video: The Savior Understands Me – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

It’s important for every individual to have a relationship with Christ, because salvation is a personal, individual experience. We do not save people by congregations, we are ourselves saved one individual at a time. This is a very personal relationship with Christ. The Savior understands us because He’s not an abstraction, because He is a living, breathing, real Son of God– the living Son of the living God. People who think they’ve sinned too much, or gone too far, or been away for too long and somehow can’t come back into the circle, my declaration is: no one can fall lower than the light of Christ shines. That isn’t possible.

I think my coming to participate in the sacrament, the Lord’s Supper, is the most dramatic way, weekly, that we can show that we want to identify with Him, and that in fact there will be a reciprocal gift and power that comes back from that. As we come to participate and be solidly with the Savior in that act, that solidity and that engagement comes back to us and we leave that congregation, we leave that meeting, with a strength and a power and an understanding from Him that we didn’t have before. Part of it is because we understand Him better, but clearly it represents the fact that He understands us.

My personal experience, as well as my apostolic calling, is to declare personally that Christ does know us. He has walked the thorny, difficult, rock-strewn path of our lives. How He did that, I don’t know, I don’t know! He didn’t have a divorce so you could say, “How does He know about me, because I had one?” I don’t know how He does that, but if somebody out there has had a divorce, He understands.

This sounds awkward to say, but God loved me in a sense almost as much as He loved His only begotten Son. At least I can say this: He gave His only begotten Son for me, and that says something about my worth in His eyes, and my worth in the eyes of the Savior and His willingness to go to Gethsemane and Calvary for me. I’ll never have to do that. I don’t have to bleed, and I don’t have to die for somebody else’s sin, and I don’t have to be that lonely, but I understand it and I love it and I appreciate it. And what it means to me is that He understands me, that He loves me, and that He reaches me. So I can’t explain how that happens I just know that it does.

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