Key Highlights
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces the addition of 55 new missions in 2026.
- This brings the total number of missions to 506, a record for the church.
- There are currently over 84,000 full-time missionaries serving in more than 150 countries.
- New missions will be established across various continents including Africa, Asia, and North America.
New Missions to Expand Global Reach
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taken a significant step towards expanding its global reach by adding 55 new missions in 2026. This move not only brings the total number of missions to 506 but also marks the highest number ever recorded in the church’s history.
Significant Growth and Missionary Expansion
The Church currently operates more than 84,000 full-time missionaries across over 150 countries. This substantial increase has been facilitated by a growing number of young teaching and service missionaries as well as senior missionaries who contribute significantly to the mission work.
Impact on Missionary Operations
The addition of these new missions will help balance the distribution of missionaries, allowing for better support and mentoring within each mission. President Dallin H. Oaks emphasized the inspiring nature of young members answering the call to share the gospel: “It is inspiring to see the number of young Church members who continue to answer the call to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.”
Geographical Distribution and Future Prospects
The new missions will be established in diverse geographical locations, including:
- Africa: DR Congo Kinshasa North, Kenya Kisumu, Uganda Kampala East, Angola Luanda North, Malawi Lilongwe, Mozambique Nampula, South Africa East London, Zimbabwe Harare West.
- Asia and Oceania: Mongolia Ulaanbaatar West, Brazil Guarulhos, São Bernardo, Sorocaba, Canada Halifax, Toronto East, France Paris South, Greece Athens, Spain Madrid East, Australia Brisbane South, Papua New Guinea Daru, Madang, Samoa Apia East, Solomon Islands Honiara.
- North America: Canada Toronto East, México Tula, Pacific, United States Central (Missouri Kansas City), Northeast (Indiana Fort Wayne, Virginia Norfolk), Southeast (Mississippi Jackson), Southwest (Arizona Phoenix East, Oklahoma Tulsa, Texas Dallas North, Houston North, San Antonio South), and West (California Oceanside, Ontario, Victorville, Idaho Coeur d’Alene).
These new missions will play a crucial role in the Church’s ongoing efforts to share its message with a broader global audience. As Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles highlighted: “It’s a blessing to see how each missionary contributes to the individuals they teach and serve as they share the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.”
The Church’s decision to expand its mission footprint underscores its commitment to global outreach and its belief in the importance of spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ worldwide. As we look forward, these new missions are poised to make a significant impact on communities across the globe.
