Church Update

Photo courtesy of the Church Newsroom. To visit their website, CLICK HERE. 

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has called new mission presidents and their companions to lead 188 missions worldwide, including 55 newly created missions. Most couples are scheduled to begin their three-year service on or about July 1, 2026.

 As part of preparations for the anticipated completion of the Salt Lake Temple renovation in 2027 and the planned Salt Lake Temple Open House Celebration, the Church will also introduce changes this year to enhance the visitor experience on Temple Square. Sister missionaries called to serve in Utah will now be assigned to Utah-based missions while also serving on Temple Square. Additional information is available through Church channels.

Mission Leadership Assignments

Tables below list the names of newly called mission leaders and their assignments. Five additional couples will be announced at a later date. Newly created missions are marked with an asterisk (*). In the months ahead, Church News will publish brief biographies and photos of each mission president and companion. 

Africa Central

Africa South

Africa West 

Asia North 

Brazil

Canada

Caribbean

Central America

Europe Central

Europe North 

México

Pacific

Philippines

South America Northwest 

South America South

United States Central

United States Northeast

United States Southeast

United States Southwest

United States West

Utah

New Temple Square Missionary Model

Beginning in 2026, sister missionaries will continue to serve on Temple Square, as they have for decades, but will be assigned to surrounding Utah missions. Under the new model, they will divide their time between teaching assignments and service on Temple Square.

Assignments to serve on Temple Square will continue to be made by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Church leaders said the change reflects effective missionary service models already in place at other temple visitors’ centers around the world. The adjustment is intended to improve the guest experience and increase flexibility during peak visitor periods, while allowing missionaries to spend more time ministering in their assigned areas during slower seasons.

As part of the transition, a limited number of returned missionaries will be hired as part-time guides to assist sister missionaries in welcoming and orienting visitors.

In the coming months, sister missionaries currently assigned to the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission will be reassigned to surrounding Utah missions by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. That process is expected to conclude by July 2026, at which time the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission will be discontinued.

A Century of Service on Temple Square

Volunteer and missionary service on Temple Square spans more than 100 years: 

• 1922: Tours organized and conducted by part-time and full-time volunteer
  
• 1980s: Full-time missionaries, primarily senior couples, began assisting with tours, supported by younger missionaries for language need
  
• 1995: The Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission was formally established
  

Ronald A. Rasband, now a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and chair of the Missionary Executive Council, served as a part-time guide on Temple Square from 1972 to 1976 while attending university.

“Missionaries at Temple Square play an important role in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as they welcome millions of visitors from around the world,” he said. He expressed appreciation for the many sister missionaries who have served there over the years, adding that their continued service will help ensure Temple Square remains a place of inspiration for people of all faiths and backgrounds.