Mormon church president announces plans for 3 new temples

Rick Bowmer / AP

President Thomas S. Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints looks on at the Mormon church conference Saturday, April 4, 2015, in Salt Lake City. More than 100,000 Mormons descended on Salt Lake City for the faiths biannual conference to listen to spiritual guidance from leaders and to learn about church news. This year marks the conferences 185thyear.

By The Associated Press

Sunday, April 5, 2015 | 7:28 p.m.

Salt Lake City

Mormon church President Thomas S. Monson used the closing day of the faith's biannual conference to announce plans for three new temples in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.

Monson said Sunday the temples will be built in Bangkok, Thailand; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It will be the church's first temples in the three countries and will spare Mormons there long trips to reach temples in other countries.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates 144 temples worldwide, with some 30 more either being announced or under construction.

Mormons view temples as sacred houses of God, where they take part in eternal marriage and their faith's other highest sacraments. They hold Sunday services in chapels or meetinghouses.

Monson, considered a prophet of God by 15 million Mormons, emphasized that temple attendance can provide members strength and peace in times of trial and temptation.

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Mormon church president announces plans for 3 new temples