President Dallin H. Oaks dedicated the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, marking his first international temple dedication and first international ministry since being set aside as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The ceremony, held in the state of Minas Gerais, emphasized the importance of temple covenants and the ongoing growth of the Church in Brazil.
A Focus on Covenants
During the dedicatory session, President Oaks, accompanied by his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, described the temple as a house of the Lord built to prepare members for exaltation. He noted that all service within the temple is centered on Jesus Christ and his saving work. The 10 a.m. session was broadcast live to meetinghouses throughout the temple district, including much of the inland state of Minas Gerais and the coastal state of Espírito Santo.
Global and Local Temple Growth
The dedication of the Belo Horizonte temple marks a significant milestone for the Church in South America. It is the 12th operating temple in Brazil and the 220th operating temple worldwide. According to President Oaks, the Cleveland Ohio Temple, which was also dedicated on the morning of Aug. 16, 2026, became the 221st operating temple globally.
Expanding Church Presence
President Oaks highlighted the rapid expansion of the Church in Brazil, a nation with more than 1.57 million members and over 2,000 wards and branches. He noted that there are currently 164 additional temples under construction or in planning, bringing the total number of dedicated, being built, or announced temples to 385 worldwide. The President remarked that the Church rejoices in the growth and maturity of the restored Church within Brazil.
A Meaningful Homecoming
The visit to Belo Horizonte holds deep personal significance for local members, many of whom view it as a homecoming for the Prophet. As reported by The Church News, President Oaks has visited the city multiple times in previous decades while serving as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Local leaders, such as Alessandra Myrrha, co-chair of the temple open house and dedication committee, noted that his decision to personally perform the dedication reflects a deep love for the nation.
Local Member Reflections
For some local members, the visit offered a chance to reconnect with history. Lafaiete Brazil Stake President Julio Prado, who traveled from Conselheiro Lafaiete to attend, recalled meeting then-Elder Oaks in a Belo Horizonte meetinghouse in 1998. Prado, who converted to the gospel at age 15, described the experience of the President's return as a moment that gave him goosebumps.
Prayers for the Nation
The dedicatory prayer offered by President Oaks included petitions for the prosperity and spiritual freedom of Brazil and its neighboring nations. He prayed for the leaders of the nation to be inspired to lead with righteousness and effectiveness. The prayer also requested blessings for the leaders and workers of the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple, including President Victor Pereira de Salles and Temple Matron Marcia de Salles.
The Purpose of Temples
The Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple serves as a sacred space for Latter-day Saints to make covenants and perform ordinances on behalf of deceased ancestors. As the Church continues to expand, the dedication of new temples remains a key component of its global strategy to serve growing memberships. This follows the recent dedication of the Burley Idaho Temple on Jan. 11, which was the second dedication performed by President Oaks since he was announced as President of the Church on Oct. 14, 2025.
