SALT LAKE CITY — President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple on Sunday, marking his first official trip outside the United States since becoming president of the global faith nearly one year ago.
The new facility stands as the Church’s 12th operating temple in Brazil and its 220th worldwide. Delivering remarks prior to offering the formal dedicatory prayer, Oaks emphasized the central role of Jesus Christ in all aspects of temple worship, reminding Latter-day Saints that temple service serves as the spiritual foundation of the faith.
“Our service in the temples is centered on Jesus Christ,” Oaks said. “All that is learned and is done here relates to Him. Here in this house, we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, referring to His authority and His work.”
Oaks also underscored the importance of faith in Christ during an era of changing global beliefs, noting that true conversion to Jesus Christ must precede conversion to the Church. Out of knowledge of and devotion to the Savior, he explained, belief in the restored gospel naturally follows.
Reflecting on why he selected Brazil for his initial international visit as Church president, Oaks highlighted his deep esteem for the nation and its members. Brazil is home to more than 1.5 million Latter-day Saints, with 12 additional temples currently in various stages of planning or construction. Oaks praised the remarkable growth and maturity of the Church across the region.
For local Latter-day Saints, the opening dramatically improves access to sacred ordinances. Julio Prado, a local member who attended the dedication with his son, noted that the new temple reduces their travel time from a nine-hour drive to just one hour, enabling them to attend regularly.
The dedicatory service was broadcast to members throughout the temple district. Oaks was accompanied by his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, who spoke on the temple as a sacred connection between heaven and earth where families are united across generations. Other speakers included General Authority Seventies Steven R. Bangerter and Ronald M. Barcellos, alongside local temple leadership.
In his dedicatory prayer, Oaks expressed gratitude for the Savior’s gift of immortality and His Atonement. He offered blessings over the nation of Brazil, praying for peace, freedom, and prosperity for its citizens while invoking divine guidance for national leaders.