While new projects stall, the Salt Lake Temple remains the focal point of the Church's massive real estate and renovation efforts.
: As of March 2026, the scaffolding has finally been removed , revealing the historic stonework after 5.5 years.
The Temple "Shell Game": Why the LDS Church Just Hit a Major Reset LDS Church Pulls Temple Shell Game On Mormons Again!!!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has officially pulled a "shell game" maneuver that has left the Mormon community buzzing—and more than a few members feeling slightly hoodwinked. After years of record-breaking, high-speed temple announcements under the late President Russell M. Nelson, the new leadership has suddenly swapped the shells, announcing zero new temples during the April 2026 General Conference. 1. The Sudden "Slowdown"
: This shift comes as the Church faces mounting legal battles over temple aesthetics, including a major lawsuit in Texas over steeple heights and building restrictions in Colorado Springs . 3. Salt Lake Temple: The Ultimate Shell While new projects stall, the Salt Lake Temple
In what critics and observers are calling a massive pivot, President Dallin H. Oaks announced that the Church will slow down new temple announcements .
: Future announcements are now expected to emerge piecemeal at regional meetings rather than as a central staple of conference weekend. The Sudden "Slowdown" : This shift comes as
The traditional General Conference "high" of hearing your city called out is seemingly over.