The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fiji
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As of 6 April 2019, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported 21,227 members in four stakes, three district, and 50 congregations, one mission, and one temple in Fiji.[1][2] Currently one in forty three Fiji islanders is identified as a member of the LDS Church.
History
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A brief history can be found at LDS Newsroom (Fiji) or Deseret News 2010 Church Almanac (Country Information: Fiji)
In the South Pacific, the church avoided missionary work among the people of Fiji because they resembled black Africans.[3] The first missionaries arrived in Fiji in 1954.[4] In 1955, the church issued a study and determined that Fijians were Melanesian in origin and eligible for Priesthood ordination. [3] After visiting the island in 1955, church president David O. McKay, opened the first LDS branch in Fiji, calling missionaries to increase outreach.
Gideon Dolo was the first Fijian to serve a mission, leaving in February 1959. In 1975, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fiji Technical College was opened.
The Suva Fiji Stake was organized 12 June 1983, with Inosi Naga as president. The Suva Fiji Temple was dedicated on 18 June 2000
Missions
Suva Fiji Temple
On June 18, 2000 the Suva Fiji Temple was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
91 | Suva Fiji Temple | Operating | 12,755 sq ft (1,185 m2) | 4.7 acres (19,020 m2) | 18 June 2000 | Gordon B. Hinckley | edit |
See also
References
- ^ "Facts and Statistics: Statistics by Country: Fiji", Newsroom, LDS Church, 19 April 2019, retrieved 2019-04-18
- ^ "Country information: Fiji", Church News Online Almanac, Deseret News, April 19, 2019, retrieved 2012-10-18
- ^ a b Gregory A. Prince, William Robert Wright. David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. p. 80.
- ^ Douglas, Norman (June 1974). "The Sons of Lehi and the Seed of Cain: Racial Myths in Mormon Scripture and their Relevance to the Pacific Islands". Journal of Religious History.
External links
- LDS Newsroom (Pacific)
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Official Site
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Visitors Site