Mormons Say Temples are Not Secret, but are Sacred - Reports American Chronicle

Online, October 4, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Salt Lake City, Utah - President Thomas S. Monson, worldwide leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced plans to build five more temples which will bring the total number of temples to 151 throughout the world.

Members of the media were recently given a private tour of a Mormon Temple, just prior to the dedication ceremony after which it is be closed to the general public. During the tour the media were told that there are no secrets, and were invited to visit any part of the temple and ask any question.

Members of the media were taken to every part of the new temple, and every question was answered, including questions about baptisms for the dead which take place in the baptismal font found in every temple. American Chronicle journalist David M. Bresnahan attended the private tour, and interviewed two Apostles of the Church.

The report of the tour, is now published by the American Chronicle family of Internet magazines and newspapers. The story is available online at http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/122153

Also contained in the story is the announcement that the Church will build five new temples, bringing the total number of temples to 151 located throughout the world. The story explains the difference between temples and church buildings where Sunday services take place.

The announcement was made by President Monson, who gave the news about the new temples to the more than 13 million members of the Church during the 179th Semi-annual General Conference of the Church, broadcast live from Temple Square to church buildings throughout the world in 92 different languages.

President Monson said the locations of the new temples will be in Brigham City, Utah; Concepcion, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and Sapporo, Japan.

During the recent media tour of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in South Jordan, Utah prior to its dedication, Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, told reporters that there are no secrets in Mormon Temples.

The story in the American Chronicle can be found at http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/122153 and includes a description of the practice of performing baptisms for the dead, as well as other sacred religious ordinances.

Press Contact:
David M. Bresnahan
801-804-5386