SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday that it will create 55 new missions globally, effective July 1, 2026, to accommodate a rising number of missionaries and better support its growing congregations worldwide.

The expansion will increase the total number of Church missions to 506. The new missions will be created by adjusting the boundaries of existing missions.

Church President Dallin H. Oaks said the growth is "inspiring," noting the new missionaries are helping to bless hundreds of thousands of people choosing to be baptized annually.

The size of the Church's missionary force has grown significantly in recent years, rising from just over 65,000 at the end of 2022 to more than 84,000 currently. These missionaries serve in more than 150 coun

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