Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Mormon church, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is under construction and it is the first temple in Belgium built for the more than 7,000 Mormons living there. Church President Russell M. Nelson announced this development.
The Mormon Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been operating an office in Brussels for more than 10 years. According to officials, this office helps the growing Mormon community in Belgium. The church is now constructing its first temple in Brussels. Over 7,000 Mormons are currently residing in the country, and this number is rising.
We are a growing community because people in our society are searching. It is therefore positive that the temple is coming for our believers,
Geens believes.
What are the core values and practices of the Mormon faith?
Officials mentioned that members pay “sacred tithes,” which means giving 10% of their income to the church. They mentioned that this money helps build and maintain churches, support missionaries, and provide aid worldwide. Members who pay tithes can receive a temple recommendation to participate in special ceremonies.
According to Geens, young Mormon men often go on missions at age 18 for two years. Young women can choose to serve too, starting at 19 for 18 months. He mentioned that during these missions, they teach people about their faith and help in the community. Missionaries wear white shirts, ties, and name tags. They visit homes and talk to people about religion in public places.
Only those who are worthy members of the Mormon community may enter the temple,
Geens says.
According to Geens, only those who follow church rules can enter the temple. Members need a special card called a “temple recommend” to go inside. This card is given after interviews with church leaders.
According to officials, one important practice is wearing a sacred undergarment called the “temple robe.” Mormons believe the garment offers protection and shows their devotion. They wear it under their clothes, and it has personal meaning for them.
They mentioned that the new Mormon temple planned for Kunstlaan in Brussels is a big step for the LDS Church in Belgium. It will meet the needs of church members and welcome those who are not yet ready for the temple. The design includes areas for meetings with family and visitors.
According to the officials, the church will also provide a tour of the temple for non-members. These should be done on reservation. The permit to build the temple has already been submitted, but papers have to be processed first before work can continue. It is expected that construction would take another 2 years to complete.
Joseph Smith Jr. in the United States founded the Mormon Church, officially known as The LDS Church. He was directed by God and Jesus in several visions to make a restoration of the early church of Christianity in 1830.
An angel named Moroni showed him golden plates containing stories about ancient Americans. Smith translated these into the “Book of Mormon,” seen as another testament of Jesus Christ. The church prefers its full name to focus on Jesus Christ, despite the nickname “Mormon” from the book.
Members of the church are called “Latter-day Saints.” They view the Bible and the Book of Mormon as holy texts, along with other writings like the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.
They believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior. Although many people still say “Mormon,” church leaders prefer the full name to honour their Christian beliefs. They want to highlight that their teachings focus on Jesus Christ.
