As of 31 December 2011, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) reports 38,188 adherents in Portugal, nearly all of them being native Portuguese or permanent immigrants from former Portuguese territories. There are 75 wards and branches, most being organized into six stakes, 23 Family History Centers located among meetinghouses throughout the country, and two missions headquartered in Lisbon and Oporto.
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History
The first meetings of the LDS Church in Portugal were among members of U.S. armed forces stationed in the country in early 1970. Three weeks after the Carnation Revolution of 1974, Church President Spencer W. Kimball visited Portugal and received confirmation that the LDS Church would be recognized and that the missionaries could start preaching in the country.
In November 1974, Elder William Grant Bangerter of the Seventy came to Lisbon to preside over the newly created Portugal Lisbon Mission. Four missionaries were transferred to the new mission from Brazil. The first official meetings of the LDS Church were held at the home of a member of the Canadian embassy who lived in Portugal.
By July 1975, there were already ~100 Portuguese Latter-day Saints, and by July 1978, membership had already reached 1,000. Growth of Mormon Christianity has steadily progressed since that time; at year-end 2016, more than 38,000 Mormons live in Portugal, organized in dozens of local congregations known as wards and branches. Mormon Christians of Portugal (also known as 'Latter-day Saints', 'LDS', or simply 'Mormons') have a wide age range and reach all socioeconomic groups.
Relationship with the Media
The LDS Church uses a religious programming space provided on channel RTP 2 in conjunction with other religious denominations. This opportunity is made possible under Portugal's religious freedom laws. It consists of two programs, the seven-minute "People of Faith" and the 30-minute "Paths". A number of radio programs are also provided on station RDP in formats similar to television programming.
Missions
Temple
The Lisbon Portugal Temple was announced on 2 October 2010 by President Thomas S. Monson. Its ceremonial groundbreaking services were held on 5 December 2015 by Elder Patrick Kearon, president of the LDS Church's Europe Area.