Hundreds of Journalists, Government Leaders and Others Tour the Brasília Brazil Temple

More than 450 journalists, government leaders and other dignitaries walked through the Brasília Brazil Temple on Day 1 of its open house. They were welcomed by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife Rosana (natives of São Paulo), Brazil Area President Elder Joni L. Koch of the Seventy (from Santa Catarina, Brazil) and other local Church leaders.

Elder Soares received Brasília Governor Ibaneis Rocha, who was accompanied by many of his cabinet secretaries. During the walkthrough, there was lively discussion and many engaging questions. At the conclusion of the visit, the governor and his colleagues expressed appreciation to the Church and its members.

“You are doing a good thing for all of Brazil, not just your members,” Elder Soares recollected them saying. “You are promoting goodwill and peace, and we need that.”

Elders Soares and Koch also welcomed Bahia Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues. The Church is building a house of the Lord — the Salvador Brazil Temple — in Salvador Bahia, scheduled for completion in 2024. Governor Rodrigues said he was honored to tour the Brasília Temple and feel its wonderful spirit of peace. And he congratulated the Church and expressed his enthusiasm for the temple coming to Bahia.

Other guests included Supreme Court Justice Humberto Martins, National Congressman Jose Rocha and Secretary of the Ministry of Communication Maximiliano Martinhão.

Read more in the Church News Political leaders and national media converge on Brasília to see the country’s newest temple

Media representatives from TV, radio, print and social media channels also toured the temple and interviewed various Church leaders. Radio 92 FM and TV Band were among the outlets.

In the evening, former Brazil first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Senator Damares Alves and other public servants and former congress members joined Elder Koch for a guided tour. While in the temple, Elder Koch thanked those who hold or have held a public office for their courage to serve. He also expressed gratitude for their willingness to defend the religious liberties that permit temples and other houses of worship throughout the country.

Following their visit, Senator Alves, an evangelical minister prior to her election to the Federal Senate, asked to offer a prayer. Among other things, she prayed for a continuation and protection of the religious liberties enjoyed in Brazil.

Also participating in temple tours was Gleisi Hoffman, congresswoman from the state of Parana.

In March, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with first lady Rosangela Lula da Silva in Brasília while he traveled through the country on a ministry visit. The Apostle served in the Brazil Area Presidency from 2001 to 2005, presiding as Area President the last two years. He has returned to Brazil’s capital many times, and he will return again to preside at the dedication of the temple on September 17, 2023.

The invited guest portion of the open house continues through Friday, August 11, followed by three weeks of public open house concluding on September 2. During that time, anyone can walk through and enjoy the temple’s grounds and interior.