President Oaks Dedicates Burley Idaho Temple; 8 Other Key Stories

During the week of January 11 to 17, 2026, significant developments unfolded within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, highlighted by President Dallin H. Oaks dedicating the Burley Idaho Temple. This event marked the first temple dedication under his leadership since he became President of the Church in October 2025.

Burley Idaho Temple Dedication

On January 11, 2026, President Oaks revealed the Burley Idaho Temple as a site of deep personal meaning. This temple is the seventh established in Idaho, and its dedication signifies a notable milestone for President Oaks.

Reflections on Religious Freedom

In an interview preceding the temple dedication, President Oaks expressed the weight of the prophetic responsibility he carries. He also spoke on the topic of religious freedom during National Religious Freedom Day, celebrated on January 16. His insights highlight the ongoing importance of this fundamental right.

Additional Church Events

• Elder Bednar’s Testimony: Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared his views on the early years of the Church during a devotional at Utah State University.
• Worldwide Devotional: A global gathering for women is set for March 17, 2026, led by Elder Quentin L. Cook and Relief Society leaders.
• Temple Announcements: The Yorba Linda California Temple is scheduled for dedication in June 2026 after an open house, and a groundbreaking for the Huehuetenango Guatemala Temple is set for March 14, 2026.
• Renovations: The Salt Lake Temple is undergoing significant renovations, including the removal of scaffolding in the coming months.

Community Engagement

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson encouraged peacemaking and faith during her address at the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual Fireside in Salt Lake City on January 16, 2026. She emphasized the importance of religious freedom and the societal roles of women.

University Devotionals

Presidents of various Church universities launched their semesters with inspirational messages. Leaders from Brigham Young University, BYU–Idaho, and BYU–Hawaii encouraged students to embrace positivity and service.

Church News Podcast

This week’s episode of the Church News podcast featured Norman Hill, an associate professor at BYU. He provided insights on aging with faith, drawing from his experiences and writings.

Unit History Tool Usage

Since its launch in 2024, the Unit History Tool has captured over 260,000 stories of faith. This initiative aims to preserve the Church’s history and provide future generations with a rich tapestry of personal experiences.

These stories serve to fortify the faith of members and enrich the overall legacy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.