A Worldwide Church

After the end of World War II the Church entered a dramatic new era of growth and development throughout the world. It was the beginning of activity that changed the Church from a culturally and geographically limited American faith to a truly universal, worldwide kingdom. President David O. McKay had toured the world as a member of the Twelve in 1921, had visited the countries of Asia, and had dedicated China for the preaching of the gospel. In 1963, because of the great growth and expansion of the Church, it was noted that at least half of all Church members then living had known no other president of the Church.

In 1952 President McKay made the first of several trips to Europe. In 1954 he made a 32,000-mile trip to South America and South Africa. The following year he traveled 45,000 miles to visit missions in the South Pacific. He became the most widely traveled president in history. The hallmark of his administration was a conscious effort to give dignity and strength to the Church overseas.

Under his presidency basic institutions of Zion were first established in foreign fields: stakes were organized in Europe and in the South Pacific; temples were erected for the first time in England, New Zealand, and Switzerland; missions were organized among peoples, cultures, and nations previously beyond the perview of the mainstream Church.

The “nucleus of power,” the great foundation that had been prepared in America through the gathering of Israel, was now making it possible for a renewal of the earth. In the timetable of the Lord, worldwide Church expansion could now take place. …

What is the position of the Church today with regard to the gathering of Israel and the building up of Zion? This was clearly defined and reiterated by President Harold B. Lee during the April 1973 general conference of the Church:

“… no longer is the Church to be thought of as the Utah Church, or as an American Church, but the membership of the Church is now distributed over the earth in 78 countries, teaching the gospel in 17 different languages at the present time. This greatly expanded Church population is today our most challenging problem. …” (“Strengthen the Stakes of Zion,” Ensign, July 1973, p. 5.)

There are numerous other manifestations of an accelerated internationalization in the Church, such as the rapid way in which those who accept the gospel find themselves leading and teaching their own people, rather than having prolonged dependence upon Americans who may have brought them the first message of the restoration but who have been catalysts in the process. These also include the increasing variety in the culture and background of men called to be Regional Representatives of the Council of the Twelve throughout the earth.

Recognition of this diversity is no better illustrated than in the area conferences of the Church that have been held in England, Germany, and Mexico [and recently in Sweden]. At the Mexican conference, held in August 1972, Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Council of the Twelve delivered a remarkable discourse on the gathering of latter-day Israel, who and where. In part, he said:

“The place of gathering for the Mexican Saints is in Mexico; the place of gathering for the Guatemalan Saints is in Guatemala; the place of gathering for the Brazilian Saints is in Brazil; and so it goes throughout the length and breadth of the whole earth. Japan is for the Japanese; Korea is for the Koreans; Australia is for the Australians; every nation is the gathering place for its own people.” (Official Report of the First Mexico and Central America Area General Conference of the Church, Deseret News Press, 1973, p. 45.)

It is the revelation of the Lord through the instruction of his living prophets today that multiple Zions will be erected throughout the earth as the children of Israel, the faithful of the Lord, join together in building up his kingdom. The various nations of the earth become choice and favored lands of Zion as the people repent of their sins and accept the God of Israel who is Jesus Christ.

Spencer J. Palmer
“Latter-day Israel: Who and Where?” (Religion Lecture Series, December 5, 1973, Brigham Young University)