Church Now Fourth Largest in the U.S.; Growth Continues Worldwide

While a lot of attention is paid to worldwide growth, Church growth within the United States continues as well.

According to the 2005 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, of those churches providing figures, the Church is now the fourth-largest denomination in the United States, with more than 5.5 million members reported in 2004. The Church, which was the fifth-largest faith in the country one year ago, “continues to grow remarkably,” according to the yearbook, experiencing a 1.71 percent growth rate in the United States during 2004.

The growth of the Church worldwide is also noteworthy. According to the statistical report given during April general conference, membership worldwide had nearly reached 12.3 million at the end of 2004. More than 240,000 converts were baptized during 2004, and children of record increased by nearly 100,000.

The growing number of members led to the creation of 41 new stakes, 1 new mission, 2 new districts, and 433 new wards and branches during 2004. Three new temples were also dedicated.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, who has seen Church membership increase by more than three million members since he was sustained as President of the Church in 1995, said the work of the Lord will continue to go forth.

“A new day has come in the work of the Almighty,” he said. “That work has grown and strengthened and moved across the earth. It has now touched for good the lives of millions, and this is only the beginning” (“The Dawning of a Brighter Day,” Ensign, May 2004, 83).