The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is redefining its presence in Canada with the establishment of a dedicated “Canada Area.” This significant change aims to enhance the church’s impact and unity across the country.
LDS Church Leadership Expansion in Canada
Elder Vern P. Stanfill has been appointed as the first president of the newly formed Canada Area. His appointment was announced in April by church leaders from Salt Lake City, Utah. Stanfill, a resident of Montana, will oversee operations from Calgary. He will be supported by Elder Delébé Martin Goury and Elder James E. Evanson, both of whom bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the leadership team.
Structure of the Canada Area
- The Canada Area includes all ten provinces and three territories.
- This area was previously divided among three North America zones: Central, Northeast, and West.
- The new area aims to strengthen the unity and presence of the church in Canadian society.
Theological Challenges in Canada
Despite the new organizational structure, the LDS Church faces theological challenges when seeking broader acceptance within Canadian Christianity. The Canadian Council of Churches, which represents approximately 85% of Canada’s Christians, requires member churches to adhere to Trinitarian beliefs. This requirement presents a barrier for the LDS Church, known to have different doctrinal foundations.
Differences in Beliefs
- The LDS Church views the Book of Mormon as an essential scripture, separate from the Bible.
- Many Christian denominations do not recognize LDS baptisms as valid.
Elder Stanfill has expressed confidence, stating that acceptance as a Christian church has been successful in other regions. He emphasizes the church’s core belief in Jesus Christ, highlighting commonalities in doctrine.
Member Statistics and Community Contributions
As of the 2021 census, the LDS Church has around 85,000 members in Canada, a decline from 105,000 in 2011. Despite this, leaders like Stanfill believe the church can significantly benefit Canadian society.
Community Engagement
The LDS Church engages in various community support initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to Canadian society:
- Donations of $2 million to the Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto.
- $400,000 for addressing homelessness and food insecurity in New Brunswick.
- $700,000 contributed to Feed Nova Scotia.
- 8,000 volunteers participated in Calgary’s food drive.
The church has also partnered with organizations such as the Red Cross and Catholic Relief Services to provide assistance in disaster situations.
Global Reach and Opportunities
With a presence in 180 countries, Canada plays a critical role in the church’s global growth strategy. The country is seen as a gateway for immigrants, some of whom may return to their home countries as members of the LDS Church, thus expanding its global footprint.
Elder Stanfill stresses the importance of Canada’s welcoming nature, especially in an increasingly restrictive immigration environment in places like the United States. This openness presents significant opportunities for the LDS Church to grow and influence diverse communities, enriching both domestic and global perceptions of the faith.
