The Church grew by about a third of a million members in 1996, resulting in the creation of 146 new stakes and 831 new wards and branches, according to the annual report of year-end statistics announced in general conference.
As shown on the annual report, 1996 was a year of continued progress. Shown on these pages are graphs comparing the 1996 year-end statistics with year-end reports from previous conferences during even years.Significant trends indicated by these graphic comparisons include the increase in the number of countries or territories with wards or branches. This number has increased 19 percent since 1990.
"We have become a great concourse of people," said President Gordon B. Hinckley in a conference address April 5. "We should reach the 10 million mark by the end of the year."
The increase in children of record baptized, although considerably larger than previous years, reflects improved reporting technology now being used in other countries.
Typical of stakes with substantial growth is the Tubarao Brazil Stake, presided over by Pres. Gelson Januario, 33. This three-year-old stake gains some 300 new members a year.
"The stake is growing, but not too fast," said Pres. Januario. "We work closely with the missionaries to visit the homes of new converts.
"Our members are maturing through the experiences they have in the temple. Members have been blessed in their homes and their jobs as they attend the temple.
"Because we are in a younger stake, it is important for us to listen to the leaders who come and instruct us."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1996 annual report
Stakes
1986 1,622
1988 1,707
1990 1,784
1992 1,919
1994 2,008
1996 2,296
Districts
1986 346
1988 402
1990 479
1992 601
1994 709
1996 671
Baptisms - Children of record
1986 72,000
1988 73,000
1990 78,000
1992 77,380
1994 72,538
1996 81,017
Missions
1986 193
1988 222
1990 256
1992 276
1994 303
1996 309
Wards and branches
1986 15,389
1988 16,558
1990 18,090
1992 20,081
1994 21,774
1996 23,528
Total missionaries - at year-end
1986 31,803
1988 36,132
1990 43,651
1992 46,025
1994 47,311
1996 52,938
Total converts
1986 216,210
1988 256,515
1990 330,877
1992 274,477
1994 300,730
1996 321,385
Nations, territories with wards, branches
1986 122
1988 125
1990 130
1992 146
1994 156
1996 161
Total membership
1986 6,170,000
1988 6,720,000
1990 7,760,000
1992 8,406,895
1994 9,024,569
1996 9,694,546
