Ground has been officially broken for the Cali Colombia Temple, marking the third house of the Lord for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Colombia. The ceremony took place on March 1, 2025, with Elder Jorge T. Becerra, the president of the South America Northwest Area and General Authority Seventy, presiding over the event. He not only offered heartfelt remarks to those gathered but also dedicated the site and its future construction with prayer.
This temple will be the southernmost and westernmost Latter-day Saint temple in Colombia, joining the Bogotá Colombia and Barranquilla Colombia temples, which were previously dedicated. The Cali temple, expected to measure approximately 9,500 square feet, will be located on a 3.14-acre site along Avenida 4A Norte, situated within the La Flora neighborhood of Cali, Valle del Cauca department.
During the ceremony, Elder Becerra highlighted the significance of what it means to break ground for such sacred structures. "Breaking ground for a house of the Lord symbolizes the change in people’s hearts, which is necessary to develop closer ties with God," he explained. He drew upon the parable of the sower, urging attendees to clear away the metaphorical weeds from their hearts to cultivate new habits. "Each one of us needs to change something about ourselves so the Lord can sow seeds of peace and happiness within us," he continued.
His dedicatory prayer emphasized the desire for personal and collective renewal among attendees, invoking the guidance of Jesus Christ. "We ask Thee to help each of us to become renewed. Help us to live the gospel and more fully become converted to Thy Son," Elder Becerra prayed.
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted not just members of the Latter-day Saints community but also civic leaders and local residents, including Cali’s Mayor Alejandro Eder. The mayor recognized the positive impact this temple would bring to the city, stating, "The Church of Jesus Christ is a religion with significant presence in our region, and your investment will provide employment during construction and beautify the La Flora neighborhood." He expressed gratitude for the role the temple will play in reinforcing the freedom of worship and religion within the community.
Insights shared during the event also stressed the fundamental purpose of building temples. Elder Harold Truque, another Area Seventy, articulated, "It’s to make covenants with our Heavenly Father." The emphasis on these personal commitments resonates deeply with congregants, reflecting the temple's role as not just a physical structure, but as a place of sacred covenants and commitments.
The announcement of the Cali temple took place on April 4, 2021, when President Russell M. Nelson mentioned it during the April General Conference, outlining the temple's significance amid the much-needed growth of the church's presence within Colombia. This temple is part of four identified locations in the country, with another, the Medellín Colombia Temple, already announced and currently under planning stages.
Colombia has witnessed the church's exponential growth since the initiation of missionary work in the country back in 1966. The establishment of its first mission was organized just five years later, and today, there are over 215,000 members of the church, organized across nearly 260 congregations. The new temple is expected to serve as both a worship site and community landmark, signifying the continued growth of the Latter-day Saints church within this vibrant South American nation.
The impact of this new temple extends beyond the immediate church community; it is anticipated to engage and uplift surrounding neighborhoods. With efforts aimed at community integration and support, stakeholders are excitedly addressing how the temple will aid local beautification efforts and promote respect for diverse religious expressions.
Looking forward, the Cali Colombia Temple is seen not just as another house of worship but as a beacon of hope and community for Latter-day Saints and all those interested. For many attendees, including noted civic leaders, the temple signifies much more than just construction; it symbolizes growth, transformation, and dedication to their faith and community.
From the heartfelt remarks of Elder Becerra to the enthusiastic responses from attendees, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cali Colombia Temple does not merely mark the start of construction but heralds the next chapter for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members throughout Colombia. The event encapsulated both faith and purpose, infusing the future with optimism and dedication, reminiscent of scriptural promises of growth and community strength.