France
Apostle John Taylor was called on a mission to France in October 1849. The first congregation of six members was organized in April 1850 in Boulogne-sur-Mer. By July 24, 1853, nine branches (small congregations) had been formed with 337 members including 289 from the Channel Islands.
After World War II, as reconstruction had begun and Church humanitarian relief efforts had been mobilized, missionaries were once more sent into France and membership began to increase. In 1955, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir made its historic tour of Europe, performing in the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. At the time, Church membership in the nation was only about 1,500. France's first meetinghouse was completed in Nantes in 1962. By 1974, 29 French members were serving as missionaries for the Church.
Membership in 1975 was 10,000, and in 1985 it was 16,500. Today, members total more than 30,000, many of them second, third, and fourth generation Latter-day Saints. Church members in France are organized into seven stakes (dioceses) that meet in 115 meetinghouses. These meetinghouses serve as the location for Church activities of all kinds. In addition to sacrament meetings, Primary classes for children, religious education programs for youth and young adults, and meetings for women and youth groups, there are sport activities, such as table tennis, basketball, and volleyball. Additionally, there are cultural events, such as dancing, musical, and theatrical performances.
High ideals are taught with strong emphasis on family life, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and commitment to high moral principles that characterize Latter-day Saint beliefs. Converts come from a wide age range and from all socioeconomic groups. The famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed in Strasbourg in 1991 and in Marseille in 1998.
Humanitarian services totaling millions of dollars have been given worldwide. Relief without regard to race, nationality, or religion is given. Food, clothing, medical supplies, and economic aid continue to alleviate the suffering of deprived people. European nations, and more recently, Eastern Europeans receive special assistance.
For Journalist Use Only
Dominique Calmels
Collegien,
France
Phone: +33-1-603-59764
Fax: n/a
Mobile: +33-607-350-164
39,029
Total Church Membership
2
Missions
69
Family History Centers
109
Congregations
1
Temples
North America
9,253,590
Total Church Membership
192
Missions
2,866
Family History Centers
18,159
Congregations
109
Temples
South America
4,038,045
Total Church Membership
94
Missions
979
Family History Centers
5,545
Congregations
17
Temples
Europe
516,003
Total Church Membership
43
Missions
710
Family History Centers
1,422
Congregations
12
Temples
Asia
1,155,764
Total Church Membership
42
Missions
333
Family History Centers
1,973
Congregations
8
Temples
Oceania (Pacific)
552,825
Total Church Membership
18
Missions
338
Family History Centers
1,251
Congregations
10
Temples
Africa
578,310
Total Church Membership
31
Missions
285
Family History Centers
2,004
Congregations
3
Temples
Worldwide Statistics
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued the following report concerning the growth and status of the Church:

Growth of the Church
16,118,169
Total Church Membership
188
Published Languages
30,506
Congregations
Missionary Program
67,049
Missionaries
421
Missions
15
Missionary Training Centers
Humanitarian Services
189
Countries Receiving Humanitarian Aid (Since 1985)
10,238
Welfare Services Missionaries (Incl. Humanitarian Service Missionaries)
Temples
159
Temples
Education
4
Universities & Colleges
404,270
Seminary Students Enrollment
357,760
Institute Student Enrollment
Genealogy
5,100
Family History Centers
140
Countries with Family History Centers