Birmingham Temple Rendering
Rendering of the new Birmingham Temple on Penns Lane in Sutton Coldfield, UK© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Plans for a new temple in Birmingham, England, have taken a historic step forward, after planning permission was granted by Birmingham City Council. Once completed, this will be the third temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United Kingdom.
Plans to construct a new temple in Birmingham were announced in April 2022, by Church President, Russell M. Nelson.
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is considered the most holy and sacred spaces of worship on earth —it is the House of the Lord. Within temples, Latter-day Saints make sacred promises with God that guide their lives and strengthen their faith. These sacred spaces are designed to inspire peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with divine teachings.
Elder Martin J. Turvey, a senior Church leader in the United Kingdom, said: “I’m so delighted we now have formal approval to move forward with the construction of the temple. I’m grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to get us to this point, especially that the local community response to the temple has been largely so positive. What a blessing this will be."
President Matthew Peedle, local Stake President and senior church leader in Birmingham, has invited members of the Church across Birmingham to give thanks this coming Sunday by dedicating their monthly fast for this step forward towards a new temple.
Members of the Church across the United Kingdom and especially in Birmingham are rejoicing at news of a new temple. Samantha Hamilton, youth leader for the Church in the Birmingham area said “We are so excited about having a temple in Birmingham. Going to the temple is the pinnacle of our worship because of our belief in eternal families. It really will make a big difference in our lives.”
Heather Jackson local member and activities committee chair commented that, “It’s a dream come true that we are getting a temple in Birmingham. I am thrilled that, along with my family, we can benefit from having this sacred building so close to where we live. A piece of heaven on earth!”
Taylor Moreton a senior leader of the Church congregation in Sutton Coldfield remarked that, “when life gets tough, I find comfort in the Lord, especially at the temple. The news about the Birmingham Temple made me really happy, and I'm looking forward to the good things it'll bring for everyone.”
Local member and Church leader Brad Warwick said, “I drive past the plot on Penns Lane and I still can't quite believe what will be standing there in a few years. It's a miracle for me and members of the Church.”
Kirsty Moreton, Communication Director and member in the Birmingham area, said, “I am so thrilled with the news that the planning application for the Birmingham Temple has been approved. Over the last few months, we have worked hard to engage the local community and local political representatives, to share with them not only the external beauty of the temple but also its meaning and purpose. As the Team Lead of the recent Light the World machines project in Solihull, I was able to witness firsthand the spirit that comes when communities and organisations join together to love and serve others. In the same way, the light of the temple as a presence in this part of the United Kingdom will help draw people together and bring blessings into the lives of our communities.”
The temple development is located on the church-owned 185-187 Penns Lane site in Sutton Coldfield, approximately 6 miles north of Birmingham city centre.
Dates for groundbreaking of the new temple will be announced at a future date.
Plans have already been announced for a fourth temple in the United Kingdom, to be located in Edinburgh, Scotland.