Mormonism in Guatemala

Introduction

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) was first officially established in Guatemala in the late 1940s. Rapid growth primarily occurred during two periods, namely, the early 1960s and between the early 1980s and early 1990s. Today the Church in Guatemala constitutes the primary center of strength for LDS leadership and administration in Central America as no other Central American country reports as many members, stakes, missions, congregations, or temples. The Church in Guatemala has also conducted its most penetrating and widespread proselytism efforts among Amerindian peoples in Latin America. Growth rates have slowed since 2000 in comparison to previous years. Although member inactivity and convert attrition have been significant problems, these conditions have begun to improve in recent years.

History

The Mexican Mission assigned the first full-time missionaries to serve in Guatemala in 1947 after a Latter-day Saint moved to the country and...