Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Okinawa Japan Temple on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. It has been almost eight decades since the final battle of World War II claimed the lives of 240,000 Japanese and U.S. servicemen and Okinawan civilians in Okinawa.
“I’ve really been touched by the lives of people in Okinawa, the hardships that they’ve had, the ravages that war had on their families,” said Elder Stevenson. “And this is a tender time to think that the Lord has chosen Okinawa, Japan, to be a place for His house.”
In this Church News video, titled “Blessings of the Temple,” Elder Stevenson — a former missionary, mission president and area president in Japan — shares the feelings of his heart as he dedicated the temple — the Church’s fourth in Japan.
Read more about this and other stories related to the Okinawa Japan Temple here:
• Church News Podcast Episode 163: Elder Gary E. Stevenson on the Okinawa Japan Temple — a symbol of peace in a land once defined by war
• In a place once defined by war, Elder Stevenson dedicates the Okinawa Japan Temple — a symbol of peace and unity
• Okinawa temple dedicatory prayer: Elder Stevenson expresses gratitude for the gift of peace