News Release

Legislature of American Samoa Commends Church for New Temple

The Senate and the House of Representatives of American Samoa recently passed a concurrent resolution commending and congratulating The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the recent groundbreaking of the highly anticipated Pago Pago American Samoa Temple on 30 October of this year.

The resolution was passed during a joint session after a visit by Elder K. Brett Nattress of the Pacific Area Presidency in which he described the history and importance of the temple project and expressed his appreciation for the support of government leaders.

The resolution states, “On behalf of the people of American Samoa, the Legislature commends the Church for its distinguished work [in which] it exemplifies goodness … and support for our territory.”

The Senate Resolution also expressed the gratitude of the territory for the Church’s humanitarian efforts for the people of American Samoa. These include contributions to the LBJ Medical Center of advanced equipment and missionary doctors, assistance to families all over the island during natural disasters, and the preservation of valuable statistical records.

The resolution document was delivered to Elder Nattress by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean along with Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale who both attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

“The Church has a long history in these beautiful islands and we appreciate the continued support of the territory for our members,” said Elder Nattress. “The new temple in Pago Pago will allow them to worship closer to home and bring strength to families here.”

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