Cambodia Government and Church Leaders Celebrate Opening of Phnom Penh Temple

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, Cambodia officials and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leaders celebrated the completion of the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple. Approximately 800 Cambodian leaders and Church members attended the open house event at the temple, situated on a 1.3-hectare site at Russian Confederation Street Phnom Penh 12040.

The event included speeches by Church leaders and His Excellency Minister Chay Borin, who represented Prime Minister Hun Manet. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a senior leader from the Church's headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, led the delegation. Minister Borin praised the temple's architecture and craftsmanship, stating it symbolizes peace, political stability, and religious freedom in Cambodia.

Elder Gong emphasized that the temple is a sacred place where worshippers learn God's plan of happiness and live good, moral, productive lives. The temple also serves as a symbol for strong, harmonious families and a site for humanitarian, education, and medical projects. Vichit Ith, a key figure in obtaining official government recognition for the Church in 1994, highlighted the temple's role in strengthening the social fabric of Cambodia by uniting families and promoting divine knowledge. The temple will be formally dedicated on Sunday, 30 August 2026.