Book of Mormon Published in Guarani

On April 29, 2009, the First Presidency announced the publication of the Book of Mormon in Guarani, a dialect spoken mainly in Paraguay.

In their letter to the Saints in Paraguay, the First Presidency encouraged them to obtain their own copies of the scriptures and to use them in regular personal and family study and in Church meetings and assignments.

This full translation of the Book of Mormon replaces the edition of Book of Mormon Selections that has been available since 1982. The full Book of Mormon is currently published in 82 languages. Book of Mormon Selections is available in another 25 languages.

There are approximately 22,800 Guarani-speaking members, 79 Guarani-speaking units, and 6,180,000 Guarani speakers worldwide.

Guarani, which has an oral tradition, is primarily spoken in Paraguay, where literacy is an issue for families. The Church is preparing an audio recording of the Book of Mormon in Guarani. This will be published in 2010.