The Church Is Here

Nuku‘alofa, Tonga

map with circle around Tonga

aerial view of Nuku‘alofa Tonga Temple

Photograph by Neil Crisp, 2021

The temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nuku‘alofa is located near the Church-owned Liahona High School. Church members make up about 63 percent of the population in Tonga, where the Church has

• 66,400 members (approximately)

• 21 stakes, 2 districts, 173 wards and branches, 2 missions

• 21 family history centers, 1 temple in operation and 1 under construction

We Will Be Reunited

Sonasi Langi (now deceased) of Kolonga, Tongatupu, often gathered with family members to sing hymns and put flowers on the graves of his father and sister. “Someday we will be reunited,” he said. “I think we will sing the same songs then.”

man and his family singing

More about the Church in Tonga

• Facts, statistics, and history of the Church in Tonga.

• Hold to the iron rod, President Nelson tells members at a devotional in Tonga in 2019.

• After the January 2022 volcanic eruption, the First Presidency sends a letter of love and hope to Tonga.

• The Church responds to the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga.

• Members in Tonga send supplies to the outer islands.

• A journalist shares what she learned from Tongan Latter-day Saints about how to endure.

the king of Tonga with Church leaders and others

The king of Tonga welcomes President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Wendy; Elder Gerrit W. Gong and his wife, Susan; and others on a visit to Tonga in 2019.

Photograph by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

smiling young woman

Like young women all over the Church, this young woman in Tonga sets goals and works to accomplish them.

Neiafu Tonga Temple rendering

This rendering shows what the Neiafu Tonga Temple, the second temple in Tonga, will look like when construction is finished.

a mother and a son reading together

The home is a center of gospel learning in Tonga, as it is throughout the Church when members heed the call to “come, follow me” (Luke 18:22).

family walking on a beach

In Tonga, wholesome family recreation can easily include a walk along the beach together.

a couple working in a field

Agriculture is important in Tonga, and many Latter-day Saints grow and harvest food.

two laughing women working with banana leaves in a kitchen

In Tonga, as in many Pacific island communities, banana leaves are often used in the preparation of family meals.

a family singing a hymn together

Singing hymns is an important part of worshipping together in Tonga, as it is throughout the Church.

a man being helped by others to put on traditional clothing

Traditional clothing plays an important role in Tongan society.

a smiling young man at a Church activity

A young man enjoys meeting others at a youth activity at a meetinghouse in Tonga.

a couple reading together

Regular scripture study helps couples in Tonga grow together spiritually.

vehicle covered in volcanic ash

In January 2022, a volcanic eruption covered many parts of Tonga in ash.

Photograph from Malau Media, used by permission

boat dock with volunteers and donated supplies

Members on the island of Tongatapu donated supplies, carried by boat to help those on the outer islands.