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In 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints marked its 50th anniversary in Kiribati with a series of events spanning nine days. Activities included a cultural celebration and a nationwide devotional attended by thousands.
The anniversary coincided with the creation of Kiribati’s fourth stake, an administrative unit comprising several congregations. According to the Church, about one in five people in Kiribati are members.
Area Seventy Elder Iotua Tune and local church leaders organized the celebrations. Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi of the Seventy and Pacific Area Presidency presided over the conference and related events.
The cultural event took place on October 18 at Moroni High School, a school operated by the Church. It was attended by President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati and several government ministers. Around 1,000 dancers from various stakes and districts performed in 12 different acts. President Maamau praised the performances.
On October 19, the Tarawa Kiribati North Stake was organized as the fourth stake in the country. This new stake includes five wards—two newly created—and four branches. New leadership was called to serve these units.
During the conference, Elder Tune stated, “The Lord will now bless us as we work together to build a Zion people, of one heart and one mind, in preparation for the temple.”
A temple for Tarawa was announced in 2021 and is currently under construction.
A nationwide devotional was also held on October 19 to commemorate fifty years since the Church's arrival in Kiribati. Performances included a children’s choir singing “A Child’s Prayer” (Ana Tataro te Tei) and songs by a youth choir from Moroni High School.
Elder Tune spoke about how education and missionary work helped prepare young people to lead within the Church: “There were a lot of people chosen by Heavenly Father to lead the Church in Kiribati,” he said. “Many of our people went to Tonga to be prepared.”
Saiosi (George) Moleni, who served as a missionary at Moroni High School from 1977-1979, returned from Tonga for the event and shared his happiness at seeing growth among members.
President Maamau addressed attendees at the devotional as well. He expressed gratitude for educational opportunities provided by Moroni High School and congratulated the Church for developing leaders who serve both their faith community and local government: “The Church will grow in Kiribati and the people will be strong and happy,” he said.
Elder Jaggi highlighted cooperation between church leaders and national authorities while reflecting on key moments from fifty years of church history in Kiribati. He encouraged youth to pursue education, consider missionary service, "make every day a joyous day," strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, and prepare for completion of the upcoming temple.
