Over 1 million youth and young adults worldwide are now enrolled in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church announced Sunday.
The number includes approximately 75,000 people of other faiths, reflecting the church’s emphasis on gathering and inviting others.
Chad H. Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, called the milestone “wonderful” and shared his gratitude for those who made it possible.
“We are deeply grateful for parents, leaders, instructors, and especially our youth and young adults who are inviting others to learn about Jesus Christ,” he said. “We express our sincere gratitude to the Lord and to devoted disciples around the world for their love, their invitations, and their ministering efforts that are helping to gather and teach His children.”
The announcement comes as Institutes of Religion marks 100 years of its religious education programs, which are free for all to attend and open to people of all faiths.
In seminary, youth ages 14 through 18 meet with teachers each weekday during the school year to study scripture. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 are invited to enroll in institute classes, which cover a range of gospel topics and typically meet once or twice a week.
Seminary and institute enrollment has increased in recent years, with nearly 200,000 new students joining in the past two years alone. Earlier this year, Church President Dallin H. Oaks extended an invitation to young people to make institute a priority.
“My dear young adults, in a day of noise and confusion, I invite you to consistently attend institute. I also encourage you to invite friends to share in these same blessings,” President Oaks said. “I promise that your time in institute will bring the Savior’s peace, joy and divine love.”
