Highlighting its growth, interfaith collaboration and structural challenges, a recent European Studies panel explored how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is shaping its future in Europe.
The event, titled "Café Europa: The LDS Church in Europe in the 21st Century," featured Elder Paul Picard, an Area Seventy over the Europe Central Area; James Toronto, an emeritus professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at BYU; and Michelle Graabek-Wallace, an associate historian for the Church History Library.
The panel drew a diverse audience of students, faculty and community members eager to understand the Church’s position and future across the European continent.
During the discussion, Elder Picard emphasized that the Church's progress varies by region. In western Europe, the Church is well-established, with stakes, temples and several missions. In central Europe, the Church is in a developmental phase, with missions and districts but no stakes or temples yet. Further east, the Church is still in its early stages, focused on building a foundation.
Elder Picard stressed the need to recognize these regional differences to provide the appropriate support for growth.
“The growth of the Church is different in different places, and we have to be aware of these singularities so we can support that growth effectively,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Elder Picard expressed optimism, pointing to the resilience of European members. He highlighted areas where growth has been steady, particularly in countries where religious freedom is well-established.
"There is growth in Europe that we have not seen before,” he said. “All the missions in Europe Central are experiencing growth in terms of converts. People often say that Europeans are not very into religion or faith, but this has not been the trend we have seen in the past few years," he said.
Toronto explained that over the past several decades, the Church has gained greater recognition and respect in Europe, moving away from its former image as a foreign or fringe institution.
He also highlighted that legal recognition efforts, such as those in Italy, have been supported by interfaith collaboration with other marginalized religions. Furthermore, the Church’s focus on humanitarian work and community service has helped bolster its reputation.
“What the Church did was significant, and I think we’re seeing the positive results of this not just in Italy, but in other parts of Europe as well,” Toronto said.
On the topic of interfaith collaboration, Graabek-Wallace noted that changing religious dynamics in Europe have opened new opportunities for cooperation.
"Larger churches, like the Catholic Church or Protestant churches, are aware that Europe is becoming more secular," she said. "That shared awareness creates a space where different faiths can come together, recognizing that faith still matters in people’s lives."
This message resonated with audience members. BYU psychology major Sarah Johnson said she found the discussion on interfaith work particularly compelling.
"Instead of focusing on differences, they talked about working with other faiths to create common ground," Johnson said. "It was inspiring to hear how collaboration can foster unity."
Graabek-Wallace added that the Church’s evolving presence in Europe offers hope for the future. She pointed to the expansion of temples across the continent as a sign of progress.
"In the last few years, the Church has built two new temples and announced eight more in Europe," she said. "It’s very different from my parents’ generation, where you had to travel long distances to attend the temple. Now members have greater access, which strengthens both individual faith and the Church’s presence in their communities."
She also emphasized the role of cultural identity in shaping members' experiences. Growing up in multiple European countries, she witnessed firsthand how Latter-day Saints often balance their national heritage with their religious identity.
"Being a Latter-day Saint is kind of its own cultural identity, probably especially in Europe, where it’s a very marginal cultural identity," Graabek-Wallace said. "But at the same time, that uniqueness can foster strong community bonds and a deep sense of belonging."
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees asked about the role of technology in missionary work and how the Church can better support members in regions with limited resources. Panelists emphasized the importance of adaptability, faith and continued engagement in the broader European religious landscape.
With increasing secularization and evolving religious dynamics, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Europe faces challenges and new opportunities to grow and strengthen its influence. The Café Europa panel underscored the resilience and dedication of members across the continent, providing a hopeful outlook for the Church’s future in Europe.
"Each time a temple is opened, there is a factor of bringing the Church out of obscurity," Picard said. "This is a shift, this is a change and the growth is there."