The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reached a world membership of just under 12 million last year, a Mormon conference was told. The church is the fifth largest U.S. denomination, with 5.3 million members.
"Once we were recognized as a Utah church," said President Gordon B. Hinckley. "Now we have become a great international body."
Conference proceedings were translated into 66 languages and transmitted to much of the world by television, radio and the Internet.
Conference speakers said traditional marriage is being targeted for belittlement and destruction, though America's controversy over gay marriage was not mentioned. The church has long opposed recognition for same-sex unions.
Saying, "it is a somber time for me," Hinckley, 93, spoke shortly before the death of his wife of 67 years, Marjorie. She had been ill and died Tuesday at 92.