In 1926, the Church began building institutes of religion near universities not operated by the Church. These institutes offered religious education classes for university students. Institutes now teach more than 365,000 students and members at more than 2,214 institute programs throughout the world.

The first international institutes were established in Australia and Great Britain in 1969. International student enrollment in institute continues to increase each year and is now greater than in the United States.

President Hinckley has described how institute benefits its participants: "It is touching for good the lives of students across the world. In the institutes young college-aged students find happy association, they find learning, social experience, and even husbands and wives within the faith" ("This Great Millennial Year," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 67).

Young LDS college students aren't the only people who benefit from the program. Many institute students, young and old, are not enrolled in college. Also, members of other faiths enroll in institute classes each year.

Elder Kerr said institute has become so widely available that many members are able to experience the program in one way or another. "There are few places where young people would be unable to have an institute experience, either through established institute programs or courses available through stakes," Elder Kerr said.

Speaking of the sacred importance of Institutes, Elder Boyd K. Packer said, "They now become a godsend for the salvation of modern Israel in a most challenging hour." We hope you will feel the urgency to come and participate in the Lord's Institute of Religion Organizations. There is great strength in uniting with younthful saints in studing, pondering and meditating upon the words of Christ! Please, come join us!