View source for Source:The Church also addressed issues of Book of Mormon geography in the Gospel Topics essays available on the Church's official website

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==The Church also addressed issues of Book of Mormon geography in the ''Gospel Topics'' essays available on the Church's official website==
<blockquote>Since the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830, members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have expressed numerous opinions about the specific locations of the events discussed in the book. Some believe that the history depicted in the Book of Mormon—with the exception of the events in the Near East—occurred in North America, while others believe that it occurred in Central America or South America. Although Church members continue to discuss such theories today, the Church’s only position is that the events the Book of Mormon describes took place in the ancient Americas. ...

The Church does not take a position on the specific geographic locations of Book of Mormon events in the ancient Americas. Speculation on the geography of the Book of Mormon may mislead instead of enlighten; such a study can be a distraction from its divine purpose.

Individuals may have their own opinions regarding Book of Mormon geography and other such matters about which the Lord has not spoken. However, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urge leaders and members not to advocate those personal theories in any setting or manner that would imply either prophetic or Church support for those theories. All parties should strive to avoid contention on these matters.<ref>"[https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/book-of-mormon-geography?lang=eng Book of Mormon Geography]," ''Gospel Topics Essays'' for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (last accessed 25 January 2022).</ref></blockquote>
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