Antiterror law forces Mormon church to cut missionaries in Russia
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Antiterror law forces Mormon church to cut missionaries in Russia, 6 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a963.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 06, 2016
Mormon church officials have cut the number of missionaries being sent to Russia, saying the adjustment was forced by Russia's new antiterrorism law.
Church spokesman Eric Hawkins said on September 5 that 30 missionaries in training in the U.S. state of Utah will instead go to other Russian-speaking missions in Eastern Europe. Forty-seven will still go to Russia as planned.
The move marks the latest change made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law earlier this summer that puts restrictions on religious practices.
Previously, the church announced that its missionaries in Russia would be known as "volunteers" and would refrain from proselytizing publicly to comply with the law.
Hawkins said there were about 22,000 Mormons worshiping in 100 different congregations in Russia.
In early August, six missionaries were detained for several hours by local Russian police over visa issues. Three were deported to other countries.
Based on reporting by AP and Deseret News
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
