SALT LAKE CITY-Monday, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed changes to missionary work amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles confirmed it takes the health and safety of its missionaries and those they instruct “very seriously.”
Among the Church’s adaptations:
-missionaries will continue to be called to serve and assigned to labor in missions worldwide
-missionary recommendations will continue to be received and missionary assignments worldwide will continue to be made
Additionally, Church leaders will add temporary adjustments to missionary service.
These alterations include:
-young missionaries with health issues and senior missionaries may be released from service
-missionaries who begin their service and are unable to travel to their assigned mission may be temporarily reassigned to another mission
-to adjust for rapidly-changing conditions, young “elders” (young men called to serve), currently serving within missions in the United States and Canada who would complete their missions as of or before September 1, 2020, may be released after having served 21 months.
-some missionaries may be temporarily reassigned.
Young missionaries, who may now need to work primarily from their apartments will continue teaching by using technology and studying the Scriptures and Preach My Gospel.
They can also engage in language learning, family history, online community service and other activities as identified by the mission president.
Furthermore, missionaries are encouraged to stay in frequent contact with their families and to take opportunities to leave their apartment for exercise and fresh air. While doing this, missionaries are to observe “wise guidelines for personal contact.”
Church leaders will continue to monitor current conditions, making further adjustments as needed.
