LDS Missionaries To Be Called "Volunteers" In Response To The New Legislation In Russia

By: Romrik Joshua Flores, Moroni Channel
The Republic Of The Philippines

After the new Legislation that will “broad limitations on missionary work, including preaching, teaching, and engaging in any activity designed to recruit people into a religious group.” LDS Missionaries will now be called as Volunteers.

According to a news report by Deseret News The change is in response to a new Russian law aimed at combatting terrorism — but one that also restricts religious organizations in the country.

All Mormon missionaries serve on a volunteer basis, but to comply with the new law set to take effect Wednesday, the LDS Church is making adjustments to what the missionaries assigned to Russia are involved with and known as.

The sweeping new anti-terrorism law also restricts missionary work to faith organizations registered with the government, requiring that all proselytizing must happen within houses of worship.

When the law was enacted earlier this month, the LDS Church responded with a statement that reads in part:

“The Church will honor, sustain and obey the law. Missionaries will remain in Russia and will work within the requirements of these changes. The Church will further study and analyze the law and its impact as it goes into effect.”

In a recent email message from mission presidents distributed to the relatives of missionaries currently serving in Russia, family members are instructed to refer to their family members in the future — including in social media posts and messages — as volunteers, rather than missionaries who are involved in volunteer service.