Church Begins ‘Very Limited’ Missionary Assignments Outside Home Countries

SALT LAKE CITY — Officials said The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has started sending a “very limited” number of missionaries to serve in assignments outside their home countries.

A statement was released Wednesday confirming the change.

Many missionaries accepted reassignments in their home countries when the coronavirus pandemic hit earlier in the year.

“We are grateful for their faith and optimism in these extraordinary circumstances,” said Church spokesperson Daniel Woodruff.

He said missionary travel was dependent upon local conditions and air travel restrictions, adding that some may not leave for their assignments for several months.

“We recognize conditions can change rapidly, and we will continue to closely monitor world events and make adjustments as needed,” said Woodruff. “The safety of our missionaries and those they serve is our top priority.”

Missionaries who receive new travel information have been asked to follow established public health guidelines in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“After they arrive in their new assignments, missionaries will quarantine for the required period and then take part in activities appropriate to local circumstances,” the statement said.

Some @Ch_JesusChrist missionaries heading back into foreign lands https://t.co/HOqxwcQ3lM

— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) November 4, 2020