According to a news report from Deseret News, thousands of Latter-day Saint missionaries will be officially released from their callings as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the world.
Though no access to the original report is available at this time, Deseret News reports the following missionaries will be released:
• All elders serving in the U.S. and Canada who have served 21 months or more will be released, shortening their missions by three months.
• All American and Canadian elders returning from serving in other countries due to the pandemic will be released if they have served 18 months.
• All American and Canadian sisters returning from serving in other countries because of the pandemic will be released if they have served 15 months.
Late last week, the First Presidency announced a substantial number of missionaries would be returning to their home countries. Missionaries in the following countries are undergoing this process currently:
- Mexico
- Vietnam
- India
- Africa
- The Phillippines
- Korea
- Mongolia
- Countries within the Micronesia Guam Mission
Five planes of missionaries arrived in Salt Lake yesterday, causing many to express disappointment in the large crowds that gathered at the airport. All missionaries returning are asked to self-isolate for 14 days. It also expected that the length of service for missionaries will soon be adjusted. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
