ZCZC
BFF-06
HEALTH-VIRUS-US-RELIGION-MORMON
Mormon Church halts all public gatherings worldwide
LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The Mormon Church announced
Thursday it is suspending all public ceremonies and gatherings of its members
around the world over the new coronavirus pandemic.
The church said it took the measures after consulting government and
medical officials, and had “sought the Lord’s guidance in these matters.”
The suspension until further notice affects “all public gatherings of
Church members” including worship and conferences, a letter to members said.
“Where possible, leaders should conduct any essential leadership meetings
via technology,” added the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as it
is officially known.
Founded in 1830, the church bases its headquarters in the western US state
of Utah, and claims 16 million members.
More than half of them live outside the United States.
The virus has infected nearly 131,500 people in 116 countries and
territories worldwide and caused 4,925 deaths, according to an AFP tally.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0910 hrs