The communications of Wednesday, March 11, 2020, refer to significant changes to the format of the transmission of the General Conference this coming April, to the large congregations of members and to the impact in some missionary training centers.
Letter about April 2020 General Conference
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
With the recent announcement changing the attendance at the April 2020 General Conference, we are providing the following guidance related to large gatherings of Church members.
After considering the counsel of governmental, ecclesiastical, and medical leaders around the world and our own prayerful reflection, we will postpone stake and leadership conferences and other large gatherings in Church Areas where illness caused by COVID-19 is a challenge, including,
- Asia
- Asia North
- Europe
- Europe East
- All Areas in the United States and Canada
These temporary adjustments will take effect March 16, 2020. Large gatherings in other areas of the world may continue as usual unless directed otherwise by Area Presidencies, who counsel with their leaders.
In relation to weekly worship services, activities and other meetings, members should follow the guidance of their local leaders, who will receive direction in the usual manner.
As this constantly changing situation develops, we will provide further guidance on this topic.
Sincerely,
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
A Letter about COVID-19’s Effect on Large Gatherings of Saints
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
With the recent announcement changing the attendance at the April 2020 General Conference, we are providing the following guidance related to large gatherings of Church members.
After considering the counsel of governmental, ecclesiastical, and medical leaders around the world and our own prayerful reflection, we will postpone stake and leadership conferences and other large gatherings in Church Areas where illness caused by COVID-19 is a challenge, including,
- Asia
- Asia North
- Europe
- Europe East
- All Areas in the United States and Canada
These temporary adjustments will take effect March 16, 2020. Large gatherings in other areas of the world may continue as usual unless directed otherwise by Area Presidencies, who counsel with their leaders.
In relation to weekly worship services, activities and other meetings, members should follow the guidance of their local leaders, who will receive direction in the usual manner.
As this constantly changing situation develops, we will provide further guidance on this topic.
Sincerely,
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
COVID-19’s Impact on Missionary Training Centers
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Caring for the health and safety of our missionaries and those with whom they meet is vital to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have counseled with governmental, ecclesiastical and medical leaders worldwide on the spread of COVID-19. We have prayerfully considered this evolving circumstance and are taking additional steps at missionary training centers to protect missionaries and prevent the possible spread of the virus.
Beginning March 16, 2020, all missionaries scheduled to enter missionary training centers in Provo, Utah, or Preston, England, will be trained remotely by video conference. Other missionary training centers will continue to function as usual, but they will not receive any missionaries from regions where government officials are restricting activity. Missionaries from those areas will also be trained by video conference.
We believe this temporary virtual training program will help to prepare missionaries for the field while minimizing risks related to communicable disease.
Each missionary will receive specific information regarding the length of training, schedules, and other logistics as his or her starting date approaches. Once missionaries complete their online training, they will travel directly to their mission assignments.
We will continue to follow developments closely and make any needed further adjustments.
We love our missionaries and their families and are grateful for their willingness to serve the Lord. We hope they will take advantage of this unique training experience to prepare for a wonderful period of Christlike service.
Sincerely,
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles