Topic

Refugee Outreach

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been encouraged to provide assistance to refugees around the world. In October 2015, the First Presidency, the highest governing body of the Church, issued a letter to all Church members encouraging them to provide assistance. In March 2016, the First Presidency issued a letter to Church members encouraging women of all ages to assist refugees in their own communities. The letter, which outlined the “I Was a Stranger” refugee relief effort, includes an invitation from the general women’s auxiliary presidencies of the Church—those who direct the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations—and information about how to get involved.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, members strive to follow the Savior’s admonition to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the sick and those in prison (see Matthew 25:35–36). Through the efforts of individuals and families and with the help offered through various Church welfare and relief programs, temporal and spiritual assistance has been given to millions in need.

In response to the recent refugee crisis in Europe, the Church has also made an initial donation of $5 million and a commitment of $5 million more to help displaced families.

The Church has been working for decades to help refugees in many parts of the world. For example, Latter-day Saints have provided aid to refugees in the Middle East for more than a decade, giving hundreds of thousands of blankets as well as clothes, emergency medical supplies, food and other resources to refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Syria.

In their October 27, 2015, letter, the First Presidency told Church members, “It is with great concern and compassion that we observe the plight of the millions of people around the world who have fled their homes seeking relief from civil conflict and other hardships.

Additional Resources 

Church Members Encouraged to Assist Refugees

Latter-day Saints Stepping Up Aid to Refugees

Church Leaders Encourage Women of the Church to Serve Refugees

I Was A Stranger

Church, Governments and Humanitarian Partners Aid Refugees in Europe

Dieter F. Uchtdorf of Church’s First Presidency Recounts Childhood Refugee Ordeal

Latter-day Saints Join Community Effort in Virginia to Assist Syrian Refugees

Church Community Helps Refugees in Utah

Refuge from the Storm: Patrick Kearon

Wall Street Journal - With Welcoming Stance, Conservative Utah Charts Its Own Course on Refugees 

Deseret News - Nonprofits inundated after LDS Church urges women to serve refugees

Deseret News - Latter-day Saint volunteers channel aid to refugees near ISIS war zone and on resettlement frontlines

Salt Lake Tribune - Latter-day Saint leader on refugees: ‘Their story is our story’

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