LDS volunteers detained in Russia, church working for their swift release
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Two young volunteers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Novorossiysk, Russia have been detained by authorities.
The two were detained Friday evening while in a meeting at a local meetinghouse, according to Church spokesman Eric Hawkins. They are still in police custody.
“While we are grateful these young men are reportedly in good condition and are being treated well, we are troubled by the circumstances surrounding their detention,” Hawkins said in a statement.
Hawkins said both volunteers have spoken to their parents and that the Church will continue to work with local authorities to encourage the swift release of the men.
Russia implemented an anti-terrorism law in 2016 that banned missionary work, according to KSL. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints complied and redesignated its young missionaries as volunteers.