Media Release
For immediate release                                                                          October 1, 2009
Church Leaders Express Condolences over Tsunami Devastation

Auckland – The Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expressed its deepest sympathies to Church members and others in the countries of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.  The Presidency, while currently in Salt Lake City Utah preparing for the Church’s semi-annual General Conference, has indicated it is completely aware of the situation and is coordinating overall relief efforts.
 
 “We understand the great feelings of sadness and loss that are being experienced by the citizens of the three countries,” said Elder Tad R. Callister, the Church’s Pacific Area President.  “This event has caused much hardship and suffering.  We mourn with all those whose loved ones perished in the tsunami.  We have been deeply affected by the loss of so many lives, which includes a number of our own Church members.”
 
One or more members of the Area Presidency will be visiting devastated areas as soon as possible after their return to the Pacific.
 
Reflecting its role as one of the Pacific Islands’ largest faiths, the Area Presidency has said that the Church is actively involved in providing assistance to those in need.  At first light today, three truckloads of clothing and a further three truckloads of food were shipped from Church members in Apia to villages on the southern side of Upolu, the main island of Samoa.  Consistent with Church humanitarian policy, the aid is given irrespective of the religious affiliation of the recipient.
 
John Larsen, the Church’s welfare department coordinator in Auckland, reports that local Church officials are members of the Samoan Government National Disaster Council and are determining what aid will be provided from the Church’s local and international resources.   Church officials also are in contact with government leaders in American Samoa and Tonga. “The Church needs to assess with the appropriate authorities what the precise requirements are before it can begin shipping materials,” said Mr Larsen.  
 
Additionally, the Church is working with the Red Cross to coordinate the delivery of assistance.  Typically, the Church sends shipments of medical equipment and supplies, clothing, food and other materials in times of disaster.
 
As well as donating humanitarian provisions, congregations of Church members are already providing manpower assistance under the direction of Elder Douglas Jessop, an Area Seventy and senior religious leader in Samoa and American Samoa. The Church’s “Mormon Helping Hands” service program will be mobilized in coming days to assist with the massive cleanup operation.
 
Overseas Latter-day Saints who wish to contribute to humanitarian efforts may do so by including donations on the regular Church donation slip under the section entitled “Humanitarian aid”.   Large donations from Church members and the public also may be made via the Church website, www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services by following the “Donate Online” instructions at the bottom of the page.

ENDS

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