SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 4, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has results back on a missionary-safety survey it sent out 10 months back.
Although the LDS Church did not release a detailed summary of the survey or findings, it did list some changes Friday in a statement.
“In June 2017, the Church sent a survey to missionaries worldwide to better understand their day-to-day experiences and perceptions related to physical safety,” said the statement, released by LDS Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff.
“The results painted a picture of overall safety among missionaries and highlighted areas for improvement.
“We were pleased to learn that an overwhelming majority of missionaries reported feeling safe within their missions, and the number of incidents was very low compared to the total missionaries serving. Gratefully, serious threats and violence involving missionaries are uncommon, although we recognize that exceptions occur.”
Missionary feedback will inform changes in the “Missionary Handbook,” the statement said, and “has already impacted several policies and procedures”:
- A Sister Safety Committee that meets regularly is using the survey results to determine how to enhance the overall safety of sister missionaries.
- A follow-up process has been implemented to provide better care and support for missionaries following an incident.
- A significant health, safety, and security training program is being produced that is heavily influenced by the survey results.
A second survey, to be used at missions where safety concerns have been reported, is planned.
“Information from this follow-up survey will be shared with mission presidents to help them understand the potential risks in their missions and to help them consider where missionaries are placed,” the statement said.
“Missionaries throughout the world are known for their goodness and selfless service. We greatly value their safety. We are committed to doing all we can to understand and to improve, where needed, the circumstances of all missionaries.”
