A terrorist attack in Nice (“neece”), France, and an attempted coup in Turkey stunned the world last week. The Church has responded to both, and as usual, is taking steps to make sure missionaries and members are accounted for.
Events in Nice, France
The statement regarding the terrorist attack in Nice during the important holiday of Bastille Day was originally issued in French. The statement was credited to Elder Patrick Kearon, President of the Europe Area for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and represents the sentiments of church leaders and members. It said,
Patrick Kearon, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for Europe, and members of the church in France will join all people of good will to express their deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragic event that occurred last night in Nice. We mourn today as we consider the tragedy that has just taken place and we pray for those affected, their families and loved ones.
There is one Mormon ward in Nice. Nice is part of the France Lyon Mission.
Events in Turkey
Eric Hawkins, spokesman for The Church, issued a statement after the attempted coup in Turkey.
At this point we know that all missionaries in Turkey are currently safe and accounted for. We have no information that our members are involved in the conflict. We pray for their safety as these events unfold.
The U.S. State Department counseled all Americans to take shelter during the unrest and to contact relatives to let them know they are safe. Since social media appeared to be blocked, other means of communication were encouraged.
There are 12 congregations and 439 members in Turkey, according to the Mormon Newsroom website. “Turkey is part of the church’s Central Eurasian Mission, created in July 2015. The mission’s president is headquartered in Istanbul and oversees a mission that includes Turkey, Azerbaijan and the Turkic Republics of Central Asia — Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan” (Deseret News).
A new wrinkle in the situation in Turkey is the blaming of the U.S. for the coup. This could put Americans in increased danger. Updates will be added to this article as more news comes in.
UPDATE:
Mormon scholar and Islam expert, Daniel Peterson, announced that he will be participating in a fast for Turkey after reading a message from the LDS Branch President in Istanbul.
Members of the Istanbul branch will be fasting for “[their] country, for peace and stability in Turkey.” The fast will be accompanied by prayers for religious freedom.
From the Branch President’s note:
Please invite all Turkey LOVERS around the world to join us if they desire. At least they can offer a few prayers during their fast for Turkey so that our country or government may stay loyal to the secular principles and freedoms which Atatürk established, which we dearly cherish like US Constitution.
Both Peterson and his wife will be taking part in fast which will take place the first-Sunday of August.
