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Joseph Smith tolerant of all“If I esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear down on them? No. I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better. I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own way. Do you believe Jesus Christ and the gospel of salvation which he revealed? So do I. Christians should cease wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union and friendship. I am just as ready to die defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination.” (Joseph Smith, Sermon 1843, quoted by Southern Baptist Minister Dr Lynn Ridenhour in a YouTube video)President Brigham Young also established cordial relations with other Christian denominations:He intervened on behalf of Father Edward Kelly to resolve a disputed title to Catholic Church property in Salt Lake City;He donated land in Salt lake City to the Episcopalian Church for the building of a church and donated money out of his own pocket to assist with the construction.President David O. McKay was always kind and respectful to people of other faiths, and he praised the good work of all churches.However, he was firm in his testimony that the fulness of the gospel is found only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To teach the importance of obeying the principles and ordinances of the restored gospel, he spoke of membership in the Church as citizenship in a great kingdom:“All churches and all creeds contain some good which lead toward the kingdom of our Father; but to become a citizen of that kingdom everyone must conform to the requirements made by the King. Indeed, there is only one way in which entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ may be obtained, and that is the way marked out by Jesus Christ, the Lord. ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6.)Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, Chapter 21, Introduction© 2019 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. (IRI)President McKay had many inter-denominational friendships that paved the way for inclusiveness and ecumenical equality. He had his own vision of a much wider, friendlier world.“There is a genuine affection between members of the Church and non-members. How did it come about? When you get to know a fellow, chances are you’ll get to like him too.” [1]His friendships included·Episcopal Bishop Arthur W. Moulton;·Rev. Warren Bainbridge of the First Methodist Church of Salt Lake City;·Rev. A. Cadman Garretson of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Ogden to whom President McKay gave a Latter-day Saint contribution that allowed the completion of a church remodeling project;·Catholic Bishop Duane Hunt;·Dr Israel Goldstein, president of the American Jewish Congress; and·Joseph Rosenblatt, a Jewish industrialist and Salt Lake City resident.Defining the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the domain of the Church’s President-Prophet. President David O. McKay was not fearful of the Church suffering from listening to or reading news with which they did not agree. President McKay made no secret of his passion for free agency (i.e., free will), speaking frequently on the subject in public settings.President McKay stated that all organizations, both governments and even churches, ran the risk of depriving their members of free agency, and his comments to this effect still stand as a timely warning to members of The Church of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Footnote [1]David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Wright, University of Utah Press, 2005, p.108. ISBN 978—0-87480-822-3Statement of the First Presidency RegardingGod’s Love for All Mankind(15 February 1978)The First Presidency (Spencer W. Kimball,N. Eldon Tanner, Marion G. Romney)Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.The Hebrew prophets prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, who should provide salvation for all mankind who believe in the gospel.Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come.We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to His Church in our day, provides the only way to a mortal life of happiness and a fulness of joy forever. For those who have not received this gospel, the opportunity will come to them in the life hereafter if not in this life.Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father. (“God’s Love for All Mankind,” First Presidency Statement, 15 February 1978)President Gordon B. Hinckley, former Apostle, and Prophet-President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:“We can respect other religions and must do so. We must recognize the great good they accomplish. We must teach our children to be tolerant and friendly toward those not of our faith. We can and do work with those of other religions in the defense of those values which have made our civilization great and our society distinctive…” (General Conference, April 1998)Of Rights and Responsibilities: The SocialEcosystem of Religious FreedomBy Elder Patrick Kearon of the Presidency of the SeventyThis talk was a keynote address at the Religious Freedom Annual Review at Brigham Young University on June 19, 2019.Healthy societies run on trust, confidence and a sense of safety. With freedom of religion and belief, people feel safe in their deepest convictions and can express and exercise them publicly. The great enemy of religious freedom is estrangement and alienation. When a society or government divides people based on what they believe, how they think, the words they say, whom they worship or the manner in which they worship, common ground is lost, and life together becomes a battle. The test of a pluralistic society is to achieve unity without diminishing the diversity within it.Religious freedom means nothing if you protect your own religious practice while neglecting the practice of others, especially those who might be less secure and able to defend themselves. It only works if you protect the rights of everyone. As Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has said, religious freedom is important precisely because it gives everyone — religious or not — the “space to determine for ourselves what we think and believe.”[1] In terms of numbers and inherited culture, the United States has a Christian majority, but unless it honors the lawful practices of Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Native American religions and everyone else, including individuals and groups who profess no faith at all, it will fail to live up to its own ideals. [2]Footnote [1] “A Celebration of Religious Freedom,” interfaith address in São Paulo, Brazil, April 29, 2015.[2]Pew Research Center on Religion and Public Life, Religious Landscape Study, 2019, Religion in America: U.S. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics.© 2019 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. (IRI)PART 11: ECUMENICAL OUTREACH (CONT’D)For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ecumenism is about Christ-like love for our brothers and sisters with whom we share this Earth as children of our Heavenly Father, and performing acts of service to and with, these brothers and sisters.Topic: How Church Donations Are UsedMembers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endeavor 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). Millions of people have benefited from temporal and spiritual assistance through humanitarian and welfare donations.Breakdown of DonationsThe following are some of the ways in which Latter-day Saint resources and donations are used.TithingIn keeping with the biblical practice of tithes, Latter-day Saints offer one-tenth of their income to the Church. These funds are used to:·Provide buildings or places of worship for members around the world.·Provide education programs, including support for Church universities and seminary and institute programs.·Support the Church’s worldwide missionary program.·Build and operate temples around the world and administer the world’s largest family history program.·Support the Church’s welfare programs, which serve people around the world regardless of religion, nationality or race.Note: Not all Christian denominations tithe. Mostly because Tithing is taught in the Old Testament, many people, not fully understanding the book Acts [of the Apostles], think that it is not part of the New Covenant. Tithing was taught at early Christian church councils, including the Council of Tours in 567, as well as the Third Council of Mâcon in 585.Those who teach tithing TODAY include:·Joseph Prince (Joseph Prince is the evangelist and senior pastor of New Creation Church based in Singapore. He was one of the church's founders in 1983) Wikipedia RETRIEVED Friday 13/03/2020. At the end of each television program there is an announcement that tithes should be paid to your local church;·Joyce Meyer (Joyce Meyer Ministries, Enjoying Everyday Life, Hand of Hope. Joyce Meyer is an American Charismatic Christian author and speaker and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Joyce and her husband Dave have four grown children, and live outside St. Louis, Missouri. Her ministry is headquartered near the St. Louis suburb of Fenton, Missouri.) Wikipedia RETRIEVED Friday 13/03/2020·Seventh Day Adventists;·Congregationalist Churches;·Methodist Churches;·The former Worldwide Church of God (WCG). There was a major schism in 1995, and from what I have read, The Restored Church of God led by David C. Pack as Pastor General is the correct successor to Herbert W. Armstrong.·Rev. Lovejoy of The First Church of Springfield in The Simpsons animated TV show, reminded his congregation that “tithing is based on ten percent (10%; 1/10) of a person’s gross income before tax.Fast OfferingsOn the first Sunday of the month, members of the Church in good health are encouraged to fast for two consecutive meals and donate generously to the Church the money they would have spent on food. These funds help those in local congregations, where Latter-day Saint leaders confidentially allocate funds to those in need, with the ultimate goal of self-reliance.Humanitarian AidLDS Charities, the nonprofit humanitarian arm of the Church, focuses on relieving suffering, fostering self-reliance and providing opportunities for service for people around the world regardless of religion, nationality or race. It sponsors ongoing initiatives such as maternal and newborn care, immunization, clean water, vision care, wheelchairs, refugee response and emergency and disaster relief throughout the world.When a disaster strikes, Latter-day Saints work with local Church leaders, government officials and trusted partners to determine what supplies and food are needed. Materials are then purchased or assembled locally or shipped from Latter-day Saint storehouses. After urgent needs are met, the Church looks for additional ways to aid in long-term efforts.One hundred percent of donations are used for humanitarian efforts. The Church absorbs its own overhead costs and utilizes a global network of volunteers who generously contribute their time and expertise. Volunteers often live in the communities in which they serve.Welfare ProgramLatter-day Saints contribute to the welfare program, which is primarily designed to care for the needy within the stewardship of the Church. At the discretion of bishops, local funds can, where possible, assist others in need who are not of our faith. Individuals typically depend on the Church’s food assistance for a few weeks to several months before they become self-sufficient once again. In addition to meeting the need for food, clothing and shelter, the program provides vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities for citizens, immigrants and refugees. The approach is to help people become self-reliant by teaching skills and providing resources for a self-sustained life.PHOTO CAPTION: Elder Adrián Ochoa, president of the Central America Area, assists in volcano relief efforts at a collection center in Guatemala City, Monday, June 4, 2018. © 2018 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Perpetual Education FundDonations to the Perpetual Education Fund support Latter-day Saints in nearly 70 countries outside the United States to help them afford technical or vocational education. Loans are granted at minimal interest, and participants do their best to repay the loan as soon as possible to become free of debt and to enjoy greater self-reliance. Repayments from existing participants and donations are used to make new loans to qualified students. Since the start of the PEF program in 2001, over 90,000 loans have been offered in nearly 70 countries around the world. Donations to the Perpetual Education Fund also help support individuals in 130 countries to become more self-reliant through courses focused on getting an education, finding a job, improving finances and starting or growing a business.LDS Family ServicesLDS Family Services draws on charitable donations to offer counseling services related to addiction recovery, familial conflict resolution, abuse and other issues for individuals, couples and families.Helping HandsThe Church sponsors the Helping Hands program, which brings together members of the Church and their neighbors to provide community service all around the world. In recognizable yellow shirts or vests, tens of thousands of volunteers help people whose lives have been affected by disasters or other emergencies. Volunteers also partner with government and nonprofit organizations to support and improve the communities where they live; they clean parks, restore public structures and perform various other community services. Originally started in South America, the program has since spread to nearly every corner of the earth. Hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saints and other volunteers have donated millions of hours of service to their communities through this program.Other DonationsLatter-day Saints strive to follow the scriptural counsel to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause” (D&C 58:27). There are many opportunities for service outside of what the Church provides, such as those found on JustServe. The Church encourages its members to be generous with their time and resources in any way they can.Additional Resources·LDS Charities·Pacific Tonga eggs·Ixhautan working.jpg·Bishop Davies in Puerto Rico·Penn Research Shows That Latter-day Saints Are Generous and Active in Helping Others·Commentary: Publicizing Good WorksRelated TopicsWelfare and Self Reliancehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/humanitarian-aid-welfare-services-breakdown-donations-costs-resourcesRETRIEVED Friday 13/03/2020Topic: Humanitarian ServicesCaring for the poor and needy is a foundational belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Built on the principles of personal responsibility, community support, self-reliance and sustainability, humanitarian efforts are designed to give individuals and communities the tools they need to improve their own circumstances in permanent and meaningful ways.Humanitarian service may include emergency response to natural or man-made disasters. It may also be part of a longer-term effort to meet serious and more entrenched human needs, such as alleviating disease.LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church, was created in 1985 in response to the Ethiopian famine. The Church called for a special fast and monetary donation among its membership. Since then, the Church has responded to many other needs around the world.When a disaster strikes, Latter-day Saints work with local Church leaders, government officials and trusted partners to determine what supplies and food are needed. Materials are then purchased or assembled locally or shipped from Latter-day Saint storehouses. After urgent needs are met, the Church looks for additional ways to aid in long-term efforts.A woman In Hyderabad, India, receives eye care from LDS Charities volunteers. © 2018 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. vision-care-india.JPGClean water in Nigeria © 2018 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Humanitarian efforts are also supported through nine signature programs of LDS Charities:Food Security: Benson Food (President Eisenhower appointed Ezra Taft Benson as Secretary of Agriculture. [Elder] Benson accepted with the permission and encouragement of church president David O. McKay; Benson therefore served simultaneously in the United States Cabinet and in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles). Ezra Taft Benson - WikipediaClean Water and SanitationCommunity ProjectsEmergency ResponseImmunizationMaternal and Newborn CareRefugee ResponseVision CareWheelchairsOne hundred percent of donations are used for humanitarian efforts. The Church absorbs its own overhead costs and utilizes a global network of volunteers, who generously contribute their time and expertise. Volunteers often live in the communities in which they serve.The Church also sponsors many other welfare and self-reliance programs, including vocational, rehabilitative, counseling and other services. This includes millions of hours donated by Latter-day Saint doctors, nurses and other Church members each year. Thousands of professionals and volunteers give freely of their time and means to those in need, with no expectation of praise, publicity or reward.https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/topic/humanitarian-servicesRETRIEVED Friday 13/03/2020Guiding PrinciplesLatter-day Saint Charities is founded on three guiding principles. These principles, based on our faith in Jesus Christ, empower individuals and families regardless of race, religion, or nationality.CARE FOR THOSE IN GREATEST NEEDWe are all connected and have a responsibility to care for people in need. In many instances, both immediate relief and long-term solutions are needed to help a community.PROMOTE VOLUNTEERISMWe all have gifts and talents to contribute. Through volunteerism, benefits come to those who give service and to those who receive service.INSPIRE SELF-RELIANCEEvery community has the talents and resources to find solutions to its needs. As individuals and communities become more self-reliant, they are equipped to solve challenges and lift others.THROUGH GENEROUS DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS, LATTER-DAY SAINT CHARITIES HAS PROVIDED OVER $2.3 billion WORTH OF ASSISTANCE IN 197 countries SINCE 1985.2019 Annual Reports17 March 2020 - Salt Lake CityNews ReleaseLatter-day Saints Provide Disaster Relief to Tennessee Tornado VictimsIn mid-March, more than 1,200 helpers from Tennessee and Kentucky came to provide disaster cleanup, resources for victims, uplifting music and even photograph restoration.The deadly storm killed over three dozen people along its 50-mile path on March 2 and 3, 2020.“It’s like a war zone, seeing all the debris laying around,” described Randi Elliot, a local Latter-day Saint congregant who was affected by the storm.Elliot was sleeping when she first heard the tornado hit.“The window in our bedroom blew out,” she said. “We had glass everywhere … the house across the street was flattened.”“Until you see it when you’re there with your feet on the ground and you see the devastation up close, you have no idea how they lost so few people,” said Wendy Bird, president of a local Relief Society, an organization for Latter-day Saint women.Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined people of other religious and charitable organizations to repair damaged homes, distribute hygiene kits, cut down fallen trees and remove other types of debris.During the disaster relief effort, local Church meetinghouses were converted into command centers in the Nashville, Murfreesboro and Cookeville areas.Latter-day Saints also gifted storehouse supplies, including cleaning and hygiene kits, to local charities and government agencies.Among the Helping Hands volunteers who donated over 9,500 hours of cleanup time, some provided unique services.“I started a Facebook group called ‘Found in the Storm,’ and we made it a place where it’s just for photos and things to be found,” said Sadie Barrientos, a Helping Hands volunteer from Cookeville.According to Barrientos, Tennessee Tech University took interest in her efforts and decided to facilitate photography enhancement and digitizing.Barrientos explained that she’s not only looking for photos. “As volunteers are coming into the building, we asked them to collect … wedding dresses, baby hats, anything that we think is salvageable that could potentially be returned to the people who lost everything.”Among those providing unique services was Jane Turvaville, a volunteer from Cookeville. Turvaville is a pianist and was asked to provide music for those providing cleanup services.To accomplish this, volunteers painstakingly lifted a piano from one of the local churches into a trailer. They visited many different destination spots for Turvaville to uplift those who were assisting with the cleanup.“I played all kinds of hymns — Protestant hymns, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hymns,” Turvaville said.“Workers were there, and there were lots of them from all different faiths and with all different-colored T-shirts,” Bird said. “And they all expressed the desire to serve their Savior.”Latter-day Saints Provide Disaster Relief to Tennessee Tornado Victims17 March 2020 - Kangaroo Island, AustraliaNews StoryLatter-day Saint Charities Makes Significant Donation to Kangaroo Island ResidentsLatter-day Saint Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, made a significant donation to families and the community of Kangaroo Island, Australia on Saturday 14 March.The donation will help many who were seriously impacted by a major bushfire that recently burnt almost half the land mass of the island off the coast of South Australia.The Kangaroo Island “Ravine” fire tore through more than 200,000 hectares with a perimeter of over 600kms. First reported on 30 December 2019, the fire burnt for several weeks before it was brought under control. Two property owners were killed fighting the massive fire.A home on Kangaroo Island after fires ravaged the community in late 2019 and early 2020.Charred remains of a property on Kangaroo Island.Kangaroo Island, Australia. 14 March 2020.Missionaries in Adelaide Assemble Gift Wallets for Kangaroo Island FamiliesElder Ian S. Ardern Presents Donations to Kangaroo Island FamiliesChurch and community representatives participated in a humanitarian donation hand-over on Kangaroo Island on 14 March 2020. Island residents are are recovering from catastrophic fires in late 2019 and early 2020.It destroyed 65 homes on farm properties and other buildings. The world-renowned Flinders Chase National Park and its visitor centre, and many other tourism facilities were also affected.On Saturday 14 March 2020, Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Ian S. Ardern, Sister Paula Ardern, Area Seventy Elder Paul N. Lekias, Sister Rebecca Lekias, Steven Petersen, Director for Temporal Affairs for the Pacific Area, and Sister LuAnn Petersen, travelled to Kangaroo Island to meet with Mayor Michael Pengilly and several families impacted by the fire. The visitors were accompanied by President Jason Ellis of the Adelaide Australia Marion Stake.Kangaroo Island Latter-day Saint Branch President, Shaun Hinves, and his wife Anthea, met the group and showed them around the island during the day. President Hinves, a professional bee-keeper, is one of many locals whose livelihood has been severely impacted by the fire.Elder Ardern presented 100 gift wallets to families who are recovering from the natural disaster. Within each wallet were three vouchers, each valued at $100, to be spent at the island’s hardware store, petrol station and supermarket. The wallets also contained several self-help ideas, and messages of love and support from missionaries from the Adelaide Australia Mission.Elder Ardern also presented four fully equipped trailers to Blaze Aid, a not-for-profit organisation whose volunteers repair rural fencing destroyed by natural disasters, to assist in their efforts.The Church had previously donated 10 semi-trailer loads of hay and water to farming families on the island.Mayor Pengilly was very appreciative of the donations, saying the items will have a major positive impact within his constituency.The Church leadership group visited two properties whose farms were significantly impacted by the fire. Mrs Paula Buck and her family lost two homes, several buildings, farm machinery and livestock to the fire.Paul Stanton’s family are well known farmers on the island, but also known for the work they do caring for injured wildlife. Even though their substantial stone home was destroyed, Paul and his family have maintained their care of local wildlife, some of which were injured in the fire.The visiting group saw the damage to the Stanton property firsthand, and also witnessed some of the great work they are still doing to care for injured animals.Elder Ardern was moved by the resilience of the families and their ability to rebound after the devastating effects of the fire. He said he was grateful that he and others were able to visit the island and that the Church could bring some relief through the generosity of Church members worldwide.Latter-day Saint Charities Makes Significant Donation to Kangaroo Island ResidentsEmergency Relief Efforts and Hope During COVID-1920 March 2020In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people around the world are in need of help, supplies, and support. At Latter-day Saint Charities, we believe that there is hope and that the best way to cope with emergency situations is to help each other. We are working closely with our partners worldwide to provide emergency relief and hope to those in need.COVID-19 Emergency Response EffortsWe are currently providing support, supplies, and funding in Cambodia, China, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.Efforts include providing medical and emergency supplies and commodities to healthcare professionals and patients. They also include training for healthcare professionals regarding physical, mental, and emotional support to those struggling. Funding and supplies are also being provided to help with the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.We are working with a variety of partners to maximize efforts in countries all over the world. As we monitor the situation worldwide, we will continue to evaluate new projects and provide help in additional places. We anticipate responding for months to come as families, communities, and nations band together to address the long-term effects of the virus. Strengthening and supporting each other long after the news cycle ends is part of the mission of Latter-day Saint Charities.Where the Church has canneries and food processing plants, production schedules have been adjusted to meet the increasing needs. The goods will be made available as needed to Church leaders, community agencies, school feeding programs, food banks, and other partners.Due to its global reach and long trajectory, this emergency is like no other. We are grateful for strong partnerships with governments, international non-governmental organizations, and the host of people around the world contributing to solutions. This event is more than any one organization can handle, and we thank all in the global community who have stepped up in positive ways to lift one another. We also thank the many thousands of people who donate to support the efforts of Latter-day Saint Charities. These donations allow us to respond immediately without any delay, and we are grateful for the generosity and trust of all who support these efforts.How You Can HelpAs an individual, you may be wondering how you can help during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular during this time, one of the best things you can do is be a good global citizen. Pay close attention to and follow the guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the spread of the virus. Be good neighbors when shopping or using medical resources. Check on neighbors and friends in appropriate ways for the situation in your community. Creatively use technology to help people stay connected and to keep spirits positive. This is a time when every person can do something, and kindness is evidence of who we really are.https://www.latterdaysaintcharities.org/blog/emergency-relief-efforts-and-hope-during-covid-19?lang=engLatter-day Saint Charities responds to coronavirus, assisting with commodities and financing worldwideUpdated 21 Mar 2020 12:27 pm MDTIn helping address global health concerns, Latter-day Saint Charities is assisting with commodities and financing worldwide — from Asia to North America and into Europe and the Middle East — while working with Church canneries and food-processing plants to help meet increased needs.In a post titled “Emergency Relief Efforts and Hope During COVID-19,” on the organization’s website, Latter-day Saint Charities acknowledged providing support, supplies and funding to date in Cambodia, China, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.That includes providing medical and emergency supplies and commodities to healthcare professionals and patients; training for healthcare professionals in offering physical, mental and emotional support to those who are struggling; and funding and supplies to help with the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.It also noted that the Church’s canneries and food-processing plants have adjusted production schedules to help meet increased needs, making products and goods available as needed to Church leaders, community agencies, school feeding programs, food banks and other partners.Latter-day Saint Charities’ work with partners worldwide maximizes its effort and reach, and the organization continues to evaluate new projects and consider help in additional locations.Inside a Church cannery in Harrisville, Utah. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.“We anticipate responding for months to come as families, communities, and nations band together to address the long-term effects of the virus,” the post stated. “Strengthening and supporting each other long after the news cycle ends is part of the mission of Latter-day Saint Charities.”Latter-day Saint Charities expressed appreciation for its partnerships with governments, international non-governmental organizations and others contributing to solutions. The organization also thanked donors who contributed well before the pandemic ever began, allowing for funds and commodities to be available for immediate response, without delay.The post also listed ways individuals can help during the pandemic:Be a good global citizen.Follow World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to help reduce the spread of the virus.Check on neighbors and friends in the community while practicing safe methods of interactions.Use technology to help stay connected and remain positive.“This is a time when every person can do something, and kindness is evidence of who we really are,” the blog post concluded.In its 2019 Annual Report released last month, Latter-day Saint Charities documented its efforts last year in 142 countries and territories. In all, Latter-day Saint Charities completed 3,221 projects working shoulder-to-shoulder with 2,000 partners.Emergency response efforts included 194 projects in 64 countries and territories, while international community projects totaled 994 in 107 countries and territories. Community projects in the United States and Canada were done in 42 states and provinces.Latter-day Saint Charities responds to coronavirus, assisting with commodities and financing worldwide

I am not well today, so I hope you don’t mind that I just copy and paste this information from a previous http://answer.It will provide most o the information I think you are looking for.Is the LDS church ecumenical?Ted McCartin·June 6Elder/Lay Minister in the Church of Jesus Christ.Joseph Smith tolerant of all“If I esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear down on them? No. I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better. I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own way. Do you believe Jesus Christ and the gospel of salvation which he revealed? So do I. Christians should cease wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union and friendship. I am just as ready to die defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination.” (Joseph Smith, Sermon 1843, quoted by Southern Baptist Minister Dr Lynn Ridenhour in a YouTube video)President Brigham Young also established cordial relations with other Christian denominations:He intervened on behalf of Father Edward Kelly to resolve a disputed title to Catholic Church property in Salt Lake City;He donated land in Salt lake City to the Episcopalian Church for the building of a church and donated money out of his own pocket to assist with the construction.President David O. McKay was always kind and respectful to people of other faiths, and he praised the good work of all churches.However, he was firm in his testimony that the fulness of the gospel is found only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To teach the importance of obeying the principles and ordinances of the restored gospel, he spoke of membership in the Church as citizenship in a great kingdom:“All churches and all creeds contain some good which lead toward the kingdom of our Father; but to become a citizen of that kingdom everyone must conform to the requirements made by the King. Indeed, there is only one way in which entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ may be obtained, and that is the way marked out by Jesus Christ, the Lord. ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6.)Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, Chapter 21, Introduction© 2019 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. (IRI)President McKay had many inter-denominational friendships that paved the way for inclusiveness and ecumenical equality. He had his own vision of a much wider, friendlier world.“There is a genuine affection between members of the Church and non-members. How did it come about? When you get to know a fellow, chances are you’ll get to like him too.” [1]His friendships included·Episcopal Bishop Arthur W. Moulton;·Rev. Warren Bainbridge of the First Methodist Church of Salt Lake City;·Rev. A. Cadman Garretson of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Ogden to whom President McKay gave a Latter-day Saint contribution that allowed the completion of a church remodeling project;·Catholic Bishop Duane Hunt;·Dr Israel Goldstein, president of the American Jewish Congress; and·Joseph Rosenblatt, a Jewish industrialist and Salt Lake City resident.Defining the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the domain of the Church’s President-Prophet. President David O. McKay was not fearful of the Church suffering from listening to or reading news with which they did not agree. President McKay made no secret of his passion for free agency (i.e., free will), speaking frequently on the subject in public settings.President McKay stated that all organizations, both governments and even churches, ran the risk of depriving their members of free agency, and his comments to this effect still stand as a timely warning to members of The Church of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Footnote [1]David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Wright, University of Utah Press, 2005, p.108. ISBN 978—0-87480-822-3Statement of the First Presidency RegardingGod’s Love for All Mankind(15 February 1978)The First Presidency (Spencer W. Kimball,N. Eldon Tanner, Marion G. Romney)Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.The Hebrew prophets prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, who should provide salvation for all mankind who believe in the gospel.Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come.We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to His Church in our day, provides the only way to a mortal life of happiness and a fulness of joy forever. For those who have not received this gospel, the opportunity will come to them in the life hereafter if not in this life.Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father. (“God’s Love for All Mankind,” First Presidency Statement, 15 February 1978)President Gordon B. Hinckley, former Apostle, and Prophet-President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:“We can respect other religions and must do so. We must recognize the great good they accomplish. We must teach our children to be tolerant and friendly toward those not of our faith. We can and do work with those of other religions in the defense of those values which have made our civilization great and our society distinctive…” (General Conference, April 1998)Of Rights and Responsibilities: The SocialEcosystem of Religious FreedomBy Elder Patrick Kearon of the Presidency of the SeventyThis talk was a keynote address at the Religious Freedom Annual Review at Brigham Young University on June 19, 2019.Healthy societies run on trust, confidence and a sense of safety. With freedom of religion and belief, people feel safe in their deepest convictions and can express and exercise them publicly. The great enemy of religious freedom is estrangement and alienation. When a society or government divides people based on what they believe, how they think, the words they say, whom they worship or the manner in which they worship, common ground is lost, and life together becomes a battle. The test of a pluralistic society is to achieve unity without diminishing the diversity within it.Religious freedom means nothing if you protect your own religious practice while neglecting the practice of others, especially those who might be less secure and able to defend themselves. It only works if you protect the rights of everyone. As Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has said, religious freedom is important precisely because it gives everyone — religious or not — the “space to determine for ourselves what we think and believe.”[1]In terms of numbers and inherited culture, the United States has a Christian majority, but unless it honors the lawful practices of Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Native American religions and everyone else, including individuals and groups who profess no faith at all, it will fail to live up to its own ideals. [2]Footnote [1] “A Celebration of Religious Freedom,” interfaith address in São Paulo, Brazil, April 29, 2015.[2]Pew Research Center on Religion and Public Life, Religious Landscape Study, 2019, Religion in America: U.S. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics.© 2019 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. (IRI)PART II: ECUMENICAL OUTREACH (CONT’D)For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ecumenism is about Christ-like love for our brothers and sisters with whom we share this Earth as children of our Heavenly Father, and performing acts of service to and with, these brothers and sisters.Topic: How Church Donations Are UsedMembers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endeavor 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). Millions of people have benefited from temporal and spiritual assistance through humanitarian and welfare donations.Breakdown of DonationsThe following are some of the ways in which Latter-day Saint resources and donations are used.TithingIn keeping with the biblical practice of tithes, Latter-day Saints offer one-tenth of their income to the Church. These funds are used to:·Provide buildings or places of worship for members around the world.·Provide education programs, including support for Church universities and seminary and institute programs.·Support the Church’s worldwide missionary program.·Build and operate temples around the world and administer the world’s largest family history program.·Support the Church’s welfare programs, which serve people around the world regardless of religion, nationality or race.Note: Not all Christian denominations tithe. Mostly because Tithing is taught in the Old Testament, many people, not fully understanding the book Acts [of the Apostles], think that it is not part of the New Covenant. Tithing was taught at early Christian church councils, including the Council of Tours in 567, as well as the Third Council of Mâcon in 585.Those who teach tithing TODAY include:·Joseph Prince (Joseph Prince is the evangelist and senior pastor of New Creation Church based in Singapore. He was one of the church's founders in 1983) WikipediaRETRIEVED Friday 13/03/2020. At the end of each television program there is an announcement that tithes should be paid to your local church;·Joyce Meyer (Joyce Meyer Ministries, Enjoying Everyday Life, Hand of Hope. Joyce Meyer is an American Charismatic Christian author and speaker and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Joyce and her husband Dave have four grown children, and live outside St. Louis, Missouri. Her ministry is headquartered near the St. Louis suburb of Fenton, Missouri.) WikipediaRETRIEVED Friday 13/03/2020·Seventh Day Adventists;·Congregationalist Churches;·Methodist Churches;·The former Worldwide Church of God (WCG). There was a major schism in 1995, and from what I have read, The Restored Church of God led by David C. Pack as Pastor General is the correct successor to Herbert W. Armstrong.·Rev. Lovejoy of The First Church of Springfield in The Simpsons animated TV show, reminded his congregation that “tithing is based on ten percent (10%; 1/10) of a person’s gross income before tax.Fast OfferingsOn the first Sunday of the month, members of the Church in good health are encouraged to fast for two consecutive meals and donate generously to the Church the money they would have spent on food. These funds help those in local congregations, where Latter-day Saint leaders confidentially allocate funds to those in need, with the ultimate goal of self-reliance.Humanitarian AidLDS Charities, the nonprofit humanitarian arm of the Church, focuses on relieving suffering, fostering self-reliance and providing opportunities for service for people around the world regardless of religion, nationality or race. It sponsors ongoing initiatives such as maternal and newborn care, immunization, clean water, vision care, wheelchairs, refugee response and emergency and disaster relief throughout the world.When a disaster strikes, Latter-day Saints work with local Church leaders, government officials and trusted partners to determine what supplies and food are needed. Materials are then purchased or assembled locally or shipped from Latter-day Saint storehouses. After urgent needs are met, the Church looks for additional ways to aid in long-term efforts.One hundred percent of donations are used for humanitarian efforts. The Church absorbs its own overhead costs and utilizes a global network of volunteers who generously contribute their time and expertise. Volunteers often live in the communities in which they serve.Welfare ProgramLatter-day Saints contribute to the welfare program, which is primarily designed to care for the needy within the stewardship of the Church. At the discretion of bishops, local funds can, where possible, assist others in need who are not of our faith. Individuals typically depend on the Church’s food assistance for a few weeks to several months before they become self-sufficient once again. In addition to meeting the need for food, clothing and shelter, the program provides vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities for citizens, immigrants and refugees. The approach is to help people become self-reliant by teaching skills and providing resources for a self-sustained life.PHOTO CAPTION: Elder Adrián Ochoa, president of the Central America Area, assists in volcano relief efforts at a collection center in Guatemala City, Monday, June 4, 2018. © 2018 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Perpetual Education FundDonations to the Perpetual Education Fund support Latter-day Saints in nearly 70 countries outside the United States to help them afford technical or vocational education. Loans are granted at minimal interest, and participants do their best to repay the loan as soon as possible to become free of debt and to enjoy greater self-reliance. Repayments from existing participants and donations are used to make new loans to qualified students. Since the start of the PEF program in 2001, over 90,000 loans have been offered in nearly 70 countries around the world. Donations to the Perpetual Education Fund also help support individuals in 130 countries to become more self-reliant through courses focused on getting an education, finding a job, improving finances and starting or growing a business.LDS Family ServicesLDS Family Services draws on charitable donations to offer counseling services related to addiction recovery, familial conflict resolution, abuse and other issues for individuals, couples and families.Helping HandsThe Church sponsors the Helping Handsprogram, which brings together members of the Church and their neighbors to provide community service all around the world. In recognizable yellow shirts or vests, tens of thousands of volunteers help people whose lives have been affected by disasters or other emergencies. Volunteers also partner with government and nonprofit organizations to support and improve the communities where they live; they clean parks, restore public structures and perform various other community services. Originally started in South America, the program has since spread to nearly every corner of the earth. Hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saints and other volunteers have donated millions of hours of service to their communities through this program.Other DonationsLatter-day Saints strive to follow the scriptural counsel to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause” (D&C 58:27). There are many opportunities for service outside of what the Church provides, such as those found on JustServe. The Church encourages its members to be generous with their time and resources in any way they can.Additional Resources·LDS Charities·Pacific Tonga eggs·Ixhautan working.jpg·Bishop Davies in Puerto Rico·Penn Research Shows That Latter-day Saints Are Generous and Active in Helping Others·Commentary: Publicizing Good WorksRelated TopicsWelfare and Self RelianceLDS Charities: How Church Donations are UsedRETRIEVED Friday 13/03/2020Topic: Humanitarian ServicesCaring for the poor and needy is a foundational belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Built on the principles of personal responsibility, community support, self-reliance and sustainability, humanitarian efforts are designed to give individuals and communities the tools they need to improve their own circumstances in permanent and meaningful ways.Humanitarian service may include emergency response to natural or man-made disasters. It may also be part of a longer-term effort to meet serious and more entrenched human needs, such as alleviating disease.LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church, was created in 1985 in response to the Ethiopian famine. The Church called for a special fast and monetary donation among its membership. Since then, the Church has responded to many other needs around the world.When a disaster strikes, Latter-day Saints work with local Church leaders, government officials and trusted partners to determine what supplies and food are needed. Materials are then purchased or assembled locally or shipped from Latter-day Saint storehouses. After urgent needs are met, the Church looks for additional ways to aid in long-term efforts.A woman In Hyderabad, India, receives eye care from LDS Charities volunteers. © 2018 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. vision-care-india.JPGClean water in Nigeria© 2018 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Humanitarian efforts are also supported through nine signature programs of LDS Charities:Food Security: Benson Food (President Eisenhower appointed Ezra Taft Benson as Secretary of Agriculture. [Elder] Benson accepted with the permission and encouragement of church president David O. McKay; Benson therefore served simultaneously in the United States Cabinetand in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles). Ezra Taft Benson - WikipediaClean Water and SanitationCommunity ProjectsEmergency ResponseImmunizationMaternal and Newborn CareRefugee ResponseVision CareWheelchairsOne hundred percent of donations are used for humanitarian efforts. The Church absorbs its own overhead costs and utilizes a global network of volunteers, who generously contribute their time and expertise. Volunteers often live in the communities in which they serve.The Church also sponsors many other welfare and self-reliance programs, including vocational, rehabilitative, counseling and other services. This includes millions of hours donated by Latter-day Saint doctors, nurses and other Church members each year. Thousands of professionals and volunteers give freely of their time and means to those in need, with no expectation of praise, publicity or reward.Through LDS Charities, the Church Does Humanitarian Work Around the WorldRETRIEVED Friday 13/03/2020Guiding PrinciplesLatter-day Saint Charities is founded on three guiding principles. These principles, based on our faith in Jesus Christ, empower individuals and families regardless of race, religion, or nationality.CARE FOR THOSE IN GREATEST NEEDWe are all connected and have a responsibility to care for people in need. In many instances, both immediate relief and long-term solutions are needed to help a community.PROMOTE VOLUNTEERISMWe all have gifts and talents to contribute. Through volunteerism, benefits come to those who give service and to those who receive service.INSPIRE SELF-RELIANCEEvery community has the talents and resources to find solutions to its needs. As individuals and communities become more self-reliant, they are equipped to solve challenges and lift others.THROUGH GENEROUS DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS, LATTER-DAY SAINT CHARITIES HAS PROVIDED OVER $2.3 billion WORTH OF ASSISTANCE IN 197 countries SINCE 1985.2019 Annual Reports17 March 2020 - Salt Lake CityNews ReleaseLatter-day Saints Provide Disaster Relief to Tennessee Tornado VictimsIn mid-March, more than 1,200 helpers from Tennessee and Kentucky came to provide disaster cleanup, resources for victims, uplifting music and even photograph restoration.The deadly storm killed over three dozen people along its 50-mile path on March 2 and 3, 2020.“It’s like a war zone, seeing all the debris laying around,” described Randi Elliot, a local Latter-day Saint congregant who was affected by the storm.Elliot was sleeping when she first heard the tornado hit.“The window in our bedroom blew out,” she said. “We had glass everywhere … the house across the street was flattened.”“Until you see it when you’re there with your feet on the ground and you see the devastation up close, you have no idea how they lost so few people,” said Wendy Bird, president of a local Relief Society, an organization for Latter-day Saint women.Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined people of other religious and charitable organizations to repair damaged homes, distribute hygiene kits, cut down fallen trees and remove other types of debris.During the disaster relief effort, local Church meetinghouses were converted into command centers in the Nashville, Murfreesboro and Cookeville areas.Latter-day Saints also gifted storehouse supplies, including cleaning and hygiene kits, to local charities and government agencies.Among the Helping Hands volunteers who donated over 9,500 hours of cleanup time, some provided unique services.“I started a Facebook group called ‘Found in the Storm,’and we made it a place where it’s just for photos and things to be found,” said Sadie Barrientos, a Helping Hands volunteer from Cookeville.According to Barrientos, Tennessee Tech University took interest in her efforts and decided to facilitate photography enhancement and digitizing.Barrientos explained that she’s not only looking for photos. “As volunteers are coming into the building, we asked them to collect … wedding dresses, baby hats, anything that we think is salvageable that could potentially be returned to the people who lost everything.”Among those providing unique services was Jane Turvaville, a volunteer from Cookeville. Turvaville is a pianist and was asked to provide music for those providing cleanup services.To accomplish this, volunteers painstakingly lifted a piano from one of the local churches into a trailer. They visited many different destination spots for Turvaville to uplift those who were assisting with the cleanup.“I played all kinds of hymns — Protestant hymns, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hymns,” Turvaville said.“Workers were there, and there were lots of them from all different faiths and with all different-colored T-shirts,” Bird said. “And they all expressed the desire to serve their Savior.”Latter-day Saints Provide Disaster Relief to Tennessee Tornado Victims17 March 2020 - Kangaroo Island, AustraliaNews StoryLatter-day Saint Charities Makes Significant Donation to Kangaroo Island ResidentsLatter-day Saint Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, made a significant donation to families and the community of Kangaroo Island, Australia on Saturday 14 March.The donation will help many who were seriously impacted by a major bushfire that recently burnt almost half the land mass of the island off the coast of South Australia.The Kangaroo Island “Ravine” fire tore through more than 200,000 hectares with a perimeter of over 600kms. First reported on 30 December 2019, the fire burnt for several weeks before it was brought under control. Two property owners were killed fighting the massive fire.A home on Kangaroo Island after fires ravaged the community in late 2019 and early 2020.Charred remains of a property on Kangaroo Island.Kangaroo Island, Australia. 14 March 2020.Missionaries in Adelaide Assemble Gift Wallets for Kangaroo Island FamiliesElder Ian S. Ardern Presents Donations to Kangaroo Island FamiliesChurch and community representatives participated in a humanitarian donation hand-over on Kangaroo Island on 14 March 2020. Island residents are are recovering from catastrophic fires in late 2019 and early 2020.It destroyed 65 homes on farm properties and other buildings. The world-renowned Flinders Chase National Park and its visitor centre, and many other tourism facilities were also affected.On Saturday 14 March 2020, Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Ian S. Ardern, Sister Paula Ardern, Area Seventy Elder Paul N. Lekias, Sister Rebecca Lekias, Steven Petersen, Director for Temporal Affairs for the Pacific Area, and Sister LuAnn Petersen, travelled to Kangaroo Island to meet with Mayor Michael Pengilly and several families impacted by the fire. The visitors were accompanied by President Jason Ellis of the Adelaide Australia Marion Stake.Kangaroo Island Latter-day Saint Branch President, Shaun Hinves, and his wife Anthea, met the group and showed them around the island during the day. President Hinves, a professional bee-keeper, is one of many locals whose livelihood has been severely impacted by the fire.Elder Ardern presented 100 gift wallets to families who are recovering from the natural disaster. Within each wallet were three vouchers, each valued at $100, to be spent at the island’s hardware store, petrol station and supermarket. The wallets also contained several self-help ideas, and messages of love and support from missionaries from the Adelaide Australia Mission.Elder Ardern also presented four fully equipped trailers to Blaze Aid, a not-for-profit organisation whose volunteers repair rural fencing destroyed by natural disasters, to assist in their efforts.The Church had previously donated 10 semi-trailer loads of hay and water to farming families on the island.Mayor Pengilly was very appreciative of the donations, saying the items will have a major positive impact within his constituency.The Church leadership group visited two properties whose farms were significantly impacted by the fire. Mrs Paula Buck and her family lost two homes, several buildings, farm machinery and livestock to the fire.Paul Stanton’s family are well known farmers on the island, but also known for the work they do caring for injured wildlife. Even though their substantial stone home was destroyed, Paul and his family have maintained their care of local wildlife, some of which were injured in the fire.The visiting group saw the damage to the Stanton property firsthand, and also witnessed some of the great work they are still doing to care for injured animals.Elder Ardern was moved by the resilience of the families and their ability to rebound after the devastating effects of the fire. He said he was grateful that he and others were able to visit the island and that the Church could bring some relief through the generosity of Church members worldwide.Latter-day Saint Charities Makes Significant Donation to Kangaroo Island ResidentsEmergency Relief Efforts and Hope During COVID-1920 March 2020In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people around the world are in need of help, supplies, and support. At Latter-day Saint Charities, we believe that there is hope and that the best way to cope with emergency situations is to help each other. We are working closely with our partners worldwide to provide emergency relief and hope to those in need.COVID-19 Emergency Response EffortsWe are currently providing support, supplies, and funding in Cambodia, China, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.Efforts include providing medical and emergency supplies and commodities to healthcare professionals and patients. They also include training for healthcare professionals regarding physical, mental, and emotional support to those struggling. Funding and supplies are also being provided to help with the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.We are working with a variety of partners to maximize efforts in countries all over the world. As we monitor the situation worldwide, we will continue to evaluate new projects and provide help in additional places. We anticipate responding for months to come as families, communities, and nations band together to address the long-term effects of the virus. Strengthening and supporting each other long after the news cycle ends is part of the mission of Latter-day Saint Charities.Where the Church has canneries and food processing plants, production schedules have been adjusted to meet the increasing needs. The goods will be made available as needed to Church leaders, community agencies, school feeding programs, food banks, and other partners.Due to its global reach and long trajectory, this emergency is like no other. We are grateful for strong partnerships with governments, international non-governmental organizations, and the host of people around the world contributing to solutions. This event is more than any one organization can handle, and we thank all in the global community who have stepped up in positive ways to lift one another. We also thank the many thousands of people who donate to support the efforts of Latter-day Saint Charities. These donations allow us to respond immediately without any delay, and we are grateful for the generosity and trust of all who support these efforts.How You Can HelpAs an individual, you may be wondering how you can help during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular during this time, one of the best things you can do is be a good global citizen. Pay close attention to and follow the guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the spread of the virus. Be good neighbors when shopping or using medical resources. Check on neighbors and friends in appropriate ways for the situation in your community. Creatively use technology to help people stay connected and to keep spirits positive. This is a time when every person can do something, and kindness is evidence of who we really are.Emergency Relief Efforts and Hope During COVID-19Latter-day Saint Charities responds to coronavirus, assisting with commodities and financing worldwideUpdated 21 Mar 2020 12:27 pm MDTIn helping address global health concerns, Latter-day Saint Charities is assisting with commodities and financing worldwide — from Asia to North America and into Europe and the Middle East — while working with Church canneries and food-processing plants to help meet increased needs.In a post titled “Emergency Relief Efforts and Hope During COVID-19,”on the organization’s website, Latter-day Saint Charitiesacknowledged providing support, supplies and funding to date in Cambodia, China, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.That includes providing medical and emergency supplies and commodities to healthcare professionals and patients; training for healthcare professionals in offering physical, mental and emotional support to those who are struggling; and funding and supplies to help with the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.It also noted that the Church’s canneries and food-processing plants have adjusted production schedules to help meet increased needs, making products and goods available as needed to Church leaders, community agencies, school feeding programs, food banks and other partners.Latter-day Saint Charities’ work with partners worldwide maximizes its effort and reach, and the organization continues to evaluate new projects and consider help in additional locations.Inside a Church cannery in Harrisville, Utah. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.“We anticipate responding for months to come as families, communities, and nations band together to address the long-term effects of the virus,” the post stated. “Strengthening and supporting each other long after the news cycle ends is part of the mission of Latter-day Saint Charities.”Latter-day Saint Charities expressed appreciation for its partnerships with governments, international non-governmental organizations and others contributing to solutions. The organization also thanked donors who contributed well before the pandemic ever began, allowing for funds and commodities to be available for immediate response, without delay.The post also listed ways individuals can help during the pandemic:Be a good global citizen.Follow World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to help reduce the spread of the virus.Check on neighbors and friends in the community while practicing safe methods of interactions.Use technology to help stay connected and remain positive.“This is a time when every person can do something, and kindness is evidence of who we really are,” the blog post concluded.In its 2019 Annual Reportreleased last month, Latter-day Saint Charities documented its efforts last year in 142 countries and territories. In all, Latter-day Saint Charities completed 3,221 projects working shoulder-to-shoulder with 2,000 partners.Emergency response efforts included 194 projects in 64 countries and territories, while international community projects totaled 994 in 107 countries and territories. Community projects in the United States and Canada were done in 42 states and provinces.Latter-day Saint Charities responds to coronavirus, assisting with commodities and financing worldwideSorry about the formatting and that the photos didn’t copy.If you are really desperate for me to improve formatting and add pictures, get back to me and I will try to do it in the next week.