LDS Converts Sacrifice Family Tradition for New Beliefs

January 6, 2004

Source: Brigham Young University NewsNet

http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/47443

On January 6, 2004 Brigham Young University NewsNet reported on "how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sacrifice when they quit the Buddhist way of life and embrace LDS beliefs. But despite the risks involved with denying the national religion, members and investigators of the LDS Church in Thailand continue to make that sacrifice...Thais are a deeply religious people, relying on Buddhism as the backbone of their society, family and community. According to the United States Department of State, approximately 94 percent of the Thai population is Buddhist...Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints account for 0.02 percent of the Thai population and include one stake, five districts, six wards and 23 branches, according to the Cumorah Project International LDS Database. The Church's numbers continue to increase. LDS membership in Thailand is approximately 13,000 members; nearly triple the number of members in 1992. Thailand's government does not recognize new religious faiths, but unregistered religious organizations, like the LDS Church, have been allowed to operate freely as long as they do not knock on doors to find potential investigators."