Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been encouraged to provide assistance to refugees around the world. In October 2015, the First Presidency, the highest governing body of the Church, issued a letter to all Church members encouraging them to provide assistance. In March 2016, the First Presidency issued a letter to Church members encouraging women of all ages to assist refugees in their own communities. The letter, which outlined the “I Was a Stranger” refugee relief effort, includes an invitation from the general women’s auxiliary presidencies of the Church—those who direct the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations—and information about how to get involved.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, members strive 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). Through the efforts of individuals and families and with the help offered through various Church welfare and relief programs, temporal and spiritual assistance has been given to millions in need.
In response to the recent refugee crisis in Europe, the Church has also made an initial donation of $5 million and a commitment of $5 million more to help displaced families.
The Church has been working for decades to help refugees in many parts of the world. For example, Mormons have provided aid to refugees in the Middle East for more than a decade, giving hundreds of thousands of blankets as well as clothes, emergency medical supplies, food and other resources to refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Syria.
In their October 27, 2015, letter, the First Presidency told Church members, “It is with great concern and compassion that we observe the plight of the millions of people around the world who have fled their homes seeking relief from civil conflict and other hardships.
Additional Resources
Church Members Encouraged to Assist Refugees
Mormons Stepping Up Aid to Refugees
Church Leaders Encourage Women of the Church to Serve Refugees
Church, Governments and Humanitarian Partners Aid Refugees in Europe
Dieter F. Uchtdorf of Church’s First Presidency Recounts Childhood Refugee Ordeal
Mormons Join Community Effort in Virginia to Assist Syrian Refugees
Church Community Helps Refugees in Utah
Refuge from the Storm: Patrick Kearon
Wall Street Journal - With Welcoming Stance, Conservative Utah Charts Its Own Course on Refugees
Deseret News - Nonprofits inundated after LDS Church urges women to serve refugees
Salt Lake Tribune - Mormon leader on refugees: ‘Their story is our story’