Mormons in Mongolia

Thanks to Howard M. Friedman I stumbled into this article in the Salt Lake Tribune - probably not a coincidence - giving an impression of missionaries in Mongolia. The probably largest mission belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormons. They bring in groups of young people often excellently trained in Mongolian language.

As Friedman observes dryly:

Mormons are particularly visible as they travel from house to house.

But also a growing group of Korean missionairies are active in Mongolia. They organise big seminars and build churches in the ger areas. Also, they are said to give money or other insentives to the attendees.

These missionairies are not always welcomed with open arms. Although Mongolia has a long tradition of religious tolerance - dating back to Chinggis Khaan -, many people disaprove of the aggresive methods of some of there missionairy groups.

An interesting perspective mentioned in the Salt Lake Tribune article comes from outside of the city:

''We have been Buddhist all along,'' said Megmar, a sheep herder. ''The younger people are interested in Christianity because they like to be together and one friend brings another friend. I think Buddhism is enough for me.''

One of the young Mormon missionaries is keeping a blog on his whereabouts

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