Civil Unrest Forces Relocation of Latter-day Saints Missionaries in New Caledonia

Amid escalating civil unrest in the archipelago of New Caledonia, full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been compelled to relocate to other Pacific countries.

Situated about 750 miles east of Australia, New Caledonia has been engulfed in protests and violent riots, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency on May 16 and the deployment of the French army.

Reports indicate that forty-four full-time missionaries have been reassigned to neighboring countries, while missionaries nearing the end of their service tenure were given the choice to return home prematurely.

Two senior missionary couples have bravely chosen to remain in New Caledonia to continue their service amid the turmoil.

According to a General Authority Seventy and counselor in the Pacific Area presidency, all missionaries are safe, and their dedication to the Lord and the Church is highly appreciated. They have been relocated to countries where they can carry on their missionary work without danger.

New Caledonia, a French collectivity, houses around 2,500 Church members and accommodates one stake. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Vanuatu Port Vila Mission.