From Deseret News archives:

LDS Church's Elder Russell Nelson, wife robbed in Mozambique

They, other LDS leaders were having dinner at Maputo Mission home

Published: Sunday, May 31, 2009 12:00 a.m. MDT
PRINT | FONT + - 

Elder Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Quorum of the Twelve and his wife, Wendy, were among church leaders robbed by armed assailants Friday evening in the Mozambique Maputo Mission home.

On a church assignment in Mozambique, Elder and Sister Nelson were having dinner with Elder William W. Parmley , of the Quorums of the Seventy and the church's Africa Southeast Presidency, and his wife, Shanna Lee, and mission President Blair J. Packard and his wife, Precinda, said LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter.

"We don't have complete information yet, but we understand Sister Packard's arm was broken," said Trotter. "In addition, she and others suffered some superficial injuries, mainly cuts and bruises."

Elder and Sister Nelson will continue their assignment over the weekend as planned, he added.

Local authorities are investigating the matter.

The LDS Church was legally recognized in Mozambique, a southeastern Africa nation, in 1996, with the first branch created in the capital city of Maputo. Missionaries arrived in 1999.

The Mozambique Maputo Mission was created on Jan. 1, 2005, the church's 339th mission.

About this ad

View Comments

DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.

– About Comments

rss icon

Recommended in Utah

Story

An LDS Church bishop in Duchesne has been ordered to stand trial.

Story

Salt Lake City is proposing a spraying program for trees that are declining and being hit by insects and fungus.

Story

State lawmakers had tough questions for the Utah Transit Authority after a recent legislative audit.

No. Utah sees a major earthquake every 350 years. Last one? 350 years ago.