Deseret News | 8 LDS Church members among those killed by tsunami

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8 LDS Church members among those killed by tsunami

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Anonymous | 12:30 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

It's early yet, but I am anxious to hear about the Apia Temple. More damage after it burned down a few years ago would be really unfortunate. I was in Samoa many years ago shortly after Typhoon Ofa (I think that was its name), and the devastation I saw even after many months was awful. I hate to think how bad things might be now.

Don | 12:38 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

A number of disasters have struck in the last few days. From Indonesia to American Somoa and Somoa to the Philippines. It is hard to measure the extent of the disasters. Please let me add this. In the Philippines the worst disaster since WW2 has occurred. Millions are now homeless and the Capital Manila is a mess! People are going hungry and children have nothing right now. My family is visiting family there. Communication is spotty. I have been advised that another Typhoon/Hurricane is bearing down on the Philippines. The Government is in disarray as are civil services. This nation needs a major response from us as members of the church and from our government which has failed to act. This is a major disaster with the threat of more flooding and widespread disease occurring! Please as Americans and as Members of the Church and those others who read this paper, find ways to donate! And contact our government to extend a hand to millions in need! We did during the sunaumi and it is needed again. This can get just as bad! Thank You!

How tragic. | 12:51 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

That is so sad. I wonder how many Catholics died. I wonder how many Muslims died. I wonder how many Protestants died. Living in Utah my primary concern however is for how many LDS people died. Very very sad.

Comments continue below

The issue is | 1:09 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

how can we help. and we will. My prayers go out to everyone involved in any way in these awful disasters.

Anne | 1:13 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

As Salt Lake is the headquarters for the church, it is natural for an accounting to be made.

I am honestly never offended when another religion speaks of it's members. I think it is only natural that they would.

Re.: How Tragic. @ 12:51pm | 1:16 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

Are you trolling? I really hope not!

MTW | 1:16 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

will you please tell your colleagues to quit writing articles about the "LDS" among the slain in these disasters. This is embarassing. I am LDS and I don't like how it makes it sound we are only concerned about the particular few who are LDS.

We are all in this together and you article headings make it sound as if this is all we care about.

Cut it out. Thanks Matt

@How tragic | 1:25 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

This is primarily an LDS publication and news site.

If you are genuinely interested in knowing how many Catholics have passed away in this tragic event, contact your local parrish.

For general news without an LDS slant, go to SLTRIB dot com.

To : How Tragic | 1:33 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

It is tragic and while the demographics aren't broken down I hope that you can understand that many Utahs are part of a world wide church that is like a family. Because of our church connections we know and love many of those people by name. I have three former mission companions that I've been unable to contact in the Philippines and in American Samoa.

I don't think the author or the Deseret News is trying to be offensive, they simply understand these relationships exist between many of their readers and many of the Latter-day Saints living in these areas.

re:How Tragic | 1:34 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I'm sure you could find the number of Roman Catholics who died on the pages of L'Osservatore Romano, the Newspaper of the Vatican City.

Al Jazeera probably will give you a list of the Muslims.

I can do your research for you on the Protestants if you want, but I hope you can get the picture.

Your Newspaper of choice, the Deseret New prints stories of interest based upon their demographics. I hope that does not create any mind bending issues for you.

My advice, learn to deal with where you live.

Mona | 1:39 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I don't see it as sad to report how many LDS died out of the total. The Catholic & Muslim papers will likely print how many of those religions died, and that makes sense to me.

Re: How tragic | 1:46 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

this is a predominately large lds area. this newspaper is owned by the lds church. it has and will continue to report on missionaries and on the lds faithful living in other parts of the world because that is what most people want to know about. it is news here in utah where the lds church is based. why you would be offended by that is beyond me. instead of spending your time being offended why dont you donate to the efforts that will be helping ALL of the victims. By the way, part of those donations and help will come from the lds church.

Get over yourselves | 1:53 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

The Deseret News knows who its readers are. Most are LDS. LDS people would be interested in knowing how many LDS people died in a disaster. To those offended that this article talks about how many LDS people died I say, get over yourself. How easily offended you are indeed if this bothers you! Being easily offended is its own curse.
To the Deseret News I say great article and keep them up. Your readers are mostly LDS, as you know, and we want to continue to hear about LDS people.
Thanks for knowing your audience!

Aaron W. | 2:03 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

We'll see you in the millennium brothers and sisters

Matt is too easily embarassed | 2:26 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

Sounds like counseling might in order.

AZLDS | 2:27 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

To me it's no different than when there's any other disaster outside the US, and the news will list the number of US citizens killed.
I've never heard people being offended over that.
Proof positive, trolls will always be trolls.
And sadly, trolls cannot set aside their venom long enough to care about everyone who is enduring this tragedy.

For the offended non-LDS | 2:52 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I clicked on the LDS Newsline section of the Deseret News, not World News, not Utah news etc. I expect to read about LDS issues, LDS people, LDS interests, under that section.

I would suggest that if you don't want to read items or articles on LDS news - just don't click on the LDS Newsline section! Problem solved for you. If you continue to click on that specific link and then feel the need to comment negatively - why?

If you want to avoid so many LDS themed articles, may I suggest that the Salt Lake Tribune online may be an option for you.

It is very sad that any people have perished and others are suffering. That they have been able to put a figure on the number of LDS in the casualties in Samoa, the Philippines and Indonesia seems to be an indication that members are being kept track of in their areas, possibly through the home teaching network, or local ecclesiastical leaders.

We live in the mission field, and we have a LOT of Samoan, Tongan, Marshall Island and other Pacific Islanders serving as missionaries, plus members in their own branches here. They need this news.

Tracey | 2:57 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

how sad but The Great Plan of Happiness comforted us at this time of loss...prayers are going out to all those who got struck by this disaster

Ed Clinch | 3:04 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I suppose this reporting of membership is largely a cultural nuance as well. Many outside the LDS community may not realize that we keep track of each other. Mormoms take account of each other! That does offend or scare people? I can see how it might puzzle outsiders.

For people to criticize this aspect of our culture reminds me that there are cultural differences between Mormons and those who are unaware of how we operate. I am a soon to be 39-year-old in the faith, and all my life we, as active Latter-day Saints, pay attention to our members.

Every other organization has its own culture and prioritiies as well, no?

Please try to understand that Mormons do not discount the tragic events of others; we simply care about those that we are spiritually connected to.

Hard to understand? That's OK. Join us in our culture, at meetings, parties, Family Home Evenings, ceremonies, dances, special events, etc.

This is MY family, and it hurts when people condemn it as they constantly do, but I understand many of the reasons why.

They understand not.

Hope that helps someone to understand my/our psychology/sociology.

Doug | 3:13 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I served in American & (Western) Samoa as an LDS missionary - most of the villages are right along the beach front, so i am sure that there was substantial damage to many villages. Here in CA there is a Samoan Congregational Church just down the street that we are helping to obtain food, water & clothing to send to the islands. At this time it makes no difference what race or religion we are - we are all in this thing together.

Dear Writer | 3:22 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

A follow up article on where/how we can help/donate would be great!

Temple Dedicatory Prayer | 3:29 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I just finished reading the Temple Dedicatory Prayer given in 2005 at the rededication. It is interesting to note that President Hinckley only specifically prayed for protection against fire in his prayer. He mentioned no other destructive elements of mother nature.
I hope that the Temple has not been damaged due to the Earthquake and resulting Tsunami but we shall see.

Malisi | 3:48 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

As a former missionary in the Samoas, my heart goes out to all of those who are grieving there. I love them all. "A group of men were talking with the Prophet Joseph Smith one day when news arrived that the house of a poor brother who lived some distance from town was burned down. Everyone expressed sorrow for what had happened. The Prophet listened for a moment, then put his hand in his pocket, took out five dollars and said, ‘I feel sorry for this brother to the amount of five dollars; how much do you all feel sorry?’”

Anonymous | 3:55 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

Our son in law is from American Samoa and his parents and some family members are still there. We are praying that all can be accounted for as well as many of the other religions on the Island. This is a tragity but also a wake up call that we all should be engaged in the welfare of all our brothers and sisters here upon the earth. We all belong to a kind and merciful Father in Heaven and we all need to look at ourselfs and say to ourselfs...Am I living the way that my Father in Heaven will be pleased of me? We have an Agency to choose what we will do and act and be, we need to remember we have No Choice of the Consequences of those actions!!! Life is Fragile......

Yrag Notyalc | 4:43 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

"How tragic" - No comment need uttered to dignify your stupidity! John Wayne said: "Life is difficult and can be made to be a whole lot more difficult when you're real stupid!"

Faafetai | 4:51 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

Apia, Samoa TEMPLE is as beautiful as it was before the earthquake. Report from a family member who was in the temple when it happended.

Offended | 4:58 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I am also offended when American newspapers report how many Americans died in any given tragedy around the world. Every time a plane crashes in Africa. Every time a bomb goes off in India. Every time a ship sinks in a hurricane. The headline almost always says something like "10 Americans among 100 dead in tragedy X". It is so offensive!

/End Sarcasm

Sweet Apples | 5:05 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I can't wait for the follow up story to tell us how much assistance the LDS church is donating.

jim | 5:14 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I have heard that up to and maybe even more than 100 people have died in this tragic episode. my prayers will go out to those who have lost irrespective of their religious affliation. i know that one of the first agencies on the scene will be the LDS church,helping those in need irrespective of their beliefs

Mona | 5:21 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

To Offended: no need to be offended. When each country counts up the number of their citizens caught in a tragedy (as Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain have done in the Samoan disaster--we are not the only country that does this), they are not saying their loss is more important than the loss of other nationalities. They are simply tracking their own people so they can assist them where needed. Just watch and wait and there will be more counts forthcoming from other nations.

A | 5:22 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

"Sweet Apples" perhaps you should quit "waiting" for a follow up story and get off YOUR duff and do something to help!

Respond to MTW | 5:27 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

You people get offended for what? The church helps people from all over the world with huminatarian efforts. How can you say they only care for their own? It's news! live with it. I know the LDS church will step up and assist anyway they can. Food, Clothes, Medical needs. These are not specific to the LDS people, it is for all. Shame on you to think that way.

Re: Sweet Apples | 5:45 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

Wait no longer, the story was already published several hours ago. The Church's PR machine was well ahead of your assumption.

I'm offended too!!! | 6:25 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

When I crawl into bed each night and pull my nice warm quilt up around my ears, and I think of all the people around the world, who, for whatever reason, have nothing to keep themselves warm as they sleep---it motivates me to want to do something about it. So, for the past five years I have sewn up at least two quilts every week for humanitarian aid and I'm virtually positive that very few of them go to members of the LDS church. I'll tell you what is offensive! It is people who visit this website and make rude comments and belittle my efforts, as well as all the other good people who spend hours each week doing something to ease someone elses burdens. Especially when these rude people don't do a dang thing but sit on their butts in front of their computer all day criticizing everything the LDS church does.

Carl | 7:03 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

The nimble-fingered among us are free to click to another site if they are offended. Nothing but your own negative nature induced you to click on the headline and read the article so that you could poke a finger in the eye of The Church again. Next time, don't read the article and write out a check. Those LDS who understand the process can write a generous check and it will all go to the victims...not a dime will line the pockets of the leaders. That is quite a departure from most charitable organizations. Whine on you naysayers...the rest of us will get to work.

hybridbeing | 7:29 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

People from other states turn to this newspaper to hear about their relatives who might be injured or might have died in the islands involved in this tragedy. They know they can find the earliest information here. I am hopeful they don't read the comments section filled with all the unnecessarily mean comments made toward the mormons. Usually the LDS church is one of the first respondents with essentials to places devastated like these. The only thing that holds them up is transportation overseas. And there are companies that hurry to supply that.

Keep shoveling that dirt in the well. The donkey will come out on top every time. He knows how to step up on top of it!

Observer | 7:37 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

I think perhaps there is a mis-understanding about reporting on LDS casualties. Being non-Mormon it does seem, at first glance,odd to single out how many LDS members were lost in this terrible tragedy. But as I think about how members of your Faith set yourselves apart from other Christian Faiths (living Prophet, Temple ceremonies, addtional scriptures, etc.) it is easy to see how you set yourselves apart in other things. How many NFL players are LDS, actors, politicians are LDS? This just seems to be a part of your culture. But try to understand how these things seem a bit odd to those of us not of your Faith. I find no fault with you doing so, but try to understand why others do so. At any rate, God bless everyone who is suffering and our petty different points of view mean nothing to those who need all our prayers and help.

thank | 8:29 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

hope we know howmany of the orther member of the
church lost their member is good do know like we
know howmaany lds lost. thank

John Pack Lambert | 8:42 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

One thing most people forget is that there is a huge number of Samoans in Salt Lake City. Way less then the Tongas, but still lots of them. Also, with Tonga partially affected, these Latter-day Saints are not just fellow believers to Church members in Salt Lake and Utah counties, but often brothers, parents, nephew or cousins.

BecomingOne | 9:02 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

Thank you for reporting this Deseret News. I live in Australia and use this site as one of my sources for LDS information. As this church is a worldwide family to me, I am anxious to hear how my brother's and sister's have faired. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those suffering at the moment.

Heath99 | 9:10 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

How many of the LDS members were fron Utah?

LDS and Mormons | 9:48 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

One official says that after the Katrina disaster "only two church helped us out here
The LDS church and the Mormons" aint that neat? Just got to love it when people jabs at us "The Mormons" and "The LDS" His name we represent and Live up to it "The church of "JESUS CHRIST" of the latter day saints. Enough Said, Well One more Love one another, He said cry with those mourn help each other, We will be wearing our yellow helping hands tee shirt and go to HELP, ED

Fred | 10:29 p.m. Sept. 30, 2009

Observer said:
I think perhaps there is a mis-understanding about reporting on LDS casualties. Being non-Mormon it does seem, at first glance, odd to single out how many LDS members were lost in this terrible tragedy.
__

Many faiths do the same thing, some more so than others. And as for nationalities, one of the first reports I read of the Air France airplane lost between Brazil and Europe listed the number of passengers that were on the flight from each country.

This kind of reporting is not unusual at all.

And in a very wonderful way, folks from many different faiths and nationalities will help them as they begin to clean up the island and try to recover from this natural disaster.

How tragic. | 3:35 a.m. Oct. 1, 2009

I apologize to everybody for being concerned not only for LDS members but also members of other faiths. It was a tragedy for ALL Faiths, LDS included.

It's so sad to see how Religious loyalties separate people. All this arguing between LDS members and non-LDS members seems so foolish. It makes as much sense as my right hand stabbing my left hand.

Many non-LDS Utahns feel that the LDS Church wields it's tithing dollars from members in such a way that Utah appears to outsiders as a Plutocracy and maybe there's some merit to this perception.

Wayne Kalama | 7:16 a.m. Oct. 1, 2009

My sister and brother-in-law are temple workers in the Apia temple where he serves in the temple presidency. On Wednesday in a call (via Skype) to my niece they said they were fine and that the temple was okay. I'm sure now their main concerns are for families and loved ones in other parts of the country.

MTW | 7:26 a.m. Oct. 1, 2009

Thanks to each one of you for your comments and for driving home my point.

Seems most of you have forgotten many of our prophets have been pushing us (members) towards a unifying... all encompasing... accepting... we are all bothers and sisters in this together approach.

My simple comment followed by your collective "this is 'our' paper" approach demonstrates the typical LDS approach to religion and others in general, which is why the LDS religion has struggled for so long with global acceptance.

Further the wrath coming my way....I should seek counseling or I should go somewhere else, and shame on me, etc???

If you are the brothers and sisters of the LDS, and you can respond in this manner.....maybe I should.

Matt

BobP | 8:59 a.m. Oct. 1, 2009

To the boo birds. I was watching a Canadian TV channel last night and they found a Samoan to interview. His family home had been devastated and a cousin killied. He was LDS.

Kidding me? | 9:39 a.m. Oct. 1, 2009

This is a publication that is part of the LDS community. Would we expect to see predominantly Catholic slanted articles if we lived near South Bend Indiana, or the Vatican? Of course we would! There is nothing wrong with mentioning how many LDS people were effected in a publication created by the LDS church, that employs predominantly LDS people.

It's not a decision to exclude other religious bodies, but more to inform the majority of their readership in UT and around the world. Let it go please!

Re: BobP | 11:05 a.m. Oct. 1, 2009

And how do you suppose he was LDS? Did they ask him? I think not. I am calling you out Brother Bob.

Dani74 | 12:39 p.m. Oct. 1, 2009

I have read through all the posts. They all argued the purpose for the article and our community as a whole. I personally would just like to point out that right now there are thousands of our brothers and sisters heart stricken in grief, shock, dismay. They may have lost their entire family, their children, spouse, parents. They are thirsty, tired and weak. They have no shelter.

If we can stop for a moment and ponder what this may feel like, have empathy, take stock on what matters... they need our prayers and any other support we can offer.

Consider how much time that one negative comment took from everyone's day, when we all could have been praying or doing something to help.

These are just my thoughts on the issue. May Heavenly Father bless them all and their loved ones too.

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