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Mormons Latest Target in Kremlin’s Anti-Spy Campaign
RIA Novosti ^
| November 1, 2012
| Dan Peleschuk
Posted on 11/01/2012 12:52:42 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
The ruling United Russia partys youth wing staged a protest on Thursday against Mormon missionaries, accusing them of being American spies and calling for them to leave Russia.
Activists from Young Guard gathered outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Russian headquarters in Moscow, chanting slogans such as No to foreign agents! and hoisting placards reading Foo, CIA!
They also left a symbolic plane ticket, emblazoned with the CIA logo, for a one-way flight from Moscow to Washington outside the headquarters.
This is an American sect, said Ekaterina Stenyakina, co-chair of Young Guards coordinating committee. They are funded by the United States of America, and its been proven that many young Mormons return to the US to work for the CIA and FBI.
The move is the latest in a series of Kremlin-driven offensives in recent months directed against alleged foreign influence in domestic affairs.
Since President Vladimir Putins re-election to the presidency last March, the Russian parliament has passed a variety of laws restricting foreign and Russian pro-democracy and human rights organizations.
Just yesterday, the Federation Council, Russias upper house, approved a bill that broadens the definition of treason to potentially include NGOs that provide consulting services for foreign governments or organizations.
Last month, the Kremlin ordered the United States Agency for International Development to cease all operations in the country. The organization had funded many Russian civil society organizations for about 20 years.
Stenyakina issued a stern warning to Russias youth, who she claims are easily wooed by the free English lessons and community service provided by Mormon missionaries.
It starts with free English lessons and then leads to becoming a missionary oneself, she said, adding that the alleged $14 billion in humanitarian assistance in Russia provided by the church has gone unnoticed.
Experts said the Russian authorities have long worried about the LDS Churchs influence in Russia.
In 2008, the church was forced to re-route its Russia-bound missionaries after the Kremlin introduced new visa restrictions for humanitarian workers.
Because [Mormons] are involved in humanitarian activity, such as feeding the homeless or handing out literature, this is perceived as some form of bribery, religious expert Ivar Maksutov, a researcher at the Russian State University for the Humanities, told RIA Novosti recently.
Church officials denied the protesters claims.
Elena Nechiporova, director for the church's East Europe areas Public Affairs Department, said the foreign agent allegations are baseless.
It is somebodys opinion without any facts, without any legal investigation, without court decisions, she said, adding that preaching the gospel is our main goal.
She also refuted Young Guards claim of the LDS Churchs alleged $14 billion assistance package in Russia, saying that the church has spent only about $5 million in humanitarian assistance in the country.
TOPICS: Russia
KEYWORDS: inman; lds; mormon; mormonism; putinyouth
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To: Tailgunner Joe
The timing is suspect; I wonder if this is a half-arsed attempt to toss mud at Romney and influence trhe election...?
It’s a well-known fact that the world’s leaders much prefer Obama, the wet noodle wimp.
To: Tailgunner Joe
There is a group that should be invited to leave, and it’s not Mormons.
To: Jack Hammer
This is definitely 100% because Romney dared to tell the truth about how Neo-Soviet Putinist Russia supports all our enemies all around the whole world.
Anyone who criticizes Putin's anti-American foreign policy and will feel the full weight of Cheka Putin's KGB terror and repression apparatus.
To: Tailgunner Joe
Russia misses being the Evil Empire. It's sliding back into those comfortable, old shoes.
How did all that irrational paranoia work out for you last time, Russia?
Are you worried that the CIA will be chock full of returned LDS missionaries who can teach you about the Book of Mormon in Russian? Spooky!
Can't see why a returned LDS missionary would have anything terribly damaging to Russia that it could bring back home.
5
posted on
11/01/2012 1:03:21 PM PDT
by
TChris
("Hello", the politician lied.)
To: Jack Hammer
I don’t wonder at all.
Russia is doing all it can to keep Mr. “Flexible” in the White House.
6
posted on
11/01/2012 1:12:55 PM PDT
by
Venturer
To: Tailgunner Joe
For a long time the FIB recruited Mormons and Catholics for the same reason: both groups are hard for the bad guys to turn.
7
posted on
11/01/2012 1:20:15 PM PDT
by
BenLurkin
(This is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion or satire; or both)
To: Tailgunner Joe
8
posted on
11/01/2012 1:20:35 PM PDT
by
svcw
(Why is one cell on another planet considered life, and in the womb it is not.)
To: TChris
As I’ve been told by my friend who works at Langley, the CIA hires a lot of returned missionaries because of their honesty and work ethic and inherent patriotism that Mormons tend to have. The language skill set is a plus, but that’s not the main reason.
9
posted on
11/01/2012 1:35:21 PM PDT
by
Ripliancum
(Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you. -Eph. 4:31)
To: Ripliancum
All overseas missionaries or just mormon missionaries?
10
posted on
11/01/2012 1:51:55 PM PDT
by
svcw
(Why is one cell on another planet considered life, and in the womb it is not.)
To: Tailgunner Joe
LDS missionaries cover the cost of their missions out of pocket. It runs about $300/month x 24 months. The ones in foreign language missions go to a fairly intensive foreign language training school before going to the field. Two years in the field often yields a very good level of language fluency. That would be a good item on your resume. CIA is one outfit that can benefit from hires with foreign language skills. The missionaries in the field aren't working for the CIA during their mission service. The atheist communists find them an easy target.
11
posted on
11/01/2012 2:28:43 PM PDT
by
Myrddin
To: Tailgunner Joe
They’ve gone after the Baptist and non-denominational missionaries pretty hard too. I think that it has something to do with the more nationalistic groups in Russia using the Orthodox Church for their own means. They feel if you are not Orthodox, you are not Russian, turning your back on your heritage, etc.
12
posted on
11/01/2012 3:48:30 PM PDT
by
wrcase
To: Myrddin; Ripliancum
The ones in foreign language missions go to a fairly intensive foreign language training school before going to the field. Two years in the field often yields a very good level of language fluency. That would be a good item on your resume. CIA is one outfit that can benefit from hires with foreign language skills. The missionaries in the field aren't working for the CIA during their mission serviceWell, the Mormon church has only itself to blame on this one...for the above reasons, there's a "slew" of ex-Lds missionaries who were recruited by (& eventually landed with) the CIA. Hence, Russians have made the connection.
The missionaries in the field aren't working for the CIA during their mission service.
(Of course they aren't; but just to toss out #s...let's say 1 in 10 Lds missionaries in Russia eventually lands with the CIA...the Russians know that this "10%" is accumulating info that will one day be utilized by the CIA)
13
posted on
11/01/2012 5:37:02 PM PDT
by
Colofornian
(Some say "we're not voting 4 'pastor-in-chief'" --as if "gods-in-embryo" were divine only on Sundays)
To: Tailgunner Joe
They are funded by the United States of America, and its been proven that many young Mormons return to the US to work for the CIA and FBI. And the MORMONs BRAG about this fact!!
14
posted on
11/02/2012 4:33:16 AM PDT
by
Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
To: Tailgunner Joe
It is somebodys opinion without any facts, without any legal investigation, without court decisions, she said, adding that preaching the gospel is our main goal. Ah....
...the universal MORMON beginning denial coverall.
Next comes deflection.
Then comes the "Look over there!" response.
Then comes silence.
15
posted on
11/02/2012 4:36:07 AM PDT
by
Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
To: Jack Hammer
The timing is suspect; I wonder if this is a half-arsed attempt to toss mud at Romney and influence trhe election...?Then comes CONSPIRACY!!!
16
posted on
11/02/2012 4:37:07 AM PDT
by
Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
To: Tailgunner Joe
They attack Russia with their bicycles. /sarcasm
17
posted on
11/02/2012 4:38:07 AM PDT
by
bmwcyle
(45% to 47% of American voters are stupid)
To: TChris
Can't see why a returned LDS missionary would have anything terribly damaging to Russia that it could bring back home. Indeed!
We know that a few decades ago; one returned from France without making much of an impact there.
18
posted on
11/02/2012 4:38:45 AM PDT
by
Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
To: Ripliancum
As Ive been told by my friend who works at Langley, the CIA hires a lot of returned missionaries because of their honesty and work ethic and inherent patriotism that Mormons tend to have. And; they have the ability to follows orders - par excellance!!
The Rules
- Learn and obey all missionary rules.
- Keep your thoughts, words, and actions in harmony with the gospel message.
- Read only books, magazines, and other material authorized by the Church.
- Don't debate or argue.
- Center your mind on your mission.
- Dress conservatively. Elders: white shirts, conservative ties, and business suits. Sisters: conservative colors and skirts that cover your knees. No floor-length skirts or dresses.
- Cut your hair regularly.
- Keep your hair clean and neatly combed at all times in the approved style.
- Be neat and clean.
- Bathe frequently.
- Use deodorant.
- Polish your shoes.
- Iron your shirt and business suit.
- Arise at 6:30 A.M.
- Study for 2 hours every morning.
- Proselytize for 10 hours between 9:30 A.M. and 9:30 P.M.
- Turn off your lights at 10:30 P.M.
- Exercise regularly.
- Write in your journal regularly.
- Follow the "Missionary Gospel Study Program" (31157) for your personal study.
- Regularly study the Missionary Guide and the Discussions.
- Attend Sunday priesthood or Relief Society meetings, Sunday School, and sacrament meeting.
- Attend the general session of Stake Conference.
- Attend general conference broadcasts if available.
- Avoid all other church meetings unless you have a special assignment or are brining an investigator.
- Proselytize as much as possible on weekends and holidays because this is when you'll find people home.
- End your preparation day at 6:00 P.M. and proselytize from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
- Wear your missionary uniform in public on preparation day while not engaged in recreational activities.
- Arise at 6:30 on preparation day and study for 2 hours from the approved books.
- Take care of your physical preparation for the week on preparation day: wash your clothes, clean your apartment, wash your car, get your haircut, and shop for groceries.
- Write to your parents every week on preparation day.
- Write less frequently to your siblings, friends, and acquaintances.
- Don't communicate with any friends or acquaintances that are within or close to your mission boundaries, except as a part of official mission business.
- Plan safe, wholesome, and uplifting activities for preparation day.
- Stay with your companion during all activities.
- Do not go on road trips.
- Do not leave your assigned area without permission
- Do not watch television.
- Do not view unauthorized videocassettes.
- Do not listen to the radio.
- Do not listen to unauthorized audiocassettes or CDs.
- Do not participate in musical groups.
- Do not participate in athletic teams.
- Do not sponsor athletic teams.
- Do not engage in contact sports.
- Do not engage in water sports.
- Do not engage in winter sports.
- Do not engage in motorcycling.
- Do not engage in horseback riding.
- Do not engage in mountain climbing.
- Do not embark on a private boat.
- Do not embark in a private airplane.
- Do not handle firearms.
- Do not handle explosives.
- Do not swim.
- Do not play full court basketball.
- Do not play basketball in leagues.
- Do not play basketball in tournaments.
- You may play half-court basketball.
- Never be alone.
- Seek advice from your mission president if your companion is "having difficulties".
- Be loyal to your companion.
- Ask your mission president for help if your companion doesnt obey the rules.
- Pray with your companion every day.
- Study with your companion every day.
- Plan your work with your companion every day.
- Take time at least once a week for companionship inventory.
- Seek to be one in spirit and purpose and help each other succeed.
- Always address your companion as Elder or Sister.
- Sleep in the same bedroom as your companion.
- Do not sleep in the same bed as your companion.
- Do not arise before your companion.
- Do not retire after your companion. (apparently, being together is more important than getting the correct amount of sleep that your unique body requires.)
- Frequently study with your companion the Missionary Guide section on companions.
- Never be alone with anyone of the opposite sex.
- Never associate inappropriately with anyone of the opposite sex (conversely, they don't mention whether or not it is against the rules to associate inappropriately with anyone of the same sex).
- Do not flirt.
- Do not date.
- Do not communicate via phone or letter with anyone of the opposite sex living within or near mission boundaries.
- Do not visit a single or divorced person of the opposite sex unless accompanied by a couple or another adult member of your sex.
- Try to teach single investigators in a members home or have missionaries of the same sex teach them.
- Always follow the above rules, even if the situation seems harmless.
- Use the commitment pattern to get referrals from members.
- Keep your dinner visits with member briefs and during the customary dinner hour in the area.
- Remember to say thank you to those who feed you.
- Visit members and nonmembers only at appropriate times.
- Do not counsel or give medical treatment.
- Do not stay in the homes of people when they are on vacation.
- Only write letters to family members and friends at home.
- Do not telephone parents
- Do not telephone relatives.
- Do not telephone friends.
- Do not telephone girlfriends.
- Contact your mission president in case of an emergency.
- Take problems and questions to your mission president.
- Do not write to the President of the Church or to other General Authorities. Letters from missionaries to General Authorities are referred back to the mission president
- Respect the customs, traditions, and property of the people who you are trying to convert.
- Obey all mission rules.
- Obey the laws of the land.
- Do not get involved in politics.
- Do not get involved in commercial activities.
- Do not give any information about the area.
- Respect the customs and cultures of those who you are trying to convert to your own customs and culture.
- Respect the beliefs, practices, and sites of other religions.
- Do not say or write anything bad about the political and cultural circumstances where you serve.
- Do not become involved in adoption proceedings.
- Do not suggest or encourage emigration. (This rule is a bit ironic, given the now-defunct doctrine of gathering the believers to Zion)
- Be courteous.
- Provide community service.
- Do not provide community service that isnt approved by your mission president.
- Do not provide more than 4 hours a week of community service.
- Do not provide community service during the evening, weekend or holidaysthose are peek proselytizing times.
- Your mission president must approve your housing.
- Keep your housing unit clean.
- Do not live with single or divorced people of the opposite sex.
- Do not live where the spouse is frequently absent.
- Your living unit must have a private bath and entrance.
- You may occasionally fast for a special reason, but generally the monthly fast is sufficient.
- Do not fast longer than 24 hours at a time.
- Do not ask friends, relatives, and members to join in special fasts for investigators.
- Maintain your health.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Sleep from 10:30 to 6:30.
- Follow the approved exercise program.
- Keep your body, clothes, dishes, linens, towels and housing unit clean.
- Dispose of your garbage properly and promptly.
- Follow the safety rules for all of your stuff.
- Seek medical care if you are in an accident or become sick.
- Be immunized.
- Spend your money only on things relating to your mission.
- Budget your money carefully.
- Keep a record of what you spend.
- Do not spend more than your companion.
- Do not loan money.
- Do not borrow money.
- Keep a reserve fund of $50 to $100 at all times for transfers.
- Pay your bills before leaving an area.
- Pay cash for all resale literature and supplies ordered from the mission office.
- Do not waste money on souvenirs.
- Do not waste money on unnecessary items.
- Be a frugal photographer.
- Do not accumulate excess baggage.
- Obey custom laws and regulations.
- Pay fast offerings each fast Sunday to the bishop or branch president where you serve.
- Pay tithing on outside sources of income (i.e. interest) to your home bishop or branch president.
- Evaluate your funds a few months before the end of your mission. If you have more than you need, ask that less be sent so that you can return home without excess money.
- Do not drive without a license.
- Drive only Church-owned vehicles.
- Do not drive members cars.
- Do not drive nonmembers cars.
- Do not give rides to members or investigators in Church-owned cars.
- Use cars only on approved mission business.
- Use cars only within the assigned geographical area.
- Be conscious of safety at all times.
- Drive defensively.
- Wear your seat belt.
- Pray for the Lords protection while driving.
- If your companion is driving, assist him or her.
- Do not tamper with the vehicles odometer.
- Know bicycle safety rules.
- Use extreme caution on your bicycle.
- Do not ride your bicycle after dark.
- Do not ride your bicycle in heavy traffic.
- Do not ride your bicycle in adverse weather conditions.
- Go directly to your new area when transferred.
- Find your new companion without delay when transferred.
- Have a maximum of two suitcases and a briefcase.
19
posted on
11/02/2012 4:41:04 AM PDT
by
Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
To: Elsie
Then comes ATTACK! the messenger...
20
posted on
11/02/2012 4:41:44 AM PDT
by
Elsie
(Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
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