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LDS Church leader detained in Russia for 'financing terrorism'

August 11, 2026 at 12:01 PM MT · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

A leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been detained in Russia on charges of "financing terrorism," according to Russian Life magazine. The detention represents an escalation of tensions between Russian authorities and the LDS Church.

Russia has increasingly restricted religious organizations in recent years, particularly those with foreign ties. The Church has maintained a presence in Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union, though operations have faced mounting challenges.

Read the full story at Russian Life magazine

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