The LDS Church is studying the impact of a new Russian law that restricts missionary work outside of churches and requires permits for missionaries, but the faith's missionaries will remain in place and abide by the law.
The LDS Church released a statement on Friday afternoon saying that its missionaries will remain in Russia in the wake of a new law that restricts missionary work in the country.
"The church recognizes a new law will take effect in Russia on July 20, 2016, that will have an impact on missionary work," said the statement released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on mormonnewsroom.org. "The church will honor, sustain and obey the law. Missionaries will remain in Russia and will work within the requirements of these changes. The church will further study and analyze the law and its impact as it goes into effect."
The law, signed by President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, sparked widespread concern about the future of missionary work in Russia among Christians, Muslims, and Jews.