Editor’s note: Viewer discretion of The Mormons are Coming is advised as there is one instance of strong language. UK Newsroom also stated that the full name of Church is frequently stated in the film, but it was the BBC’s choice to use “Mormons” in the documentary title and throughout the program.
Across the UK, curiosity about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been piqued since The Book of Mormon musical first hit London’s West End 10 years ago.
Now, with the cooperation from Church leaders, a new BBC documentary film has been produced highlighting exactly how young Latter-day Saint missionaries learn and teach and serve.
The Mormons are Coming follows three young Latter-day Saint missionaries through the duration of their mission, from their MTC training to post-mission life. This documentary marks one of the first times the Church has invited an outside film crew inside the MTC and given access to full-time missionaries.
Sister Rebekah Cooper, who is featured in the program, shares raw insights, opinions, and perspectives about her mission with the filmmakers, from her initial decision to serve a full-time mission to the everyday difficulties of serving.
“I think you have to [pick up a lot of confidence on your mission],” she says, “because you’re just thrown into these situations to either sink or swim."
The film production team was also granted interviews with MTC and local mission leaders.
According to BBC News, President Peter Johnson, president of the Church’s England Manchester Mission, states in the documentary, “Missionary life is one of discipline and commitment and focus, but those are the same attributes they'll have to use throughout their lives, whether in a job or in school.”
Elder Martin J. Turvey, Area Seventy, told Newsroom, “The show is positive and balanced overall and is bound to prompt gospel conversations between members of the Church of Jesus Christ and their friends. Although some alternative views are expressed in the documentary, it’s likely to provide opportunities for Latter-day Saints to respond to questions and convey their faith in Jesus Christ.”
According to the Church’s UK Newsroom, “the documentary depicts the Church as a Christian faith, contributing to the religious life of the United Kingdom. Missionaries are shown using social media to share their beliefs.”
UK Newsroom also stated that the full name of Church is frequently stated in the film, but it was the BBC’s choice to use “Mormons” in the documentary title and throughout the program.
The hour-long program aired in the UK on February 28 and March 1 and can now be watched by viewers in the United Kingdom on-demand through BBC’s iPlayer. Viewer discretion is advised as there is one instance of strong language.
