http://www.independentprobe.com/2020/02/03/internal-corruption-rock-latter-day-saints-church-pulls-missionaries-out-of-liberia/

In a country as screwed up as Liberia, it is ironic that the LDS are being accused of corruption. The entire Liberian government has been for decades! But why compare a pig to a rat?

This article doesn't provide much in the way of proof, but something else is going on here. Presumably this newspaper is run by the government (unofficially). So did the LDS not bribe the right officials or is there genuine corruption?

Are we to overlook the astronomical death rate in Liberia? 600,000+ deaths in a tiny West African country in under 30 years? Over ten percent of the population killed in wars? (Excluding disease and crime - this is a country with barely any modern infrastructure such as sewers or garbage collection). The LDS opened its doors in Liberia in 1987. It is amazing they are there at all! Yet they seem to be leaving just now... Probably one of the more stable times in the last thirty years.

Is this your "shithole country" argument ?

Sounds like a "S*** hole country" as the OP is describing yet not rude enough to say, and your argument that it is not?

macaRomney Wrote:
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> Sounds like a "S*** hole country" as the OP is
> describing yet not rude enough to say, and your
> argument that it is not?


Liberia is a big, big mess. It's difficult to argue otherwise. I feel sorry for the people who have to live there.

What I'm really interested in is that the story from Liberian source(s). Is this true? Is this a rumor? Or is the LDS just doing what they do elsewhere? Liberia is a very poor country, so if they are taking money out of the place, they have no argument. If the place is so poor, then most people will need or request welfare off the church.

Dave the Atheist Wrote:
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> Is this your "shithole country" argument ?

I never used that revolting phrase. But by which standard is Liberia successful? Tell me one. There aren't any. That's partly why the LDS is withdrawing, but this article suggests something else is going on. That's what I'm interested in.

Well... This didn't generate the reponse I'd hoped for. This is worth reading. I've pasted it here for anyone who can't be bothered following the link.

Article follows->

Internal corruption rock Latter-Day Saints church; Pulls Missionaries Out of Liberia

February 3, 2020 Independent Probe 3 Comments

IPNews-Monrovia: Contrary to earlier report from the state of Utah, U. S. headquartered to a religious order known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is reducing the number of its missionaries in Liberia due to economic and instability in Liberia, the Independent Probe newspaper has established that uncontrollable corruption and marginalization has rocked the local church here in Liberia, prompting the immediate pullout of mission at the Monrovia, Liberia Mission of the church.

Our source hinted that there are heated confusion ranging from withholding of needed allowances intended for both local and returning missionaries by local heads of the church.

Additionally, our source hinted that the dissatisfaction at the Monrovia Liberia Mission has extended to other missionaries from other countries apart from those from the United states who have also expressed dissatisfaction over the refusal of Mission President, (Bishop, or presiding pastor), Blair D. Hope, a retired U.S. Army veteran to equally distribute benefits as prescribe by the rules governing the missionary profolio. This claim has not been independent verify by the Independent Probe, as email messages send have not been responded to.

Our sources furthermore stated that members of the accounts and procurement departments have hugely misapplied much needed church funds from its international headquarters in the state Utah, with the construction of fabulous houses and luxury travels at the detriment of the Liberia mission (Monrovia, Liberia Mission).

Currently, there is built-up of confusion in the four districts of the Monrovia Liberia Mission due to dissatisfaction, according to the source.

It may be recalled, Latter-day Saints in an announcement on yesterday, Sunday, February 2, 2020, the church cited social and economic instability in the country for its decision.

The Church spokesperson Daniel Wooodruff disclosed that “twenty -three missionaries are being returned home early, and eight who were leaving soon for Liberia have been temporarily reassigned to other countries. He did not name the countries.

Missionaries returning early were reportedly already nearing their scheduled departure time from Liberia, the spokesperson said, adding that, “the church made the decisions due to “economic conditions in Liberia and concerns about adequate supplies.”

According to spokesman Mr. Woodruff, “the Church will continue to closely monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed,” …We pray for the people in Liberia as they navigate the economic situation in their country.”

Further report states that another 99 missionaries of the Church of Latter Day Saints will remain in the Liberia Mission and are said to have adequate supplies for the time being.

That's all from the American angle and mentions nothing about these claims in it.

See the post from elderolddog which links to your article.

Why are they pulling out? I thought this was building on common beliefs.

I think there is adequate reason to pull out just based on instability in the country at present. But we all know how the Mormon church feels about money. Financial corruption with church funds is the quickest way to get the attention of higher ups.