FSM Information Services
Press Release
President Panuelo Meets the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; Emphasizes the Importance of the Freedom of Religion
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah—On October 9th, 2019, His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and First Lady Patricia Edwin, were received by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inclusive of Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, First Counselor Dallin H. Oaks, and Second Counselor Henry B. Eyring, in a courtesy call. Also in attendance were Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, and Elder Kent F. Richards and Sister Marsha G. Richards, Directors of Church Hosting.
President Panuelo extended to President Nelson his respect and appreciation for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s contributions and assistance to the Nation’s capacity-building, and emphasized that—as noted in his remarks at the 26th International Law & Religion Symposium—the FSM is committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the rule of law, including the freedom of religion as enshrined in the FSM’s Constitution. The President also noted that the FSM has a growing population of adherents to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s branch of Christianity, and advised his appreciation that the Church is providing interested citizens opportunities for spiritual growth.
President Panuelo described the FSM National Government’s appreciation for the Church’s development and humanitarian assistance to the Nation, which range from providing school supplies (including books and iPads), strengthening food security (such as the construction of greenhouses in the FSM State of Kosrae), providing wheelchairs to hospitals, and the digitalization of birth certificates and other records. The President highlighted that, just as the FSM extends peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity to all other nations and peoples, the Nation appreciates that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s similarly demonstrates inclusivity and emphasizes respect, decency, and a commitment to loving and understanding other people.
The FSM National Government is committed to upholding the rule of law in all forms, including through upholding the right of all citizens and residents across the FSM to practice the religion of their choice.
