HUMANITARIAN SERVICES

There are needy people in every society. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps when neither the individual nor his family can cover his/her basic needs themselves. This is in accordance with the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ that we should bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). The welfare and humanitarian aid programs of the Church are internationally known and respected. They are so structured as to help the individual to care for him/herself. The principles of work and self-reliance are in the forefront of these programs.

The Church helps its needy members, but it also provides humanitarian aid to other people all over the world without regard to religion, color or nationality. After the second world war, for example, Europeans in need received food, clothing and other goods from members in Europe and all over the world.

Humanitarian aid has reached 147 countries so far and amounts to tens of millions of dollars every year.

Within its humanitarian aid program, the Church aid organizations, "HLT Aktion Nothilfe" in Germany and "LDS Charities" worldwide, frequently work together with recognized aid organizations such as the Red Cross.