Reports that the LDS Church will help the Tonga government pay off its sovereign debt to China are “not true”, the church stated today.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not help governments pay off loans from other countries,” said  Elder ‘Aisake Tukuafu (Fitungofulu Taki Faka’elia) today.

“Media reports that the Church is doing this for Tonga are not true.

“In fulfillment of one of its core purposes, the Church has helped, and continues to help the people of Tonga in a variety of ways through humanitarian, education and other charitable work. This work is supported by volunteers and funded by the donations of Latter-day Saints and others in Tonga and throughout the world. Our focus is to do as Jesus Christ has taught and shown, which is to relieve suffering and help individuals and families improve their lives," he said.

Rumours

The Church was responding to rumours reported by Cleo Paskal in the Sunday Guardian [2], London, 22 June, that the LDS Church had offered to help Tonga with its sovereign debt to China which has reach its current level of around US$120 million.

Paskal noted that one of the fastest growing religions in Tonga is the LDS Church with around 18-20% of Tongans practicing members, writing that “statistcally Tonga is the most ‘Mormon’ country on earth.”

She reported that recently the president of the Church Russell Nelson visited Tonga, “and this was when the rumours started to circulate that there had been an offer by the church to assist with Tonga's sovereign debt to China.”

Tongan politicians have regularly, publicly hoped the debt will be forgiven, but China has shown no signs of giving up the leverage.