Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) in the Russian Far East in 1989–2004

The article traces the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Russian Far East to identify its role in the local social, cultural, and religious landscape in 1990s–2004. Based on an extensive source base, the authors distinguished two periods of Mormon preaching in the region: from the earliest religious associations in the largest Far-Eastern cities to the adoption of the Federal Law On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations, and from the peak of followers to 2004. The Mormons moved from north to south, i.e., to the urban centers of the Far-Eastern frontier. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints became an important factor in the local sociocultural environment due to its democratic nature, charity activities, and the ascetic life of its missionaries. In addition, the Church authorities were always eager to cooperate with the local and central governments.