3,000 Among 5 Million — Discovering Singapore’s Latter-day Saints

The religion you probably didn't know existed here.

By Aishona Rai Tan & Nur Ihshana

Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism – we’re sure you’re familiar with these religions. Now, what if we told you there’s one that only makes up less than 1% of Singapore’s population? Shocked? We thought you might be.

Today, we’re diving into the world of the Latter-Day Saints.

You may know them as Mormons, but they now prefer to be known as either members of The Church of Jesus Christ, or Latter-day Saints.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was first established in Singapore in 1963. Today they have over 3,000 members and 3 Churches across the country. PHOTO CREDITS: Nur Ihshana

Latter-day Saints believe Jesus Christ is central to the beliefs and lives of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

You may be wondering, how’s that any different from Christianity?

Latter-day Saints & Christians – What’s the Difference?

Christians primarily rely on the Bible, while Latter-day Saints consider the Book of Mormon along with the Bible as one of their sacred texts.

Another key difference is Christians generally adhere to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The Latter-day Saints on the other hand don’t, as they believe the Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit as 3 separate beings.

They do share common practices though, like missionaries!

Missions Across the Globe

“We choose to sign up for it and we get called to serve in different places,” said Sister Kassia Khountham. a 19-year-old missionary from the United States currently serving in Singapore.

Latter-day Saints refer to the men as Elders and the women as Sisters. When the Elders and Sisters turn 18 and 19 respectively, they can choose to volunteer and sign up as missionaries. Each mission typically lasts 2 years for the Elders and 1 and a half years for the Sisters.

They usually put their studies on hold to serve wherever their leaders have picked for them. The missions’ main aim is to help the needy and spread awareness of their religion.

Sister Kassia Khountham (left) and Sister Shea Deaton (right) from the USA are both currently serving their missionaries in Singapore. PHOTO CREDITS: Kassia Khountham

“There are missions to be done around the world, so there are volunteers like us, called missionaries, that go to almost every part of the world,” said Sister Shea Deaton, a 19-year-old missionary who just finished serving in Malaysia, and now serves in Singapore.

“I'd say my experience has been truly amazing. I think there is such a difference between just living my life as I was before I left, and now completely focusing on Jesus Christ, and sharing that love with people.” Added Sister Kassia Khountham.

There are also Singaporean missionaries who’ve travelled across the globe as well. Speaking of Singaporeans, we’re sure you’re wondering, what’s it like being a Latter-day Saint here?

These are some local missionaries who are currently serving in other countries like Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. PHOTO CREDITS: Aishona Rai Tan

The Latter-day Saints of Singapore

Most students in schools are either part of or familiar with their schoolmates and friends being part of the four main religions in Singapore – Islam, Christianity Buddhism, and Hinduism.

But what about the Singaporeans who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ?

“I feel like, in Singapore, not a lot of people know about Latter-day Saints at all,” said Khoo Qi Quan, a 19-year-old member of The Church.

Qi Quan grew up with another religion, but now, she’s a devout Latter-day Saint.

Qi Quan is a Singaporean, currently in her final year at Temasek Polytechnic. Her interest in the religion sparked when she spent some of her Sundays attending service with her best friend, Denise Antonie, during her childhood days.

19-year-old Denise, currently a nursing student at Nanyang Polytechnic, was born into a family of Latter-day Saints.

Together, the pair began spending their Sundays together, which increasingly intrigued Qi Quan of the religion, and eventually led her to the decision of joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Their (Latter-day Saints) vibes were super nice and they were very welcoming and warm,” said Qi Quan.

Journey Not All Smooth-Sailing

Qi Quan’s journey into the church wasn’t all smooth-sailing though. While her dad fully embraced the idea and encouraged her to choose the path she wanted, her mother was sceptical and disapproved of it.

“At first, she (Qi Juan’s mother) was very unfamiliar and didn’t know anything about the religion, that’s why she was so against it,” said Qi Quan.

She added: “My mom eventually met a few missionaries and they had a discussion. She eventually understood and felt more at ease to approve my baptism.”

Khoo Qi Quan (far left) with her best friend, Denise Antonie (far right) along with two foreign missionaries serving in Singapore. PHOTO CREDITS: Aishona Rai Tan

That though, wasn't the only obstacle Qi Quan faced in her journey. Although she eventually had her parents and friends supporting her, she unexpectedly faced what most of us fear encountering – the dreaded stereotyping.

On one occasion during her internship period, Qi Quan was engaged in a casual conversation with her colleague who had enquired about the faith she believed in. Her response was met with negative and stereotypical remarks.

“He said we were a cult and that we don’t believe in Jesus Christ,” said Qi Quan.

She was taken aback, and as a fairly new member of The Church, it was a lot to take in. But with grace, she calmly rectified his misconception.

“It's hard to face it when someone's hating on your religion, but it helps that here in Church, we learn to love one another,” Qi Quan added.

The Church often encourages the sharing of their faith and pouring of their divine love towards those willing to listen around them, even when met with backlash.

Pouring their Hearts, Sharing the Love

Singaporean or not, the Latter-day Saints all had one thing in common – spreading love and sharing the word of their faith.

“Growing up, I did have experiences sharing the religion with others,” Denise told us when asked about her experience as a local Latter-day Saint in our 4-predominant-religions society.

“I went to Australia for a school trip once, and our bus drove past a temple (Latter-day Saints place of worship). I got excited and was like, can we stop? My teacher became so intrigued that I was even able to give her the Book of Mormon,” she added with a wide smile.

This is one of the many rooms in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where sermons and services are conducted weekly. PHOTO CREDITS: Aishona Rai Tan

Singaporean youth Latter-day Saints typically don’t embark on missions till after tertiary education, but this doesn't stop their drive and passion to share the religion with others.

“My friends were always very curious about my religion, and they would always ask me about it, just like Qi Quan used to,” said Denise.

Some are interested devotees, while others are curious cats. Latter-day Saints in Singapore usually carry out their voluntary missions locally, pouring their hearts and sharing the love of the religion with those around them willing to listen.

Love to Help, Love to Love

Our little red dot is a melting pot of diversity, however, being so accustomed to the majority religions in Singapore, many are unaware of the different practices and beliefs that co-exist in our society.

And of those who do know, are some who choose insensitivity rather than inclusivity. The Latter-day Saints refuse to let this deter them.

“When I was younger, they always said, you’re a part of the world, but not of the world. Meaning you're part of this world, but you don't have to follow everything of the world,” said Ms. Lavon Lew, Public Affairs Director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ms. Lavon Lew, Public Affairs Director of The Church has been a member since birth. PHOTO CREDITS: Nur Ihshana

Their faith and dedication outshine their population number. Despite the adversities, Latter-day Saints keep their heads held high and strive towards the sharing of love and their beliefs.

“When we're all here together, it's a different feeling. And that can really, really change people's lives. I think that's why we're here, that's why we choose to stay.” said Sister Shea.

Regardless of race, language, or religion, the Latter-day Saints keep their arms wide open for everyone.

“Even if it's people of different faiths that aren't interested, even in learning, we just love to help, and love to love,” added Sister Shea.