Church added to Chilean census

Published: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2001

SANTIAGO, Chile — For the first time, the word "Mormon" was included in the religion category of Chile's national census that will be completed in 2002.

 Chilean Church members can now identify their specific religious affiliation in the country's national census. The newly added "Mormon" category on the census reflects Church growth in Chile.

 Previously, the Church has been grouped with Protestant and evangelist religions. This time, the census forms that are to be filled out by all citizens over the age of 15 included the alternative, "Mormon" in response to the query, "What religion do you profess?"

"It is significant that the Church is being recognized as one of the influential institutions in Chilean society," said Rodolfo Acevedo, Chile Area historian and director of public affairs.

When the census was taken in 1992, he visited the National Institute of Statistics and explained the necessity of considering The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution apart.

"Today, we have the fruits of that change," said Brother Acevedo. "This is very good news for us. For the first time, the National Institute of Statistics (INE) has acknowledged the presence of the Church in each region of the nation.

"This has not only given us the opportunity to remain apart from the other traditional registrations of the past, but we will also be able to see exactly how many Chileans claim membership in the Church."

These are among the first steps of influence of the Church, fulfilling the words of the late Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve who said, "The Church will come to be a major influence in Chile."

Now the Church is being recognized in the Chilean society, and its teachings are inspiring in a different manner than those of other churches, thanks to the great contributions of the missionaries who serve in Chile, Brother Acevedo said.