2009
World Briefs
August 2009


“World Briefs,” Ensign, August 2009, 80

World Briefs

FamilySearch Adds Canadian Censuses

FamilySearch recently added the 1851, 1861, and 1871 Canada Census indexes to its online collection, which already included the 1881 and 1916 Canada censuses. There are plans to add the 1891 Canada census shortly. The searchable online databases, found at FamilySearch.org, contain some 17 million records. Free public access to these indexed censuses will make it easier for Canadians to extend their knowledge of their family’s history.

Humanitarian Groups Meet in Salt Lake

Hundreds gathered in Salt Lake City for the 17th annual National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) conference in April 2009. NVOAD is a coalition of more than 50 nonprofit organizations, including Latter-day Saint Charities, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army, that work in disaster relief preparedness, response, and recovery throughout the world. Holding the conference in Salt Lake City was a recognition of the Church’s active humanitarian efforts.

Tongan Scriptures Available in New Format

The Tongan edition of the triple combination, containing the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, is now available online at scriptures.lds.org/to.

The online version of the triple combination in Tongan includes footnotes, maps, and photographs and allows the reader to mark the scriptures and perform key word searches.

Tongan is the 13th language to be added to the Church’s scriptures Web site.

Book of Mormon Published in Guarani

In April 2009, the First Presidency announced the publication of the Book of Mormon in Guarani, a dialect spoken mainly in Paraguay. This full translation of the Book of Mormon replaces the edition of Book of Mormon Selections that has been available since 1982.

The full Book of Mormon is currently published in 82 languages. Book of Mormon Selections is available in another 25 languages.