The EconomistAUCKLAND, New Zealand 11 November 2008 ? Last week's edition of The Economist contrasted Utah's healthy economy with economies in other areas and attributed that state's success, in part, to the hidden economic strength of a large population of Latter -day Saint families living there. Many people associate Mormons with Utah and other western states of the United States . But there are now more members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in other parts of the world than there are living in North America . “Mormon parents throughout New Zealand, and the world over, dedicate one night a week to teach values such as honesty, integrity and hard work to their children,” says Philip Hague, a spokesman for the Church in New Zealand. “And if you attend a Mormon worship service on any given Sunday, you will hear hymns, sermons and lessons that focus on rolling up your sleeves and making a difference in your home and community.” There are around 100,000 Latter-day Saints belonging to over 200 congregations in New Zealand, and approximately 1.2 million members in the Asia-Pacific region. The worldwide membership of the Church is approaching 14 million. |