The Mormon church says two of its U.S. members are being detained by Russian authorities, and church officials are criticizing the move as disturbing and unwarranted. Eric Hawkins, spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told Fox News the young men were serving as Mormon volunteers in Novorossiyk, a port city in southern Russia. Hawkins said they have been detained since Friday, when they were taken from a meeting. — Eric Hawkins, spokesman, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsThe church refers to the two men as volunteers, not missionaries, as it customarily does, because Russia does not permit proselytizing. RELATED: RUSSIA'S PLAN TO DISCONNECT FROM INTERNET RAISES GREAT FIREWALL FEARSMeanwhile, Russian officials on Wednesday said they were unaware of the detentions, according to published reports.

Source: Fox News March 06, 2019 15:45 UTC