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SALT LAKE CITY -- A new law in Switzerland could soon block foreign missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from serving in the country.

According to a report published on the Swiss news website Swiss Info, a new regulation will take full effect in 2012 that restricts work permits for foreigners from outside of the European Union. Since missionary work is considered by the Swiss government as a means of gainful employment, it is subject to the restrictions.

More than a dozen members of Congress have sent a letter to the Swiss government seeking an exception for Latter-day Saint missionaries -- who are not paid.

The Church issued a statement in response, saying in part, "We hope a solution can be found that allows missionaries, regardless of their country of origin, to continue to serve the Swiss people."

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