The Church has been granted recognition in Czechoslovakia and a new mission will be created with headquarters in Prague, the First Presidency announced this week.

In addition, the lands of Romania and Bulgaria have been dedicated.Under the direction of the First Presidency, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Council of the Twelve; Elder Hans B. Ringger of the First Quorum of the Seventy; and Pres. Jiri Snederfler, Czechoslovakia district president, met in Prague on Feb. 6 with Deputy Prime Minister Josef Hromadka.

"We discussed the application that Pres. Snederfler presented to the government a couple of years ago in behalf of the Czech saints requesting recognition for the Church in Czechoslovakia," explained Elder Nelson.

The application for recognition was approved by the Czech Republic on Feb. 21.

"We received recognition, not as a new church, but as a church that was established in the country over 60 years ago," Elder Nelson said. "Our status has been restored as a recognized church in the Czech Republic.

"This means our members will be able to worship in full dignity as they once did," explained Elder Nelson. "It means we will be able to buy and sell property. We will look for a place in which the saints can meet. Missionaries will return again to Czechoslovakia."

Czechoslovakia was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel on July 24, 1929, by Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Quorum of the Twelve. Arthur Gaeth served as the first mission president. At the outbreak of World War II, the missionaries left Czechoslovakia, returning after the war in 1946. Missionaries served in the country until 1950, at which time they were again required to leave the country.

Today, there are about six branches of the Church in Czechoslovakia.

In their meeting with Dr. Hromadka, the LDS leaders asked if there was any service the Church could render for the Czech people. "We don't need material goods or technology," Elder Nelson quoted Dr. Hromadka as saying. "We need a new spirit. We need moral values. We need the Judeo-Christian ethic back in our curriculum. Please help us make this a time of spiritual renewal for our nation."

After their meetings in Czechoslovakia, Elder Nelson and Elder Ringger went to Bucharest, Romania, on Feb. 8-9.

In downtown Bucharest in Cismigiu Park (which means "One who carries water"), Elder Nelson dedicated the land of Romania for the blessings of the Loard. "We invoked a blessing upon the country, its people and its leaders," Elder Nelson related.

In Romania, Elder Nelson and Elder Ringger met with the ministers of justice, health and religion, and other dignitaries, including the mayor of Bucharest and members of the district council.

"We asked them how we could be of help (to their nation). They indicated that one of the major problems they have is in the operation of orphanges. They estimate there are more than 30,000 orphans in Bucharest alone.

"So The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be rendering assistance, such as clothing, antibiotics, and serum for inoculations and vaccinations," Elder Nelson said.

"But we foresee even a greater need, and this is the need for teaching. We hope to have qualififed couples go there and render assistance where they are needed most. We hope for couples to go with the spirit of Ammon (in the Book of Mormon) and render help where help is needed."

From Romania, Elder Nelson and Elder Ringger went to Sofia, Bulgaria. There in Park Na Svobodata (which means "Liberty"), on Feb. 13, Elder Nelson dedicated the country for the blessings of the Lord.

"In that prayer there was the same feeling of desire (as in the prayer in Romania) for the blessings of the Loard to be upon that country and its people," said Elder Nelson.

While in Bulgariea, the visiting leaders met with the deputy minister of foreign affairs, Dr. Lubomir Propov, and with leaders of radio, television and newspapers. "They were very interested in our visit," declared Elder Nelson.