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Exploring the Impact of Mormons in Cambodia

Jon Summers05 mins

Mormon Community Growth in Cambodia

Cambodia has witnessed a remarkable increase in its Mormon population, growing from a minimal number of members a decade ago to over 12,000 individuals today. The North Phnom Penh Stake Center serves as a key location for Sunday services, showcasing the vibrant community that has formed around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Old photographs sit in boxes for sale in a shop in the western Cambodian city of Battambang. Cambodians fleeing the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s left many family heirlooms behind.
Old photographs sit in boxes for sale in a shop in the western Cambodian city of Battambang. Cambodians fleeing the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s left many family heirlooms behind.

As part of this growth, Stake President Eng Bunhuoch encourages his congregation to delve into genealogical research. However, the interplay of Cambodia’s turbulent history has made many parishioners hesitant to explore their past.

Physician Lim Keuky, the president of the Cambodian Diabetes Association, wants people in his country to engage in family history research to help Cambodians better understand the chances of inheriting diseases from past generations.
Physician Lim Keuky, the president of the Cambodian Diabetes Association, wants people in his country to engage in family history research to help Cambodians better understand the chances of inheriting diseases from past generations.

The Importance of Family History Research

Family history research is vital not only for preserving heritage but also for uncovering potential health risks. Research has demonstrated that many genetic illnesses can be traced through familial lines. Engaging in this kind of research has the potential to improve the overall health of the Cambodian population.

Stake President Eng Bunhuoch, a lay leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Phnom Penh, speaks on the phone in the family history office at his church.
Stake President Eng Bunhuoch, a lay leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Phnom Penh, speaks on the phone in the family history office at his church.

Challenges Faced by the Community

The Church is currently in the process of digitizing handwritten records into an online database, which aims to facilitate easier access to genealogical records. Despite these advancements, many members still express reluctance to engage deeply with their family histories due to the impact of Cambodia’s dark past, particularly the Khmer Rouge era.

A family history librarian reviews the record of a parishioner from the North Phnom Penh Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A family history librarian reviews the record of a parishioner from the North Phnom Penh Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Stake President Eng Bunhuoch highlights the significance of this research, noting that even he took years before he was ready to dive into his family history. Consequently, he works diligently to create a supportive environment where others feel encouraged to explore their ancestry.

Eng looks over his online family history profile. Even though he's been trying to get other Cambodians to engage in genealogical research, he acknowledges that he was a member of the church for many years before he was ready to do so himself.
Eng looks over his online family history profile. Even though he’s been trying to get other Cambodians to engage in genealogical research, he acknowledges that he was a member of the church for many years before he was ready to do so himself.

In conclusion, the burgeoning Mormon community in Cambodia is doing more than just expanding its numbers. Through a commitment to understanding their ancestry, they are seeking to improve health outcomes and preserve their rich heritage, even amid the challenges presented by their history.


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