Mormons allow more technology, smartphones for missionaries

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’s gradual embrace of the digital age for missionaries is taking another step forward as the religion doubles the missions where technology is allowed and swaps out tablets for smartphones.

The Church said in a news release Friday the change signals ongoing adaption to reflect how people communicate and interact. The religion says most missionaries in the future will bring smartphones.

The move comes after the Utah-based religion launched a program to give some missionaries tablets in 2014 and the year before loosened rules on internet use for missionaries.

The church also said Friday that it’s implementing a set of 16 standardized questions designed to ensure local lay leaders properly screen prospective missionaries. Previously, lay leaders received only general guidance.

There are nearly 70,000 missionaries.