The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has appointed Rafii Haji from Dublin as the new Recorder for the Preston England Temple to replace Graham Dunn who will now become the Area manager Europe West/East.
Rafii Haji was born in Los Angeles, California, where his Irish-born mother, Ena, had become a member of the Church. The family moved back to Dublin when he was a year old.
In 2000, he undertook two year’s voluntary service for the Church as a missionary in the London area before continuing his education. He then received a first-class honours degree as a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) in 2007 and qualified as an Associated Chartered Accountant in 2011.
He began his career as a Chartered Accountant with PwC. In recent years, he has held a number of senior positions with SEB Life International.
During this time, he has also been involved in Church leadership including a five year stint as bishop, or pastor, for a congregation in west Dublin. This position was unpaid and, like all bishops, Rafii continued to pursue his career and serve in the Church during his remaining time.
He married Emily Driscoll in 2011 and they have two daughters (Ailia is five and Brielle was born earlier this year). Emily is from West Sussex in England. Her parents and her grandparents on both sides are all Church members. Emily’s work background is in childcare and she was employed in that sector in the UK for a number of years.
The primary role of the Temple Recorder is to verify that all ordinances carried out in the temple are both performed and recorded correctly.
Rafii Haji had this to say as he prepared to take up this hugely important responsibility:
“I'm so excited and humbled to be a part of this great work. The temple has always been a special place for me, as it is for many members of the church. It's a sacred place, where holy ordinances are received, that bring us closer to God. I will do all I can to contribute to this wonderful work.”