SALT LAKE CITY - A rare lunar eclipse set to happen this weekend has prompted the Mormon church to issue a statement to followers warning them not to worry about apocalyptic speculation that is running high.

The church cautioned followers to not get caught up in speculation about a major calamity. It's unclear how many Mormons buy the theory, but leaders were worried enough that they took the rare step of issuing the statement.

Sunday night's "blood moon" has led to a rise in sales at emergency preparedness retailers. And catastrophic world events and apocalyptic statements by a Mormon author have only heightened fears among a small number of Mormon followers about the looming end of time.

The eclipse will give the moon a red tint and make it look larger than usual.