{"id":21103,"date":"2026-07-02T16:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/morefaith.in\/?p=21103"},"modified":"2026-07-02T15:49:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T10:19:11","slug":"%e0%b0%af%e0%b1%87%e0%b0%b8%e0%b1%81%e0%b0%95%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%b0%e0%b1%80%e0%b0%b8%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%a4%e0%b1%81-%e0%b0%9a%e0%b0%b0%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%9a%e0%b0%bf%e0%b0%b2%e0%b1%8b-%e0%b0%a1%e0%b0%ac%e0%b1%8d","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/morefaith.in\/en\/beliefs\/qa\/%e0%b0%af%e0%b1%87%e0%b0%b8%e0%b1%81%e0%b0%95%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%b0%e0%b1%80%e0%b0%b8%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%a4%e0%b1%81-%e0%b0%9a%e0%b0%b0%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%9a%e0%b0%bf%e0%b0%b2%e0%b1%8b-%e0%b0%a1%e0%b0%ac%e0%b1%8d\/","title":{"rendered":"How money is used in the Church of Jesus Christ"},"content":{"rendered":"

For reflection<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Published by the More Faith Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few years ago, a BusinessWeek article received a lot of publicity because of its cover. The cover mocked a sacred event in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are known as \u201cMormons.\u201d The cover was released before the article and received immediate criticism from journalism experts, including Rick Edmonds. Edmonds is a media business analyst at the Poynter Institute. They are known for helping journalism professionals maintain journalistic integrity and monitor instances of bias. Edmonds told the Deseret News:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs someone who has been following the coverage of politics and faith, and more specifically, 'the Mormon issue,' over the past year, I see this as a major setback. I thought we had overcome the problem of ridiculing the sacred images of other religions, even radical Muslims, let alone our American colleagues. I doubt the story is as out of touch as the cover, but on its own, it crosses the line between journalism and intolerance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The accompanying article discussed the Church's financial situation. Much of the article contained misleading information and did not present an accurate picture of the history. This is partly because it is difficult to write about another person's faith, and due to a lack of depth and understanding of various aspects of that religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding just one aspect of a religion implies understanding other factors that journalists, for the most part, don't have time to address. You must, in fact, understand that religion and how its finances differ from corporate finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: ChurchofJesusChrist.org<\/mark><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How is money used within the Church of Jesus Christ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Church finances are frequently discussed publicly by its leaders. Twice a year, the Church holds a conference that is broadcast worldwide and also published in the official magazine and on the website. In 1995, Gordon B. Hinckley, who was then the president of the Church, answered a series of questions from members, including questions about financing. The complete answer, rather than the brief excerpt used in this article, gives a clearer understanding of the Church's financial affairs. There are two questions related to Church finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Hinckley explained that the majority of the Church's assets are concentrated in Church buildings\u2014temples, schools, religious education buildings for teenagers and college students, welfare facilities, genealogical facilities, and mission buildings. He emphasized that these do not generate income, but rather utilize resources. They are built not to create wealth, but to support the work of the Church and to uplift and assist members. This is one way in which religious finance differs from secular finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latter-day Saints believe in being financially responsible. Members are not taught to seek wealth, but rather to become responsible in their use of money, avoiding debt and maintaining savings for times of financial hardship. At a time when many churches are closing due to excessive debt or declining tithes, Latter-day Saints know they must be prepared to be self-reliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2009 report by a US public television channel on religion and finance reported a steady increase in the number of church bankruptcies. A church that closes its doors can no longer carry out God's work, so, as part of their determination to be financially responsible, Latter-day Saints have taken steps to ensure they do not face similar problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Church has no debt, a feat almost unheard of in modern times, particularly in the secular world, and this means that tithe money is not wasted on paying interest. While many churches expand using borrowed money, The Church of Jesus Christ makes sure it has the money before starting a project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: ChurchofJesusChrist.org<\/mark><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Leaders in the Church do not choose religion as a career.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PBS report also mentioned how churches began operating private businesses like shopping malls to help them weather financial difficulties. Regarding this, President Hinckley explained that commercial enterprises could not sustain the Church for a significant period of time. They are, however, used to further the Church's mission, not to enrich its leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Church leaders do not receive a share of the \u201cprofits\u201d and therefore have no personal motivation in the businesses. Most Church leaders work without pay; the few who work full-time may receive a modest salary if necessary. The salary is much less than what most of them would earn in their personal careers. And this salary comes from for-profit businesses, not from tithes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Church leaders do not choose religion as a career. They have ordinary careers and serve in a variety of positions in the Church on a voluntary basis. Those chosen for the most responsible positions, such as apostles and prophets, are selected from among ordinary Church members, usually at a later age after they are well established in their secular careers. They are then required to leave their paid employment and serve for the rest of their lives. Many have not yet reached retirement age before being called to these positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latter-day Saints believe that they should not be prevented from accepting a call to serve simply because they are not wealthy and independent. President Thomas S. Monson, for example, was only thirty-five years old (an extraordinarily young age) when he became an apostle and was therefore far from retirement. Very few people could stop working at such a young age and support themselves for the rest of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: ChurchofJesusChrist.org<\/mark><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Humanitarian aid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that the humanitarian aid mentioned in the article represents a small fraction of all charitable works carried out by the Church. Local congregations provide their own humanitarian aid which is not included in the overall totals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the Church as a whole has a variety of programs that are not considered part of the official humanitarian aid program, including vocational training programs, language courses for immigrants, literacy programs, parenting classes, and financial training. Each program costs money, but they are not part of the humanitarian aid program, which is a distinct initiative from specific programs, unrelated to religion, nationality, or ethnicity. The humanitarian program is a specific agency for carrying out some initiatives, but it is only part of the bigger picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some programs specifically target Church members, we must remember that when this happens, they do not need to utilize services offered by the government or other charities, leaving those funds available for those belonging to churches that lack sufficient resources or who do not belong to any church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most community food banks should be prepared to serve anyone in need without having to ration food. Often, the food provided by these banks is insufficient, and families are forced to seek help from one place to another. Latter-day Saints are not subject to these problems; each can go to their food bank, called the bishop's storehouse, where people receive everything they truly need to meet their needs for a period of time, including food, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, baby items, and general supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the Church can help with public services and medical care when needed. This is why many charitable organizations specialize in one aspect or only serve a limited number of people. For example, some charities work only with immigrants, and others only with people who have a specific disability. The more specialized the assistance, the more comprehensive it can be within a community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image: ChurchofJesusChrist.org<\/mark><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Responsibility in managing money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The finances of a religion cannot be analyzed in the same way as a for-profit business, especially if the journalist does not understand how non-profit organizations, and specifically churches, use their resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints require resources, and most churches have learned that they cannot rely solely on tithing to cover their many expenses. Many churches have turned to other sources of income, including non-religious businesses \u2013 and often these end up failing. Financial responsibility includes creating the necessary conditions to fulfill the mission of one's religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the August 2018 edition of the Liahona, the official magazine of the Church, Bishop G\u00e9rald Causs\u00e9 said : <\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn our day, the instructions contained in section 120 of the Doctrine and Covenants continue to be meticulously applied. Every first Friday of December, the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric meet to review and approve the allocation of the Church\u2019s sacred funds based on estimates of tithes and offerings for the following year. Holding this council ensures that decisions are made in a spirit of mutual counsel, revelation, and unanimity. As leaders in the Church, we continually feel our great responsibility to use the sacred tithes and offerings in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the conclusion of his article, Bishop Causs\u00e9 shared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSometimes we hear some people describe the Church today as a powerful and prosperous institution. That may be true, but the strength of the Church cannot be measured merely by the number or beauty of its buildings or by its financial or real estate resources. As President Hinckley once said, \u2018In reality, the only true wealth of the Church is the faith of its people.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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