In this newsletter: What it means to fundraise in order to save your child's life, why I want the LDS church to spend its money as fast as it possibly can, a menu-planning guide, and a house tour in Toronto. Come see.
I have a really hard time understanding how you can stay in a religion that hoards money like this while not helping it’s “flock” as you call it. The hypocrisy of organized religion, to me, makes being a believer and follower almost impossible. I am glad you find solace and happiness in your faith but I don’t understand it.
I hear you, Matty. But I feel the same way about football (which I see in your profile you're a big fan of). I have a really hard time understanding how anyone can support the NFL or even football in schools. I suppose you find enjoyment in seeing boys and men, often Black men, permanently injure themselves for your entertainment (including brain injuries that increase violence toward their families), but I don't understand it.
I mean...ouch. But I think that's fair. I often say that the NFL does everything it can to make me hate it - what you talk about is fair, and the way they reward people like Deshaun Watson and Tyreek Hill (currently the highest paid players at their positions, and each with serious histories of sexual assault/abuse, at least allegedly) is disgusting. I don't pretend it's without misgivings. But I guess for me it's not like I believe in the NFL as a guiding principle or a way to base my morals and ethics on. And I also recognize that the capital c Church isn't the only way to practice a religion. I apologize if my first comment came across as saying you were WRONG, I don't believe that. I just don't get it personally. Such differences are what make the world go 'round, I guess.
You're right of course, practicing a religion feels very different (more important? deeper? more formative?) than being a fan of football. Your criticism is valid — I sometimes find it hard to understand why ANYONE practices ANY religion, including my own. Religions are organizations run by humans and are bound to be not just flawed, but corrupt and cruel.
I've toyed with sharing a newsletter or post that goes in depth into my thoughts on Mormonism. I think it would be really long. Maybe I should do that. But sometimes I feel pressured to write that post, and it makes me resistant because I don't believe I OWE anyone a defense of my personal religious beliefs.
Anyway, I'm not going to offer a long, deep explanation in this comment, but I can say that I find so much of Mormon doctrine really expansive. I love our teachings of eternal progression, existence before birth, of seeking out beauty, our concept of [non]Hell, of female deity, of Eve as the hero not the villain. I love how congregations function at a local level and are set up for practical service to those in need. Congregations also have an "it takes a village" attitude toward raising kids that is hugely beneficial to me as a parent. I love our tradition of blessings from a local religious patriarch (it's sort of Tarot for Mormons), and that we believe in continuing revelation. I love that we know we don't know everything about God or the after-life or what we should be doing on Earth and that we are open to learning more, and expect to learn more. I love that I was taught that Mormon doctrine can make room for any scientific developments. I love singing hymns with the congregation each week.
I've been a Mormon all my life. I really enjoy problem-solving and thinking through solutions — I'm often good at it. And all that thinking is definitely formed and filtered through much of what I've learned as a church member. We're all on a spiritual path or non-path, and mine is Mormonism.
Gabby, I would really love to hear from you about your thoughts on staying in the church even if it's a long explanation. I would read every word of it! Like you, I was born into a faithful Mormon family in Utah. I was raised to be a true believing Mormon. My dad was a bishop and is now a stake president. My parents and 6 siblings are all still active members (they're my favorite and the best people I know). I was married in the temple at 19 and had my first baby at 21. I left Mormonism about 6 years ago because of the fatally flawed origins of the church, the narcissism and dishonesty of its founder and early leaders, the hypocrisy of its modern leaders, and the bungling of LGBTQ+ and race issues. There was too much bad for me to stay.
I know you don't owe anyone an explanation, but I think it would be really helpful for people who are struggling with their faith to hear from someone who is well-versed in the issues, and who still supports and attends. It might give them the courage to make a choice, whether that's leaving or staying. Again, you definitely don't owe anyone that explanation, but it would be super interesting to hear your full perspective.
I feel like some of the things you listed (Eve being the hero, divine feminine) are rarely talked about in weekly church practice, and I agree that those are some of the coolest doctrines. Leaving Mormonism or staying and being a progressive Mormon is not the same as practicing progressive or cultural Judaism or Catholicism, either. If you leave Mormonism, you get basically nothing of your heritage. You cannot participate in the rites and rituals of Mormonism if you are not a full-fledged, garment-wearing, temple-attending, tithing-paying member. All this means that you have been vetted by your bishop to be worthy enough to participate in those rites and rituals. If you are not attending church, not paying tithing, not wearing your garments, you're not approved for participation.
I've been reading your blog for at least 10 years and I really respect your open-minded outlook. All this to say that I know it would open a whole can of worms to hear your perspective, but I think it could be worth it. Plus, could it really be worse than the hate comments you get on your brilliant Twitter threads?! :)
I'll think about it MJ, and actually yes, the hate comments would definitely be much worse. I know this from experience. Mormons who don't think I'm Mormon-ing correctly, and that includes ex-mormons, generally leave the cruelest comments.
One thing I will mention though, what you wrote here has not been my experience:
"You cannot participate in the rites and rituals of Mormonism if you are not a full-fledged, garment-wearing, temple-attending, tithing-paying member."
I agree with you MJ - I would love to hear more about how Gabrielle (Hello again Gabrielle!) approaches her membership in an organized religion. I had the same feelings as you describe regarding my Catholic upbringing. And it is a bit all-or-none too. When I was a teenager, my Sunday school teacher taught us that if you don't go to confessional (ie, telling a priest your sins) and truly repent of every sin you have committed, you face going to hell. And as I grew older and saw all of the loved ones I knew had committed these "sins" - swearing! as in gosh dangit only stronger - or using contraceptives - or missing Mass - I wondered how in the world God could possibly banish people to hell for such things. And the Catholic church technically does not allow full participation (meaning the ability to receive communion) to people who had sinned (hence the controversy over Joe Biden receiving communion while a Democrat). It's so complicated these days (particularly with politics thrown in), and Gabrielle you have such an amazing way of sorting through all of this - I second MJ's thought and would love to see more discussion if it's not too difficult or too personal or just not worth the inevitable hassle! ;-]
This is a tough one, Matty. We all support institutions, live in countries, and vote for people who aren’t perfect and often oppress others. It’s almost impossible not to do and we all have to live with the pain and cognitive dissonance that stems from that. Thanks for your thoughtful question and response. I’m a progressive Mormon like Gabrielle and the answer is that it’s hard. Just like it’s hard for me to look at all of the issues in America and still live here. And how I cringe when I order a textbook from Amazon because they have the cheapest price. That’s the pain of being human and we are doing the best we can to change these systems and add light where we can.
Oh I love this - thank you all - Matty, Gabrielle, Moriah - for sharing more thoughts on this point. I have left organized religion (as I've commented on this post) and have often been torn about it because there is, in fact, so much good to be learned through it. And you hit the nail on the head Moriah when you explain how so very much of our everyday lives involves compromising, in some ways, our principles in order to get the "good part" that we want. There is definitely a balance, and each of us has to figure out where we fit. Fabulous perspectives all around.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply, Jean! This is something I’ve really been working on in therapy-accepting the ways we fall short and participate in harmful systems and how that’s part of living. It’s painful and uncomfortable but something we all have to accept and just try our best. I literally googled “countries with no history of oppression or colonialism” recently thinking I could find somewhere to move so I didn’t have to deal with the heartache of living in a broken country that refuses to look at how slavery has shaped it. I couldn’t find a single place! So I’m here trying my best to make sense of it and trying not to criticize how others are trying their best. It’s not easy to leave institutions and countries behind so we have to find a way to wade through the mess and try to make it better.
Hi Matty and Design Mom! I’m an ex-Mormon. I believe people stay in organized religion because they believe that the core teachings are true. I left not for historical or current issues that bothered me (although those things led me to question) but because I came to no longer believe that the teachings of the church were true. Questioning personal beliefs requires great courage. Many people may never do it, and the answers they come to if they do question their beliefs will vary. Design Mom, thank you for sharing your opinions and thoughts! I hope you keep doing so. We come to understanding when we listen to those who bravely share.
The LDS church is a massive organization with over 16 million people (last I read), and I don’t know of a particular point person for something like this. But you could reach out to the LDS Newsroom. I believe they have a Twitter account. I’ll think about this for a bit and see if anyone else comes to mind.
Same with the Catholic Church…money-hoarding and religion seem to go hand in hand. Of course the Catholics need that money to fight their ever-present lawsuits, but the results are the same. Shameful.
Thank you for sharing this. I gave what I could to the gofund me. We all can help, but what a shame there are such huge pots of money sitting around making more money and not helping anyone!
I agree 100% with you. It’s really most unlike what Jesus Christ did and would do! When my sister Jenn died from cancer, her husband was still paying the bill. The church could help so many people and instead they still require their members to give 10%. One of the many reasons I’m no longer in it.
I feel this way about all churches. My husband and I have worked hard in the public sector. He is retired Army followed by retiring from municipal employment. I am a retired educator. We have paid taxes - federal, state, property, sales - you name it! I am not complaining - we live in a very upscale home in an upscale subdivision, we drive nice cars, we travel, etc! My issue is that 5 different pastors are paid enough tax-free money by their mega churches that they also can live in this subdivision but ask their congregations to tithe, to volunteer, etc. then give nothing back to our communities other than “thoughts and prayers!” I was raised Catholic; my husband was raised in the Methodist church. We are both part of the growing numbers of people in this country who are done with churches and organized religion! (PS I know these pastors pay the same taxes I do - I’m talking about the fact the churches do not pay taxes on their profits!)
OH my goodness, I agree with you 100%. I was also raised Catholic, left and went to the Methodist church with my husband, but I am so done with it all. (Not done with God, we're still good!). As new shiny mega churches are being built up all around, I can see the hypocrisy with such clarity. It's just another way to make money - these people are "using" God, not honoring Him/Her.
I wish this particular article could go nationwide! This is so true about ALL churches (just about). You framed what could be done with the money so well!
Thank you for speaking out on this issue (and all the social issues you confront). I appreciate that your efforts to change your church are more effective from within.
Churches with this amount of wealth and power should have never been tax-exempt and should effectively have to pay wealth taxes if they are not using it for charity. The greed within organized religions has been toxic for thousands of years and the U.S. should be actively fighting it. We should all write to our local and federal politicians to address this issue.
I could probably talk for days on this topic, and I'm so grateful that you've brought it up. I've always admired your ability to see things so clearly and compassionately - from abortion to gun control to pretty much every topic you bring up. And I have always been curious about how you view religion, particularly Mormonism, within this context. I was raised relatively strict Catholic, but left the church in my early 20s. My husband and I found a wonderful Methodist church, but then a new pastor arrived and the whole money-centric thing happened. The church built an enormous new building with state-of-the-art everything, spent $100k on a Steinway grand and then decided they needed a huge organ because a donor wanted it, etc etc. We have both left organized religion. I have come to realize that organized religion is much more about money and power than anything else. The church leadership get lots of money, they use it to (among other things) buy off politicians (power) in order to remain tax-free so they have even more money. Then they get their congregations riled up around some very un-Christian thing like shunning LGBTQ+ people (where in the bible does it say we should hate people???) and the minions give more money to the church and feel holy. I am spiritual. I am not religious. I can see God in nature, in my children, in love, in a diversity of people so vast I will never know it all. I hope for all the best for Jessica and George. Thank you for sharing this!
I’m an ex-Mormon now. But agree with you 100%. When I think of the amount of good they could and should do it makes me so sad… and when I think of all those years I gave an honest and fair tithe thinking the church needed it (and at a cost to my family- less resources for us - every single check hurt) it makes me so angry…
Thanks for bringing this awful condition to light, Gabrielle. It’s sad that it’s hard to rally support around a cause because it’s not common.
I, too, wish the church and other big organizations had different tax laws and gave away more. I heard a rumor on tik tok (so take this with a grain of salt!) that Kris Jenner started a church in order to not pay taxes. The way that tax laws are set up make it so easy for people to take advantage of this and that’s infuriating. I want to say one thing, and that’s that I have seen the church help members in smaller ways that I think are significant. My old congregation was paying for dozens of people to attend therapy. They paid my husband’s rent and gave him food when he lost his job. I know that they provide humanitarian relief aid to people on the ground when disaster strikes. I don’t think that’s nothing. But I also think they could do more to solve large, global issues. I work for a non-profit trying to cure Alzheimer’s Disease. So much good could be done if large corporations were forced to give, and it would be great to see the church leading the charge in that. So I guess I’m trying to be positive and also recognize the good that is already happening, but also say that we have a long ways to go.
I appreciate your comment, Moriah. It's true! I see the church do amazing things — especially at the local level in wards and communities. And like you I just want to see it do more! more! more! The church has millions and millions of members ready and willing to help with this. It seems like the biggest section of the church office building should be dedicated to a massive team of people who just field requests and send money.
This is a fantastic newsletter and I wholeheartedly agree with the points you brought up. Just this week in Sunday school, an area leader brought up the fact that the church is building temples more quickly than it is growing so we need to increase our dedication to temple work. And my immediate thought was, “Or perhaps they can pump the breaks on temple building and rebuild Ukraine?” The church does a lot of good, but the numbers don’t add up and it NEEDS to be doing so much more. Let’s rebuild countries, cure diseases, expand services to underserved areas, etc. Thank you so so much for sharing!
I was surprised when I read your post. Mainly because I think the Church of Jesus Christ donates to over 2000 organizations or partners globally. They do a lot of giving! This is an article from 2018 so a little out of date, but it does sound like they are trying to support (which I interpret as donate) to Rare Genetic Diseases and and NORD research organizations and families.
I have only seen a lot of good come from our local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ where we live. No one is paid. Leaders, including myself at times, are generous with Church funds and services.
Globally I have also seen a lot of good as the Church of Jesus Christ has donated to many good organizations. Could they do more? Maybe, but we aren't there working for a global charity trying to get money distributed globally to those who need it most without wasting it. Is it hoarding? Probably not. No one is Church uses donations for extravagant lifestyles and hoarding it for themselves. Prudence? Yes. They invest a lot of money, donate a lot of money, invest in education, create jobs, etc. The list is long. I will happily donate to an organization that I know isn't wasting my donation.
No need to feel defensive. I think lots of people would agree the Church philanthropy department does some really admirable and important work. To be clear, that's a completely separate budget. It doesn't touch the $100 Billion+.
From what I understand, the church gives approximately $40M per year to humanitarian efforts. That's a lot of money, but it's .0004% of $100 Billion. And remember, $100B is only the investment portfolio, it's not the full net worth of the church organization.
As a comparison example, Walmart donates about .4% of net worth and we criticize that as a shamefully low charity giving amount — yet it's 1000x more than the church is giving.
It's an understatement to say that we can do much better.
Ha! Ha! You did call it right. I am a little defensive of my religion. I see the good it does and love being a part of it. But, that said you did help put things into perspective. We can always do better. It is good to have these conversations. You have a way of talking about things and still are very respectful and honest. I like that about your blog!
I was raised Catholic and then joined the Mormon Church at the age of 16. 16 years later I left and since then, I have just simply been me, sitting comfortably with my values and more rounded view of the world and its inhabitants. I have a distinct dislike for religious institutions and knowing they sit on a disgusting amount of wealth whilst continuing to take from their brethren, many of whom are poor and vulnerable, is shameful. It would be wonderful if church-going Mormons, for the next 12 months just diverted their tithe into a fund for this little boy and others and watch their money in action for causes other than those that continue to subject them to their masters e.g. 'get to the this new temple and show how grateful you are for such lavish buildings provided to you our most worthiest'. It would send a powerful message. P. S I like to dream. xx
Anecdotally I've heard that it did. To be clear: not stopping tithes, just redirecting the funds. For example, I've been sending my tithes directly to aide organizations outside the church (worldwide and local) for over a decade. Quite a few Mormons started doing this when church spending and lack of transparency were looked into at the time. So the 2019 whistleblower announcement didn't change my tithing habits (though it did reinforce my decision to tithe to organizations outside the church).
I've heard that since 2019, other church members are redirecting their tithes to other organizations as well. But there are still lots of church members who prefer sending tithes to the church and letting the church decide how to use the funds.
I also want to be clear: I have never heard even a hint that church leaders are funneling this money to themselves, or buying fancy houses, or taking luxe vacations at 5-star resorts. By all accounts, even the top leaders live a very middle class life. So it's not like the funds are frivolously being thrown around, they are just sitting there, helping no one.
Yes! That's what my husband and I do - the money we used to tithe, we are now giving directly to charities themselves. An added benefit of this direct giving is that his employer matches donations to many charities, so our money goes further.
Hi Karrin. Thanks for the link. I always love hearing about the church supporting aide projects. The problem of course, it that it could do literally 1000 times as much giving in dollar amounts and that wouldn't even be .5% of the church's net worth. From what I understand, the church does about $40 million dollars in humanitarian spending each year. That's so much money! And yet, it's only .0004% of $100 billion. And the church is worth WAY MORE than $100 billion (the $100 billion is just its investment fund). I don't think anyone should be impressed with the church's humanitarian spending — it's actually embarrassingly low. And remember, the church doesn't pay taxes.
I have a really hard time understanding how you can stay in a religion that hoards money like this while not helping it’s “flock” as you call it. The hypocrisy of organized religion, to me, makes being a believer and follower almost impossible. I am glad you find solace and happiness in your faith but I don’t understand it.
I hear you, Matty. But I feel the same way about football (which I see in your profile you're a big fan of). I have a really hard time understanding how anyone can support the NFL or even football in schools. I suppose you find enjoyment in seeing boys and men, often Black men, permanently injure themselves for your entertainment (including brain injuries that increase violence toward their families), but I don't understand it.
I mean...ouch. But I think that's fair. I often say that the NFL does everything it can to make me hate it - what you talk about is fair, and the way they reward people like Deshaun Watson and Tyreek Hill (currently the highest paid players at their positions, and each with serious histories of sexual assault/abuse, at least allegedly) is disgusting. I don't pretend it's without misgivings. But I guess for me it's not like I believe in the NFL as a guiding principle or a way to base my morals and ethics on. And I also recognize that the capital c Church isn't the only way to practice a religion. I apologize if my first comment came across as saying you were WRONG, I don't believe that. I just don't get it personally. Such differences are what make the world go 'round, I guess.
You're right of course, practicing a religion feels very different (more important? deeper? more formative?) than being a fan of football. Your criticism is valid — I sometimes find it hard to understand why ANYONE practices ANY religion, including my own. Religions are organizations run by humans and are bound to be not just flawed, but corrupt and cruel.
I've toyed with sharing a newsletter or post that goes in depth into my thoughts on Mormonism. I think it would be really long. Maybe I should do that. But sometimes I feel pressured to write that post, and it makes me resistant because I don't believe I OWE anyone a defense of my personal religious beliefs.
Anyway, I'm not going to offer a long, deep explanation in this comment, but I can say that I find so much of Mormon doctrine really expansive. I love our teachings of eternal progression, existence before birth, of seeking out beauty, our concept of [non]Hell, of female deity, of Eve as the hero not the villain. I love how congregations function at a local level and are set up for practical service to those in need. Congregations also have an "it takes a village" attitude toward raising kids that is hugely beneficial to me as a parent. I love our tradition of blessings from a local religious patriarch (it's sort of Tarot for Mormons), and that we believe in continuing revelation. I love that we know we don't know everything about God or the after-life or what we should be doing on Earth and that we are open to learning more, and expect to learn more. I love that I was taught that Mormon doctrine can make room for any scientific developments. I love singing hymns with the congregation each week.
I've been a Mormon all my life. I really enjoy problem-solving and thinking through solutions — I'm often good at it. And all that thinking is definitely formed and filtered through much of what I've learned as a church member. We're all on a spiritual path or non-path, and mine is Mormonism.
Gabby, I would really love to hear from you about your thoughts on staying in the church even if it's a long explanation. I would read every word of it! Like you, I was born into a faithful Mormon family in Utah. I was raised to be a true believing Mormon. My dad was a bishop and is now a stake president. My parents and 6 siblings are all still active members (they're my favorite and the best people I know). I was married in the temple at 19 and had my first baby at 21. I left Mormonism about 6 years ago because of the fatally flawed origins of the church, the narcissism and dishonesty of its founder and early leaders, the hypocrisy of its modern leaders, and the bungling of LGBTQ+ and race issues. There was too much bad for me to stay.
I know you don't owe anyone an explanation, but I think it would be really helpful for people who are struggling with their faith to hear from someone who is well-versed in the issues, and who still supports and attends. It might give them the courage to make a choice, whether that's leaving or staying. Again, you definitely don't owe anyone that explanation, but it would be super interesting to hear your full perspective.
I feel like some of the things you listed (Eve being the hero, divine feminine) are rarely talked about in weekly church practice, and I agree that those are some of the coolest doctrines. Leaving Mormonism or staying and being a progressive Mormon is not the same as practicing progressive or cultural Judaism or Catholicism, either. If you leave Mormonism, you get basically nothing of your heritage. You cannot participate in the rites and rituals of Mormonism if you are not a full-fledged, garment-wearing, temple-attending, tithing-paying member. All this means that you have been vetted by your bishop to be worthy enough to participate in those rites and rituals. If you are not attending church, not paying tithing, not wearing your garments, you're not approved for participation.
I've been reading your blog for at least 10 years and I really respect your open-minded outlook. All this to say that I know it would open a whole can of worms to hear your perspective, but I think it could be worth it. Plus, could it really be worse than the hate comments you get on your brilliant Twitter threads?! :)
I'll think about it MJ, and actually yes, the hate comments would definitely be much worse. I know this from experience. Mormons who don't think I'm Mormon-ing correctly, and that includes ex-mormons, generally leave the cruelest comments.
One thing I will mention though, what you wrote here has not been my experience:
"You cannot participate in the rites and rituals of Mormonism if you are not a full-fledged, garment-wearing, temple-attending, tithing-paying member."
I agree with you MJ - I would love to hear more about how Gabrielle (Hello again Gabrielle!) approaches her membership in an organized religion. I had the same feelings as you describe regarding my Catholic upbringing. And it is a bit all-or-none too. When I was a teenager, my Sunday school teacher taught us that if you don't go to confessional (ie, telling a priest your sins) and truly repent of every sin you have committed, you face going to hell. And as I grew older and saw all of the loved ones I knew had committed these "sins" - swearing! as in gosh dangit only stronger - or using contraceptives - or missing Mass - I wondered how in the world God could possibly banish people to hell for such things. And the Catholic church technically does not allow full participation (meaning the ability to receive communion) to people who had sinned (hence the controversy over Joe Biden receiving communion while a Democrat). It's so complicated these days (particularly with politics thrown in), and Gabrielle you have such an amazing way of sorting through all of this - I second MJ's thought and would love to see more discussion if it's not too difficult or too personal or just not worth the inevitable hassle! ;-]
This is a tough one, Matty. We all support institutions, live in countries, and vote for people who aren’t perfect and often oppress others. It’s almost impossible not to do and we all have to live with the pain and cognitive dissonance that stems from that. Thanks for your thoughtful question and response. I’m a progressive Mormon like Gabrielle and the answer is that it’s hard. Just like it’s hard for me to look at all of the issues in America and still live here. And how I cringe when I order a textbook from Amazon because they have the cheapest price. That’s the pain of being human and we are doing the best we can to change these systems and add light where we can.
Oh I love this - thank you all - Matty, Gabrielle, Moriah - for sharing more thoughts on this point. I have left organized religion (as I've commented on this post) and have often been torn about it because there is, in fact, so much good to be learned through it. And you hit the nail on the head Moriah when you explain how so very much of our everyday lives involves compromising, in some ways, our principles in order to get the "good part" that we want. There is definitely a balance, and each of us has to figure out where we fit. Fabulous perspectives all around.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply, Jean! This is something I’ve really been working on in therapy-accepting the ways we fall short and participate in harmful systems and how that’s part of living. It’s painful and uncomfortable but something we all have to accept and just try our best. I literally googled “countries with no history of oppression or colonialism” recently thinking I could find somewhere to move so I didn’t have to deal with the heartache of living in a broken country that refuses to look at how slavery has shaped it. I couldn’t find a single place! So I’m here trying my best to make sense of it and trying not to criticize how others are trying their best. It’s not easy to leave institutions and countries behind so we have to find a way to wade through the mess and try to make it better.
Hi Matty and Design Mom! I’m an ex-Mormon. I believe people stay in organized religion because they believe that the core teachings are true. I left not for historical or current issues that bothered me (although those things led me to question) but because I came to no longer believe that the teachings of the church were true. Questioning personal beliefs requires great courage. Many people may never do it, and the answers they come to if they do question their beliefs will vary. Design Mom, thank you for sharing your opinions and thoughts! I hope you keep doing so. We come to understanding when we listen to those who bravely share.
Could you give us an address to write to regarding LDS hoarding billions instead of helping poor and needy? Point person?
The LDS church is a massive organization with over 16 million people (last I read), and I don’t know of a particular point person for something like this. But you could reach out to the LDS Newsroom. I believe they have a Twitter account. I’ll think about this for a bit and see if anyone else comes to mind.
Same with the Catholic Church…money-hoarding and religion seem to go hand in hand. Of course the Catholics need that money to fight their ever-present lawsuits, but the results are the same. Shameful.
Exactly where my brain went too. 😔
Thank you for sharing this. I gave what I could to the gofund me. We all can help, but what a shame there are such huge pots of money sitting around making more money and not helping anyone!
Thank you, Catherine!
I agree 100% with you. It’s really most unlike what Jesus Christ did and would do! When my sister Jenn died from cancer, her husband was still paying the bill. The church could help so many people and instead they still require their members to give 10%. One of the many reasons I’m no longer in it.
I feel this way about all churches. My husband and I have worked hard in the public sector. He is retired Army followed by retiring from municipal employment. I am a retired educator. We have paid taxes - federal, state, property, sales - you name it! I am not complaining - we live in a very upscale home in an upscale subdivision, we drive nice cars, we travel, etc! My issue is that 5 different pastors are paid enough tax-free money by their mega churches that they also can live in this subdivision but ask their congregations to tithe, to volunteer, etc. then give nothing back to our communities other than “thoughts and prayers!” I was raised Catholic; my husband was raised in the Methodist church. We are both part of the growing numbers of people in this country who are done with churches and organized religion! (PS I know these pastors pay the same taxes I do - I’m talking about the fact the churches do not pay taxes on their profits!)
OH my goodness, I agree with you 100%. I was also raised Catholic, left and went to the Methodist church with my husband, but I am so done with it all. (Not done with God, we're still good!). As new shiny mega churches are being built up all around, I can see the hypocrisy with such clarity. It's just another way to make money - these people are "using" God, not honoring Him/Her.
You shouldn’t be reading my newsletter, Jill.
Please stay away this time!
I wish this particular article could go nationwide! This is so true about ALL churches (just about). You framed what could be done with the money so well!
Thank you for speaking out on this issue (and all the social issues you confront). I appreciate that your efforts to change your church are more effective from within.
Churches with this amount of wealth and power should have never been tax-exempt and should effectively have to pay wealth taxes if they are not using it for charity. The greed within organized religions has been toxic for thousands of years and the U.S. should be actively fighting it. We should all write to our local and federal politicians to address this issue.
I could probably talk for days on this topic, and I'm so grateful that you've brought it up. I've always admired your ability to see things so clearly and compassionately - from abortion to gun control to pretty much every topic you bring up. And I have always been curious about how you view religion, particularly Mormonism, within this context. I was raised relatively strict Catholic, but left the church in my early 20s. My husband and I found a wonderful Methodist church, but then a new pastor arrived and the whole money-centric thing happened. The church built an enormous new building with state-of-the-art everything, spent $100k on a Steinway grand and then decided they needed a huge organ because a donor wanted it, etc etc. We have both left organized religion. I have come to realize that organized religion is much more about money and power than anything else. The church leadership get lots of money, they use it to (among other things) buy off politicians (power) in order to remain tax-free so they have even more money. Then they get their congregations riled up around some very un-Christian thing like shunning LGBTQ+ people (where in the bible does it say we should hate people???) and the minions give more money to the church and feel holy. I am spiritual. I am not religious. I can see God in nature, in my children, in love, in a diversity of people so vast I will never know it all. I hope for all the best for Jessica and George. Thank you for sharing this!
I’m an ex-Mormon now. But agree with you 100%. When I think of the amount of good they could and should do it makes me so sad… and when I think of all those years I gave an honest and fair tithe thinking the church needed it (and at a cost to my family- less resources for us - every single check hurt) it makes me so angry…
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/latter-day-saint-charities-boosts-global-efforts-2020
Thanks for bringing this awful condition to light, Gabrielle. It’s sad that it’s hard to rally support around a cause because it’s not common.
I, too, wish the church and other big organizations had different tax laws and gave away more. I heard a rumor on tik tok (so take this with a grain of salt!) that Kris Jenner started a church in order to not pay taxes. The way that tax laws are set up make it so easy for people to take advantage of this and that’s infuriating. I want to say one thing, and that’s that I have seen the church help members in smaller ways that I think are significant. My old congregation was paying for dozens of people to attend therapy. They paid my husband’s rent and gave him food when he lost his job. I know that they provide humanitarian relief aid to people on the ground when disaster strikes. I don’t think that’s nothing. But I also think they could do more to solve large, global issues. I work for a non-profit trying to cure Alzheimer’s Disease. So much good could be done if large corporations were forced to give, and it would be great to see the church leading the charge in that. So I guess I’m trying to be positive and also recognize the good that is already happening, but also say that we have a long ways to go.
I appreciate your comment, Moriah. It's true! I see the church do amazing things — especially at the local level in wards and communities. And like you I just want to see it do more! more! more! The church has millions and millions of members ready and willing to help with this. It seems like the biggest section of the church office building should be dedicated to a massive team of people who just field requests and send money.
I love that idea! I hope to see that happen someday.
This is a fantastic newsletter and I wholeheartedly agree with the points you brought up. Just this week in Sunday school, an area leader brought up the fact that the church is building temples more quickly than it is growing so we need to increase our dedication to temple work. And my immediate thought was, “Or perhaps they can pump the breaks on temple building and rebuild Ukraine?” The church does a lot of good, but the numbers don’t add up and it NEEDS to be doing so much more. Let’s rebuild countries, cure diseases, expand services to underserved areas, etc. Thank you so so much for sharing!
I was surprised when I read your post. Mainly because I think the Church of Jesus Christ donates to over 2000 organizations or partners globally. They do a lot of giving! This is an article from 2018 so a little out of date, but it does sound like they are trying to support (which I interpret as donate) to Rare Genetic Diseases and and NORD research organizations and families.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/church-providing-awareness-support-for-latter-day-saint-families-facing-rare-diseases?lang=eng
I have only seen a lot of good come from our local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ where we live. No one is paid. Leaders, including myself at times, are generous with Church funds and services.
Globally I have also seen a lot of good as the Church of Jesus Christ has donated to many good organizations. Could they do more? Maybe, but we aren't there working for a global charity trying to get money distributed globally to those who need it most without wasting it. Is it hoarding? Probably not. No one is Church uses donations for extravagant lifestyles and hoarding it for themselves. Prudence? Yes. They invest a lot of money, donate a lot of money, invest in education, create jobs, etc. The list is long. I will happily donate to an organization that I know isn't wasting my donation.
https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets/humanitarian-services/PDFs/2020-ldsc-report.pdf
No need to feel defensive. I think lots of people would agree the Church philanthropy department does some really admirable and important work. To be clear, that's a completely separate budget. It doesn't touch the $100 Billion+.
From what I understand, the church gives approximately $40M per year to humanitarian efforts. That's a lot of money, but it's .0004% of $100 Billion. And remember, $100B is only the investment portfolio, it's not the full net worth of the church organization.
As a comparison example, Walmart donates about .4% of net worth and we criticize that as a shamefully low charity giving amount — yet it's 1000x more than the church is giving.
It's an understatement to say that we can do much better.
Ha! Ha! You did call it right. I am a little defensive of my religion. I see the good it does and love being a part of it. But, that said you did help put things into perspective. We can always do better. It is good to have these conversations. You have a way of talking about things and still are very respectful and honest. I like that about your blog!
I get it, I promise. I love being part of the church as well. Thanks for joining the conversation.
I was raised Catholic and then joined the Mormon Church at the age of 16. 16 years later I left and since then, I have just simply been me, sitting comfortably with my values and more rounded view of the world and its inhabitants. I have a distinct dislike for religious institutions and knowing they sit on a disgusting amount of wealth whilst continuing to take from their brethren, many of whom are poor and vulnerable, is shameful. It would be wonderful if church-going Mormons, for the next 12 months just diverted their tithe into a fund for this little boy and others and watch their money in action for causes other than those that continue to subject them to their masters e.g. 'get to the this new temple and show how grateful you are for such lavish buildings provided to you our most worthiest'. It would send a powerful message. P. S I like to dream. xx
Will this motivate you and perhaps other Mormons to stop giving the Tithe?
Anecdotally I've heard that it did. To be clear: not stopping tithes, just redirecting the funds. For example, I've been sending my tithes directly to aide organizations outside the church (worldwide and local) for over a decade. Quite a few Mormons started doing this when church spending and lack of transparency were looked into at the time. So the 2019 whistleblower announcement didn't change my tithing habits (though it did reinforce my decision to tithe to organizations outside the church).
I've heard that since 2019, other church members are redirecting their tithes to other organizations as well. But there are still lots of church members who prefer sending tithes to the church and letting the church decide how to use the funds.
I also want to be clear: I have never heard even a hint that church leaders are funneling this money to themselves, or buying fancy houses, or taking luxe vacations at 5-star resorts. By all accounts, even the top leaders live a very middle class life. So it's not like the funds are frivolously being thrown around, they are just sitting there, helping no one.
Yes! That's what my husband and I do - the money we used to tithe, we are now giving directly to charities themselves. An added benefit of this direct giving is that his employer matches donations to many charities, so our money goes further.
I wonder if anyone has suggested this for the church? To match parishioners’ donations to local causes/needs?
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/latter-day-saint-charities-boosts-global-efforts-2020
Hi Karrin. Thanks for the link. I always love hearing about the church supporting aide projects. The problem of course, it that it could do literally 1000 times as much giving in dollar amounts and that wouldn't even be .5% of the church's net worth. From what I understand, the church does about $40 million dollars in humanitarian spending each year. That's so much money! And yet, it's only .0004% of $100 billion. And the church is worth WAY MORE than $100 billion (the $100 billion is just its investment fund). I don't think anyone should be impressed with the church's humanitarian spending — it's actually embarrassingly low. And remember, the church doesn't pay taxes.