money - wasmormon.org

A $3 Million Check and a Genealogy Center: The Church Comes to the Juneteenth Museum

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that it has committed $3 million to support construction of the museum. Plans for the museum include a genealogy center intended to help visitors discover and preserve family histories through experiences powered by FamilySearch.” “The church’s donation will finance a FamilySearch-powered center inside the museum.” - Oct 7 Church Newsroom Press Release and Oct 9 Deseret News article

On October 7, 2026, Dr. Opal Lee turned 100. The woman known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” who campaigned for decades until Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, celebrated with a crowd in Fort Worth, a ceremonial demolition on the future site of the National Juneteenth Museum, and a gift. The Church of Jesus …

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Behind the Veil: How the LDS Church Shapes Utah Law

“There was intensity I had never felt before or after on the house floor. It was the intensity that comes only from political bullying, and it killed me to know that this time the "bully" was my own church.... If the LDS Church wants something in Utah politics, they get it.” - Carl Wimmer, former Utah state House Representative The Role of The LDS Church in Utah's Politics, March 22, 2015 | wasmormon.org

Utah is not a theocracy on paper. Utah’s constitution guarantees religious freedom. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints insists it does not attempt to direct or dictate to government leaders. Official neutrality and practical power diverge in daily life. People who have lived in the state will notice the gap. That gap is …

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Quentin L. Cook’s Privatization of Marin Hospital

In 1985 the hospital attorney, Quentin Cook, and its CEO, Henry J. Buhrmann, presented a 30 year lease to the five elected directors who signed without dissent. A shell corporation was formed with the hospital attorney and CEO assuming similar positions in the privatized hospital. Late 1985 millions of dollars of public assets were transferred to the new corporation which began operation behind closed doors... Gary Giacomini, then a county supervisor, called it "the biggest theft of public property in Marin's history." - Coastal Post, Marin County's News Monthly: Marin General Hospital Update, August 2004 | wasmormon.org

Before Quentin L. Cook was sustained as an apostle of the LDS Church in 2007, he was a lawyer and healthcare executive, one whose actions left a lasting mark on the people of Marin County, California. But it wasn’t the kind of legacy you’d expect to find from someone who would later claim to speak …

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Every mistake I've have made was used to learn and become who I am. But the biggest lessons I've learned in life have taught me that everything in this existence is about money and control. Especially in the LDS Church. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/

Biddy Mason – From Enslaved Mormon Pioneer to Free Philanthropist

“If you hold your hand closed, nothing good can come in. The open hand is blessed, for it gives in abundance, even as it receives.” - Biddy Mason | wasmormon.org

Biddy Mason’s life is a powerful testimony of perseverance, resilience, and quiet resistance. Born into slavery in Georgia in 1818, she was never given a choice about the course of her life—but she made powerful choices when finally given the chance. Her story intersects with the early Mormon Church in a way that many today …

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There were times when I did believe in the church 100%. That was paying money, and following the rules. I left due to leaders and Bishops spreading lies. And finding out Jesus was not Jesus. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brian-caulfield/

Church Leadership Claims No Financial Compensation For Service

"We do not receive financial compensation for serving" - Steven D. Shumway, LDS General Authority Seventy, April 2025. "For 2025, we estimate $183k* in equivalent taxable salary for the living allowance offered to the LDS Church's 120 General Authorities." - The Widow's Mite Report - General Authority Compensation | wasmormon.org

During the 2025 April General Conference, Steven D. Shumway continued to push the narrative that church leaders are not paid for their service in the church. He claims that “we do not receive financial compensation for serving.” This is misleading and exemplifies a glaring transparency issue regarding church leadership and finances. While it is technically true …

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Tithing is About Money, Not Faith, Obedience, Loyalty, or Sacrifice

“When I was a young intern, my income was $15 a month. One night, my wife Dantzel asked if I was paying tithing on that meager stipend. I was not. I quickly repented and began paying the additional $1.50 in monthly tithing. Was the Church any different because we increased our tithing? Of course not. However, becoming a full-tithe payer changed me. That is when I learned that paying tithing is all about faith, not money.” - Russell M. Nelson, LDS Church President, General Conference, October 2023 | wasmormon.org

Tithing is a fundamental doctrine in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), requiring members to contribute 10% of their income to the Church. It is framed as a commandment from God, essential for spiritual growth, obedience, and blessings. Paying a full tithe is also a requirement for temple access, making it …

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Every Member ‘Who Has Means’ Shall Pay Tithing

“I plead with you in the name of the Lord, and I pray that every man, woman and child ... shall pay one tenth of their income as a tithing.” - 2013 Sunday School Manual, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 12: Tithing, a Law for Our Protection and Advancement

For those then who are struggling in these difficult times, please consider Lorenzo Snow’s comments in 1899. The church uses this and the teachings of President Lorenzo Snow to preach tithing to members. Every Man, Woman and Child Who Has Means Shall Pay Tithing I plead with you in the name of the Lord, and …

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Analyzing Henry B. Eyring’s Paystub

Leaked payroll paystub for Henry B Eyring showing living allowance of over a thousand per week and even more in the form of reimbursements.

This paystub provides a detailed breakdown of Henry B. Eyring’s compensation and deductions, contradicting the LDS Church’s claim that it has “no paid clergy.” Let’s analyze each section: Earnings Breakdown: Total earnings for the period: $8,461.22. The majority of which are reimbursements of some form. Deductions: The total deductions for this pay period are $597.10, …

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Andy Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Andy’s life mirrored the ideal Mormon path: raised in the church, served a mission, attended BYU, married in the temple, and served faithfully in the church for decades. He remained a committed member, navigating questions and doubts while striving to stay true to his faith. But his journey took a profound turn after the unexpected …

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Joseph Smith’s Kinderhook Plates Kinder-Surprise Translation Redaction

Contemporaneous sources say very little about Joseph Smith’s encounter with the Kinderhook plates, which occurred over a span of just a few days in 1843. Joseph apparently examined the plates and, according to his clerk William Clayton, remarked that they contained “the history of … a descendant of Ham through the loins of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” Joseph evidently did not attempt a revelatory translation as he had done with the Book of Mormon plates, but rather appears to have compared the symbols on the Kinderhook plates with other ancient artifacts in his possession. - LDS Website, Church History Topics: Kinderhook Plates https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/kinderhook-plates | wasmormon.org

In Kinderhook, Illinois, about 50 miles south of Nauvoo, six bell-shaped brass plates were allegedly found when digging up a burial mound on a farmer’s land. He said he’d dreamt about finding treasure in the mound and organized a dig. A couple Mormons were present when some small plates with ancient-looking inscriptions were found and …

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Tithing vs Feeding Children

"The celestial law requires one-tenth of all a man’s substance which he possesses at the time he comes into the church, and one-tenth part of his annual increase ever after. If it requires all a man can earn to support himself and family, he is not tithed at all. The celestial law does not take the mother’s and children’s bread." - Orson Hyde, LDS Apostle, Millennial Star, January 1, 1847 | wasmormon.org

The history of tithing shows that it has grown over time to require more of church members. It has grown to be required for a temple recommend, and reinterpreted to mean ten percent of your income. It has been expanded to include everyone, not just those who have means. It has been tied to the …

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Ensign Peak Advisors Withdrawls, Religious Tax-Exemption, And Lack of Charitable Work

It is not charity to aid a business enterprise... Ensign Peak Advisors (EPA) has operated a for-profit securities investment business that (a) used none of its $100 billion for any religious, charitable, or educational purpose, and (b) made distributions to only two recipients, in each case to for-profit activities that are “private” interests. Distributing or transferring a combined $2 billion for an insurance company (Beneficial Financial Group) and a shopping mall (City Creek Center) clearly conflicts with EPA’s requirement to operate for religious, charitable, or educational purposes. Either of these facts is sufficient, by itself, to defeat tax-exempt status for EPA. - David Nielsen, former Senior Portfolio Manager, Ensign Peak Advisors, Memorandum regarding Ensign Peak Advisors submitted to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee | wasmormon.org

The Ensign Peak Advisors controversy centers on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or rather the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doing business as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, using a tax-exempt investment fund to manage hundreds of billions of dollars derived …

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Mormonites Footnote on Book of Mormon Translation Gospel Topic Essay

[Joseph Smith] was again arraigned before a bar of Justice, during last Summer, to answer to a charge of misdemeanor. This trial led to an investigation of his character and conduct, which clearly evinced to the unprejudiced, whence the spirit came which dictated his inspirations. During the trial it was shown that the Book of Mormon was brought to light by the same magic power by which he pretended to tell fortunes, discover hidden treasures, etc. Oliver Cowdry, one of the three witnesses to the book, testified under oath, that said Smith found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two transparent stones, resembling glass, set in silver bows. That by looking through these, he was able to read in English, the reformed Egyptian characters, which were engraved on the plates. - Mormonites, Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate, April 9 1831 - Footnote 31 in Gospel Topic Essay on Book of Mormon Translation | wasmormon.org

The Book of Mormon Translation Gospel Topic Essay references an article in Footnote 31 from an Evangelical Magazine titled Mormonites. The essay cherry-picks comments from Oliver Cowdery about the translation process: The principal scribe, Oliver Cowdery, testified under oath in 1831 that Joseph Smith “found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two …

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Tom Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Tom’s journey out of the LDS Church is shaped by a lifetime of devotion and careful reflection. Raised as a descendent of early Mormon pioneers, he grew up deeply rooted in the faith, participating in every aspect from Seminary and a mission to a temple marriage, and later serving in leadership roles within the church. …

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The Church Wants Your Unfaithful Children’s Inheritance

"Money can be a great benefit to the world, but it can also destroy eternal salvation. At one point in our life, two of our children were making some mistakes and they were a little bit contrary to what we believe as a family. And I thought, wow, what happens if somebody receives a pile of money who's not living gospel principles? I don't know about you, but I've never heard anybody say, wow, I inherited a bunch of money, so I decided to go back to church and turn my life around. I used to worry if I died today, what would happen to my kids, and how would money or prosperity affect their choices and their ambitions and their life's goals? And that caused me a lot of stress. In fact, at one point I was ready to sign over everything I had to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, rather than risk having them have to make choices that would be difficult for them with a with a large sum of money." - Journey To Become, an LDS Philanthropies Production Video, 2012 | wasmormon.org

The LDS Philanthropies video addresses how some faithful Latter-day Saint parents can approach passing on family wealth in alignment with their values. The video highlights one couple’s reflections on instilling values in their children, emphasizing that material inheritance if given to children who do not follow LDS teachings, could risk leading them away from the …

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“We preach tithing to the poor people of the world because the poor people of the world have had cycles of poverty, generation after generation. That same poverty continues from one generation to another, until people pay their tithing.” - President Russell M. Nelson | Special Devotional, Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, April 16, 2018 | wasmormon.org — “We preach tithing to the poor people of the world because the poor people of the world have had cycles of poverty, generation after generation. That same poverty continues from one generation to another, until people pay their tithing.” - President Russell M. Nelson | Special Devotional, Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, April 16, 2018

Does Tithing Break the Poverty Cycle?

The cycle of poverty is a vicious trap where a parent’s poverty affects the lives of their children. Families in poverty often have limited resources, which makes it difficult to escape. Some examples of self-reinforcing disadvantages that can trap families in poverty include: Lack of financial capital, Lack of education, Lack of connections, Poor health, and Low working …

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Facts vs Beliefs – No Limit At All On What Church Is Required To Teach Or Not Teach

The LDS Church Corporation is currently involved in many many lawsuits. One such is a RICO case, where the church is being accused of behavior more similar to an organized crime network, like the mafia, than a religious institution. What is RICO? A RICO case refers to charges brought under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt …

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Tithing—a Commandment Even for the Destitute

“If a destitute family is faced with the decision of paying their tithing or eating, they should pay their tithing.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005 | wasmormon.org

Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy and Elder, spoke at General Conference in April 2005. He emphasizes that even the poorest members of the Mormon Church should pay tithing, regardless of their financial hardship. While Robbins likely intended to encourage strong faith and commitment, his approach creates a predatory framework that pressures the financially vulnerable into …

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“One of the first things a bishop must do to help the needy is ask them to pay their tithing.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005 | wasmormon.org — “One of the first things a bishop must do to help the needy is ask them to pay their tithing.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005

Landon Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Landon’s decision to leave the Mormon Church came after years of deeply ingrained expectations, personal struggles, and growing disillusionment. Raised in a devout Mormon family, he did everything the Church asked of him—from being baptized at eight to serving a mission in one of the most dangerous parts of the world. Yet, despite his efforts …

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“A man came to get his temple recommend signed. I questioned him in the usual way and asked, among other things, whether he was paying an honest tithing. He candidly replied that he was not, that he could not afford to because of his many debts. I felt impressed to tell him that he would not pay his debts until he paid his tithing.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982 | wasmormon.org — “A man came to get his temple recommend signed. I questioned him in the usual way and asked, among other things, whether he was paying an honest tithing. He candidly replied that he was not, that he could not afford to because of his many debts. I felt impressed to tell him that he would not pay his debts until he paid his tithing.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982

“When we’re desperate to have more money, we eagerly follow the Lord’s law of finances—which is, of course, tithing! When his bishop commented on the large amount of tithing poor young George was paying, George said something like: “Oh bishop, I’m not paying tithing on what I make. I’m paying tithing on what I want to make.” And the very next year George earned exactly the amount of money he had paid tithing on the year before!” - Wendy Watson Nelson Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 10, 2016 | wasmormon.org — “When we’re desperate to have more money, we eagerly follow the Lord’s law of finances—which is, of course, tithing! When his bishop commented on the large amount of tithing poor young George was paying, George said something like: “Oh bishop, I’m not paying tithing on what I make. I’m paying tithing on what I want to make.” And the very next year George earned exactly the amount of money he had paid tithing on the year before!” - Wendy Watson Nelson Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 10, 2016

“The scriptures contain many evidences of the Lord’s willingness to prosper his people with the riches of the earth... We have the Lord’s assurance that he will bless and prosper his people if they will keep his commandments and remember to look to him as the source of their blessings... As we succeed, we have the sure promise of the Lord that he will prosper us in every way necessary for our well-being.” - Dean L. Larsen, LDS Presidency of the Seventy, October 1992 | wasmormon.org — “The scriptures contain many evidences of the Lord’s willingness to prosper his people with the riches of the earth... We have the Lord’s assurance that he will bless and prosper his people if they will keep his commandments and remember to look to him as the source of their blessings... As we succeed, we have the sure promise of the Lord that he will prosper us in every way necessary for our well-being.” - Dean L. Larsen, LDS Presidency of the Seventy, October 1992

No bishop, no missionary should ever hesitate or lack the faith to teach the law of tithing to the poor. The sentiment of “They can’t afford to” needs to be replaced with “They can’t afford not to.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005 | wasmormon.org — No bishop, no missionary should ever hesitate or lack the faith to teach the law of tithing to the poor. The sentiment of “They can’t afford to” needs to be replaced with “They can’t afford not to.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005

“There has been laid upon the Church a tremendous responsibility. Tithing is the source of income for the Church to carry forward its mandated activities. The need is always greater than the availability. God help us to be faithful in observing this great principle which comes from him with his marvelous promise.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982 | wasmormon.org — “There has been laid upon the Church a tremendous responsibility. Tithing is the source of income for the Church to carry forward its mandated activities. The need is always greater than the availability. God help us to be faithful in observing this great principle which comes from him with his marvelous promise.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982

“I plead with the Latter-day Saints to live honestly with the Lord in the payment of tithes and offerings... I plead with you who are Church officers to plead with the people for their benefit and blessing to increase their faithfulness in the payment of tithes and offerings.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982 | wasmormon.org — “I plead with the Latter-day Saints to live honestly with the Lord in the payment of tithes and offerings... I plead with you who are Church officers to plead with the people for their benefit and blessing to increase their faithfulness in the payment of tithes and offerings.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982

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Tag Archives: money

Currency. Church has over $100 billion in assets.