tithing - wasmormon.org

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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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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“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

“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

Email to Sydney Australia Mortdale Stake: Pilot Program – Informed Consent

Sydney Australia Mortdale Stake | Pilot Program: Informed Consent | wasmormon.org

The members of the Sydney Australia Mortdale Stake received an email informing them the area had been selected for a Pilot Program named Informed Consent. The program announced two objectives: 1) to ensure that converts are fully informed before they commit to baptism, and 2) for all members to have a “short” lesson to make …

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The Prosperity Gospel and Tithing

What is the Mormon Prosperity Gospel? The prosperity gospel of Mormonism reflects a mindset that righteous living leads to temporal prosperity or the idea that links material wealth and success directly with divine favor. Though not an official doctrine of the church, elements of this mindset are found in Mormon culture and teachings. It is …

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Mormon Leadership Perfects Priestcrafts

“[Nehor declared] unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people... Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people... were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction. Therefore thou art condemned to die.” - Alma 1 | The Book of Mormon | wasmormon.org

The Book of Mormon explicitly condemns the practice of priestcraft, defining it as preaching or setting oneself up for personal gain and not genuinely seeking the welfare of the community, or “Zion.” According to these verses, those who engage in priestcraft labor for money or self-interest, rather than out of love and charity for others. …

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How Much is a Modest Living Allowance for Mormon Apostles? How Much Do LDS Church Leaders Get Paid?

“The living allowances given the General Authorities, which are very modest” LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley. What does the LDS Church pay its most senior clergy? 2024 Estimate: $178,746 - The Widow's Mite: Employee & GA Compensation, Page 1. American workers made a median wage in 2024 of $59,228 per year - US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 Study. 3x the average is not “very modest” | wasmormon.org

Are the top Mormon leaders paid for their callings as General Authorities? Yes! They receive what they call a “living allowance.” In a few instances, church leaders admit this, although they also make repeated statements claiming that there are no paid clergy. Gordon B. Hinckley in a moment of honesty admits that General Authorities are …

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“I wish to give the entire Church the assurance that tithing funds have not and will not be used to acquire this property. Nor will they be used in developing it for commercial purposes. Funds for this have come and will come from those commercial entities owned by the Church. These resources, together with the earnings of invested reserve funds, will accommodate this program.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley | General Conference April 2003 | wasmormon.org — “I wish to give the entire Church the assurance that tithing funds have not and will not be used to acquire this property. Nor will they be used in developing it for commercial purposes. Funds for this have come and will come from those commercial entities owned by the Church. These resources, together with the earnings of invested reserve funds, will accommodate this program.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley | General Conference April 2003

During my employment at Ensign Peak Advisors, senior leadership and other employees referred to and revered all funds as “tithing” money, regardless of whether they were referring to principal or earnings on that principal. Tithing donations from the Church’s members were commingled with earnings. Every penny was referred to as the “widow’s mite.” - David Nielsen, former Senior Portfolio Manager, Ensign Peak Advisors, Whistleblower | wasmormon.org — During my employment at Ensign Peak Advisors, senior leadership and other employees referred to and revered all funds as “tithing” money, regardless of whether they were referring to principal or earnings on that principal. Tithing donations from the Church’s members were commingled with earnings. Every penny was referred to as the “widow’s mite.” - David Nielsen, former Senior Portfolio Manager, Ensign Peak Advisors, Whistleblower

Ensign Peak and Portfolio Purposes - Exhibit A - David Nielsen's declaration in the James Huntsman lawsuit against the LDS Church

Donated Tithing Funds vs Earnings on Invested Tithing

The church repeatedly states that no tithing money is used for its business purposes, like funding the City Creek Center or bailout money for church-owned insurance company, Beneficial Life. The church is surprisingly secretive about finances and has not publicly disclosed any financial statements in the United States since 1959, that’s 65 years and counting. The …

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Do General Authorities get paid? "General Authorities are given a living allowance which enables them to focus all of their time on serving in the Church. The living allowance is uniform for all General Authorities. None of the funds for this living allowance come from the tithing of Church members, but instead from proceeds of the Church's financial investments." - LDS Church Website FAQ | faq.churchofjesuschrist.org | wasmormon.org — Do General Authorities get paid? "General Authorities are given a living allowance which enables them to focus all of their time on serving in the Church. The living allowance is uniform for all General Authorities. None of the funds for this living allowance come from the tithing of Church members, but instead from proceeds of the Church's financial investments." - LDS Church Website FAQ | faq.churchofjesuschrist.org

"In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there is no paid ministry, no professional clergy, as is common in other churches." - Boyd K. Packer, Follow the Brethren, September 1979 Liahona

Are Mormon Church Leaders Paid?

The church makes misleading statements about how much the Apostles and Prophets of the LDS church are paid. They state regularly that there is no paid ministry, no professional clergy, and that no one is paid for their church service. This omits the fact that all senior leaders in the church are paid what they …

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Let’s Go Shopping – City Creek Center and Tithing

“Let's Go Shopping!” “We’re so pleased to join in inviting the world to come to downtown Salt Lake City... Everything that we see around us is evidence of the long-standing commitment of The Church to Salt Lake City. Downtown, thanks to so many, is indeed rising.” - President Eyring spoke on behalf of the church during the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening City Creek Center. Church President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and the Presiding Bishopric were also in attendance. | wasmormon.org

City Creek Center is a large, upscale shopping center in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, that opened in 2012. It spans over 20 acres and features retail stores, restaurants, office spaces, and residential units. The development is notable for its retractable glass roof, pedestrian sky bridge, and an artificial creek running through the property, making …

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Nothing to Hide?

Some scholars say historical records point to discrepancies with the official church history. How do you reconcile the differences? And what is the church's position on historical scholarship? "Well, we have nothing to hide. Our history is an open book. They may find what they are looking for, but the fact is the history of the church is clear and open and leads to faith and strength and virtues." - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Church President Answering Associated Press questions about the LDS Church, Dec 25, 2005 | wasmormon.org

President Gordon B. Hinckley, top leader of the Church (1995-2008) addresses several issues related to the church’s history and practices in an interview on Christmas Day in 2005. The interview covered many topics but here we’ll look closely at what he said about polygamy and fundamentalist Mormons and church history and transparency. Polygamy and Fundamentalist …

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“Not one penny of tithing goes to the Church’s for-profit endeavors. No tithing went toward City Creek Center.” - Keith B. McMullin, Head of Deseret Management Corporation, Previously the Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric | wasmormon.org — “Not one penny of tithing goes to the Church’s for-profit endeavors. No tithing went toward City Creek Center.” - Keith B. McMullin, Head of Deseret Management Corporation, Previously the Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

“So there is no misunderstanding, I emphasize that none of that money comes from the tithing of faithful members. That is not how we use tithing funds.” - Presiding Bishop H. David Burton | October 8, 2003 Press Conference Announcing Church strategy to revitalize downtown Salt Lake City | wasmormon.org — “So there is no misunderstanding, I emphasize that none of that money comes from the tithing of faithful members. That is not how we use tithing funds.” - Presiding Bishop H. David Burton | October 8, 2003 Press Conference Announcing Church strategy to revitalize downtown Salt Lake City

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