Modern Church Financial Controversies

How does the church justify putting in over $1 billion to build a mall in downtown Salt Lake City? And did they use tithing money to do that? Also, is it true that the church has over $100 billion in reserve? Why won’t church leaders just disclose exactly how much they actually have? And if it’s anywhere near that number, is it ethical for the church to continue to ask its members, especially its poorer members, to tithe? Furthermore, what’s the deal with the church paying a $5 million fine to the SEC last year? What’d they do wrong? All of these questions and more coming your way on this episode of Church History Matters.
This is the sixth episode of our 8-part podcast series on Consecration and Church Finance. For a full transcript of this episode, as well as show notes and additional resources, visit our website at doctrineandcovenantscentral.o...
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Originally published February 19, 2024
DISCLAIMER: While we try very hard to be historically and doctrinally accurate in what we say on this podcast, please remember that all views expressed in this and every episode are our views alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Scripture Central or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[@johnwebb5402]

I am so grateful that the Church is wealthy enough to build new temples, especially a new temple where I am in Fairbanks, Alaska. I didn’t think we would get one for many, many years. Listening to how much money goes into not only building one, but maintaining it year after year, I’m doubly grateful, especially up here in the far north, where permafrost is a constant issue, considering the high standards for building and maintaining a house of the Lord.

[@rachaelbrundy3837]

Thank you for your explanations and time!

[@CarlosRomero-gb3ht]

that part about the safety of the missionaries, I never taught about that, holy smokes!

[@michaelhutchings6602]

Such an important topic explained so perfectly. The Church’s wealth also renders it immune from those who wish it to be destroyed. Traditional secular means of opposition (boycott campaigns, legal bills, targeting of wealthy donors, public shaming) simply don’t work against the Church because it has become independent of all other creatures.

[@RyanMercer]

☺ 👍 👍

[@rconger24]

I wish the unknown reserve number instead of being $100B was realli a *_Trillion_* . That way instead of the Church just giving away $1B /year for third-world poverty and global disaster relief it could hive away $10B /year for the very same things!

[@kwilly-kr9nx]

I've yet to understand the individuals who are letting this topic destroy their faith....I am happy the Church is financially independent!

[@dr33776]

I am happy about this controversy, it allowed me to give myself permission to look into other topics and realize the church isn’t true. The church was afraid people would stop paying tithing but at least in my case it backfired and made me leave the church completely. That happens when dishonesty is the core principle.

[@kwilly-kr9nx]

@@dr33776 I’m sorry that you’re happy you left the Church, that doesn’t sound like a happy experience at all..

[@rachaelbrundy3837]

Thank you for your explanations and time!