The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormon Church) And It's Leaders Could Single Handedly End Homlessness If They'd Just Genuinely Listen

It took me 6 weeks to finish this. I had to fight back a lot of fear and anxiety. But I finished it. And I am highly proud of this one. Read on to see why.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church or Mormon Church) stands as one of the wealthiest religious organizations in the world, with a financial strategy that combines significant member contributions, strategic investments, and expansive asset accumulation… From its founding in the early 19th century to its modern-day operations, the Church's leaders have been instrumental in shaping both its religious doctrines and financial policies. While the institution has achieved remarkable growth and influence, its financial management has sparked debates about the ethical and spiritual priorities of its leadership. This essay explores the financial facts surrounding the LDS Church and examines the claims of selfishness and power hunger among its leaders.

The Church’s financial structure is primarily sustained by the tithing contributions of its members, who donate 10% of their income as a religious obligation. These contributions amount to an estimated $7 billion annually. The Church utilizes these funds to cover global operating expenses, including missionary programs, temple construction, educational institutions like Brigham Young University, and administrative costs. This annual income matches its reported global operating expenses, creating a financial cycle where members effectively fund the Church’s day-to-day activities.

Beyond these contributions, the Church has accumulated vast reserves of wealth. Ensign Peak Advisors, the Church’s investment arm, managed $100 billion in assets as of 2019, with some estimates suggesting this figure has grown significantly since then. Including real estate, commercial ventures, and other holdings, the Church's total assets are speculated to exceed $200 billion, with some estimates reaching as high as $265 billion. These assets generate significant annual returns, with some reports estimating $12 billion earned annually from interest and dividends alone… In 2023, the LDS Church reported $1.4 billion in charitable giving, the largest annual amount it has ever disclosed. This figure, while notable, represents a small fraction of the Church’s overall financial capacity. Critics have pointed out that the Church’s humanitarian spending is disproportionate to its vast wealth, raising questions about its priorities. Comparatively, the Church has invested heavily in commercial ventures, such as the City Creek Center mall (one of the most expensive shopping centers to purchase items at) in Salt Lake City, which cost an estimated $1.5 billion to develop. Such expenditures have led some to question whether the Church’s financial practices align with its stated mission of serving the poor and needy.

From its inception, the LDS Church has been tightly controlled by its leadership, starting with Joseph Smith, who claimed divine authority to establish the Church and act as its prophet. Smith's leadership was marked by centralized control over religious, financial, and political matters. He established a precedent of consolidating power, which continued under his successors, particularly Brigham Young. Young not only led the Church but also governed the Utah Territory, blending religious authority with political and economic power. Critics argue that such centralization fostered a culture of control and exclusivity among the leadership, prioritizing institutional strength over individual empowerment.

In modern times, LDS Church leaders continue to exert significant control over its operations and messaging. Decisions regarding financial disclosures, investments, and charitable spending are made by a small group of senior leaders, known as the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This hierarchical structure ensures that financial and doctrinal decisions remain centralized, leaving little room for external accountability or member input. (Which means theres a low chance they'll ever see this essayI i wrote about them and even if they do, they won't budge unless it gets enough shares) …Whistleblower reports, such as those from former Ensign Peak employees (I salute you), have alleged that Church leaders prioritize wealth accumulation over transparency and charitable outreach, further fueling perceptions of selfishness and power hunger. (Saving for the future? With THAT much? You can buy many houses for struggling families and still have billions left over…. I'll get into that a little later on here).... Critics of the LDS Church’s financial practices often point to the disparity between its teachings and its actions. While the Church emphasizes principles of charity, service, and humility, its vast wealth and investment strategies appear to contradict these values. The concentration of wealth within the Church has led some to accuse its leaders of prioritizing institutional expansion and financial security over the immediate needs of its members and communities. (Many have been victimized by it, if you have been victimized by the Church’s greed, tell me your story in the comment section) The lack of detailed financial disclosures exacerbates these concerns, as members are often unaware of how their contributions are used.

Anyway… the Church’s emphasis on self-reliance and fiscal prudence has been interpreted by some as a justification for hoarding wealth. Leaders have defended their financial reserves as necessary for future crises and long-term stability, but this rationale has not satisfied all critics. The growing gap between the Church’s wealth and its humanitarian contributions has led to accusations of hypocrisy, with some former members and observers questioning whether its leaders are more concerned with preserving power and influence than living up to their spiritual ideals.

The centralization of power within the LDS Church is not a recent development. Joseph Smith’s leadership was marked by efforts to control both spiritual and temporal matters, including the establishment of a communal economic system known as the Law of Consecration. While this system was intended to promote equality and shared resources (its a noble idea I'll give them that), it ultimately concentrated wealth and decision-making power in the hands of Church leaders. Brigham Young expanded this approach, using his dual role as prophet and governor to exert control over the Utah Territory's economy and society. Subsequent leaders maintained this tradition of centralized authority, often justifying their actions as divinely mandated (Just say a God told you so and the masses will go with it I guess) This pattern of leadership has contributed to the perception that the Church prioritizes institutional preservation and leader empowerment over member autonomy and welfare (MEMBERS SHOULD HAVE MORE OF A SAY). Instances of excommunication for dissenting voices and the secrecy surrounding financial practices further reinforce this narrative.

…The LDS Church’s financial practices and leadership structure reveal a complex interplay of spiritual mission, economic strategy, and institutional control. While the Church has achieved remarkable growth and influence, its wealth accumulation and centralized authority have raised questions about its priorities and values. Some argue that the Church’s leaders have historically demonstrated a pattern of consolidating power and prioritizing financial security over transparency and charity (don't get me started on the giving machines every year… just a pretty little tactic to get more money from its members and a masqueraded show with a red carpet and options to let them feel like they have a choice of where their funds go when in reality, they dont… but I can get into that in a different essay). These concerns highlight the need for greater accountability and alignment between the Church’s stated mission and its actions. Whether the Church can reconcile its financial success with its spiritual principles remains an ongoing challenge that continues to shape its identity and reputation in the modern era.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church or Mormon Church) has financial resources vast enough to significantly alleviate the housing struggles of countless families while maintaining substantial reserves. By examining the Church's financial standing and strategies, it becomes evident that even a moderate redirection of its wealth could have a transformative impact on housing affordability and stability. This exploration delves into the intricate details of how the Church's financial practices position it to make such contributions without compromising its long-term fiscal goals.

… The LDS Church’s financial reserves are managed by its investment firm, Ensign Peak Advisors, which oversees a portfolio reportedly exceeding $100 billion as of 2019. With the inclusion of real estate, commercial ventures, and other holdings, the Church’s total assets are estimated to range between $200 billion and $265 billion. These assets generate significant annual returns, with some reports estimating $12 billion in earnings from interest, dividends, and other investment gains… To put this in perspective, the Church’s annual operating expenses, funded by tithing contributions of $7 billion, are roughly equal to its income from member donations. This leaves the investment income and asset growth largely untouched, effectively serving as a surplus.

These funds, combined with the Church’s vast real estate holdings… spanning residential, commercial, agricultural, and undeveloped properties… demonstrate an extraordinary capacity for large-scale charitable endeavors.

They can tackle housing insecurity!

Housing insecurity affects millions of individuals and families worldwide, including many in the United States. According to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the average cost of a modest single-family home in the U.S. is approximately $375,000. Assuming a conservative approach, let us consider a scenario in which the LDS Church allocates $20 billion… less than 10% of its estimated total assets… to fund homeownership initiatives… funding direct home purchases… with $20 billion, the Church could purchase approximately 53,000 homes outright at $375,000 each. These homes could be provided to low-income families, reducing homelessness and breaking cycles of poverty. (Along with mental and medical health help, but that's a whole other essay)... also, subsidizing housing loans… alternatively, the Church could establish a housing fund to offer low-interest or interest-free loans. Such a fund would not only assist more families but also recycle funds as loans are repaid, creating a sustainable model for long-term impact.

These interventions could prioritize marginalized communities, single-parent households, or young families struggling to achieve homeownership due to rising housing costs. The Church’s immense wealth allows for these initiatives to be implemented without depleting its reserves.

For instance… annual investment returns… even if $20 billion is allocated for housing, the Church’s remaining investments, generating $12 billion annually, would still grow significantly. With prudent management, the Church could replace the spent funds within a few years! Dedicating a few years to housing the needy? Why not?! Just do it already!

…The Church could establish endowments specifically for housing, ensuring continuous support for struggling families. Such an approach would align with its stated values of helping the poor and needy while remaining financially secure … after funding such initiatives, the Church would still retain a financial position of remarkable strength.

Here… just consider the following calculations:

1. Remaining Reserves: With an estimated $200-$265 billion in total assets, a $20 billion allocation would leave the Church with at least $180 billion in assets.

2. Operational Independence: The Church’s annual operating costs are fully covered by tithing contributions, ensuring no reliance on investment income for day-to-day operations.

3. Asset Growth: Even reduced by $20 billion, the Church’s remaining investments would continue generating substantial returns, enabling further growth of its reserves.

…Investing in housing would not only address a pressing social issue but also align the Church’s actions with its teachings. Providing homes to those in need embodies the principles of charity and stewardship emphasized in Christian doctrine… such efforts could inspire other wealthy organizations to follow suit, amplifying the impact on global housing crisis.

From a practical standpoint, housing initiatives could strengthen the Church’s relationship with its members and communities. Demonstrating a commitment to tangible, large-scale aid would reinforce the Church’s role as a moral and ethical leader, countering criticism about its wealth accumulation and financial transparency.

I understand its all about balance to their mission and resources… while the Church defends its reserves as necessary for future stability and potential crises, the scale of its wealth suggests room for greater philanthropic contributions. Housing initiatives could serve as a model for balancing institutional stability with meaningful social impact. By prioritizing the immediate needs of struggling families while maintaining robust reserves, the Church could fulfill both its spiritual mission and fiscal goals…

The LDS Church holds unparalleled potential to address housing insecurity without jeopardizing its financial health. By allocating a modest portion of its wealth to fund homeownership and housing stability, it could provide thousands of families with a foundation for a better future. Such an initiative would reflect the Church’s professed values of service and charity while demonstrating that faith-based organizations can play a transformative role in solving global challenges. With careful planning and execution, the Church could lead by example, showcasing the power of collective wealth to uplift and empower humanity.

Instead of continuing to ignore the real problems and avoid moral obligation.

-Aubs