The wealthiest church in America is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This religious organization holds a significant financial standing, with its estimated worth placing it as the wealthiest of its kind in the United States.
Financial Standing of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
As of recent estimates, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an approximate net worth of 265.0 billion USD. This substantial wealth is derived from various sources, including member tithes, investments, and business ventures.
To put its financial stature into perspective, here's a comparison with other prominent religious organizations globally based on available data:
| Organization | Worth (billion USD) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | 265.0 | United States |
| Catholic Church in Germany | 47.24 to 265.62 | Germany |
| Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) | 31.11 | India |
| Muhammadiyah | 27.96 | Indonesia |
Factors Contributing to Wealth
The financial strength of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is often attributed to several key factors:
- Tithing: A fundamental practice for members, who are encouraged to donate 10% of their income to the Church.
- Investments: The Church manages a vast investment portfolio, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and agricultural holdings, often through Ensign Peak Advisors, its investment arm.
- Business Holdings: Ownership of various businesses further contributes to its financial stability.
The Church utilizes its resources for a wide range of activities, including:
- Maintaining places of worship and educational institutions.
- Funding extensive missionary programs worldwide.
- Supporting humanitarian aid and welfare initiatives.
