On January 23, 2012, Mitt Romney released his tax information for 2010-2011, showing himself to be one of the richest men ever to run for president of the United States.   Fifteen percent of his income went to charitable donations, mostly to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often erroneously called the “Mormon Church.”  The LDS Church is known for its financial soundness, the result of wise financial practices, impeccable ethics, and no debt.  The Church of Jesus Christ even pays for its temples in cash.

Mitt Romney’s Tithing

Mitt Romney Mormon Taxes TithesMitt Romney is a member in good standing in the LDS Church.  He is worthy to enter a holy Mormon temple to make higher covenants there.  That means he is a “full tithe payer.”  The paying of tithing (meaning ten percent of one’s increase) is an ancient biblical practice, as sacrifice is a foundational principle of the gospel.  In Old Testament times, people offered animal sacrifices, but they also paid tithing, often in kind (from their flocks and fields, rather than with money).

And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps (2 Chronicles 31:6).

Thus, ten percent of Mitt Romney’s income would have gone to the Church of Jesus Christ as tithes.  Tithing is paid confidentially in the LDS Church; there are no collection plates passed around at church meetings.  There are no plaques on the walls of meetinghouses or temples showing who made donations to build the edifices.

Although one must be a full tithe-payer to enter a holy Mormon temple, this is determined by the member making a statement to the bishop (leader of the congregation).  The bishop accepts this statement as truth.  Tithing is paid voluntarily.   No one is forced to pay.  Mitt Romney pays the same amount of tithing as the poorest member of the Church of Jesus Christ — ten percent.

But Mitt Romney has given more than ten percent of his income to the Church of Jesus Christ.  Why is that?  First, there are other voluntary offerings besides tithing.

Mitt Romney’s other Donations

The first Sunday of every month, Mormons fast for two meals and donate the money they would have spent on food to the poor and needy.  These funds first go to help those in the local congregation.  The excess goes to the Church.  The Church of Jesus Christ has a remarkable welfare system designed to increase the self-reliance of those who use it.  Using “fast offerings” and the volunteer labor of the Latter-day Saints, the Church produces foodstuffs and distributes them through “Bishop’s Storehouses.”  Employment counseling and other helps are also provided by the Church.

Other specific funds exist in the Church to which one may donate:

  • The Ward Missionary Fund helps support missionaries from one’s home congregation.
  • The General Missionary Fund helps support missionaries from all over the Church.  (Missionaries pay their own way when they serve, but some are unable.)
  • The Book of Mormon fund purchases Books of Mormon for missionaries to distribute.
  • The Temple Construction Fund aids in building temples.
  • The Perpetual Education Fund helps to educate youth from poorer countries who have served missions for the Church.
  • The Humanitarian Aid Fund finances the humanitarian efforts of the Church.

Mormon Humanitarian Aid

Virtually 100% of donations to the Mormon Humanitarian Aid Fund go to actual humanitarian aid, making it a wise choice for philanthropic giving.  Mormon aid is often the first to arrive when a disaster occurs, and Mormon humanitarian aid workers are often the last to leave after a disaster, giving ongoing aid with a view to reconstruction.  The LDS Church also has many ongoing charitable projects.   The Church of Jesus Christ has donated $1.3 Billion worth of assistance since 1985.

Is the LDS Church Wealthy?

Although The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth largest religion in the United States and is now a world-wide church, it is still relatively small with over 14 million members (2011).  However, its sound financial practices have made it very financially stable.  Read about LDS Church finances here.

See also Mormon Money.

See also Mormons in Business.

See also Tithing.