The Mormon "Profit"

One of the accusations made of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that its leadership has become wealthy off the backs of its members.  Time Magazine spotlighted the the financial strength of the church in a cover story a few years back called "Mormons, Inc." And the frequent, unoriginal reference to our Prophet as a 'Profit' by critics across the internet is buried in thousands of personal blogs and news comments, usually closely accompanied by unintentional misspellings and other errors. (The lack of literate critics is disheartening sometimes.)

I needn't point out the specifics of hypocrisies when this charge is leveled by Catholics or the various Evangelical mega-churches.

But I do wish to call out a handful of specifics that those engaging in such accusations should be aware of and treat fairly.

1. The vast majority of Mormon leadership is uncompensated.  Congregational leaders (Bishops), missionaries, and so on - all volunteer their time.  Mormons believe that ministers should work to support themselves with their own hands, and that the preacher and learner are equal.

2. The handful of leaders that receive remuneration have other administrative duties in the church that require full-time attention.  Our church has buildings and schools and charities to manage that have heavy overhead. Our charities are, by the way, some of the most efficient in the world in terms of how contributed dollars are used.

3. In no case does the church's remuneration afford a luxurious lifestyle.  As I understand it, most if not all church leaders take a step down in income when they choose to enter the ministry full time.  Many are very successful scientists, doctors, businessmen, and so on - and could do much better in the private sector.  President Gordon B. Hinckley lived out his years in an apartment by Temple Square.  It was pointed out to me once; his wife kept flowers on the balcony.  Also the private jet.  Just kidding - no private jet.

4. At any rate, the accrual of wealth would be pointless since many of the highest callings in the church have a lifetime tenure. There is no retirement, no condo in Florida, no Vegas weekend - just ministry to the very end.  If there is anything luxurious about the lifestyle at all, it is that they are afforded travel expenses to go around the world and visit with members. But again, not on a private jet. When they travel, they buy a commercial ticket; they are picked up at the airport by local membership; they often stay in members' homes, eat with their families, and so on.

So, even if the President of the Church really made $500,000 per year (which is both doubtful and yet would be in line with typical salaries for someone leading such a large entity), it is of very little benefit, as he will spend it serving the church.

And those of us who have had the privilege of standing in the presence of one of the 15 men we believe to be Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, of shaking their hands, of speaking with them directly, have no doubt that their every intention in their church service is completely selfless.  I have had that privilege many times in my young life, and each time recognized the character of a man who has been refined by decades of unselfish service and sacrifice.