Decisions on How to Use Church Finances are Made in a Spirit of Prayer

[cjmadsen]

I am a musician and feel similarly to what Bishop Causse said, in my own field. I bring my musical education and expertise to the table, but when it comes to big musical projects and decisions, I try to make sure the deciding factor is my feelings after prayer to God. Thank you, Presiding Bishopric, for your example!

[Glen.Danielsen]

A definition of peace of mind: Knowing true men of God have stewardship over sacred Church tithing receipts. I have utmost confidence in it.

[nathanbanks]

Wonderful!
We are so blessed to be able to pay tithes and offerings as a consecrated sacrifice to our Father in Heaven! God's money is than prayerfully used to bless mankind on both sides of the veil of death.

[micmacc]

I know the Church PR department is ultra-sensitive. However, someone in marketing and PR needs to work on optics. For example, this video. Who staged this interview? You have the presiding bishopric discussing the use of Church finances; while sitting in front of a very expensive French vase in the background. The message is claiming humility, thrift and simplicity. Yet the background and setting is subtly saying luxury, wealth and elitism.

[nancyarchibald]

A prime example of humble stewardship.

[MsMatth]

These men have great values. I definitely trust them. AND I sustain them. But I think the investment arm should pay taxes on the capital gains. Ensign Peak is acting as a hedge fund. When it became law that churches were exempt from taxes, I don't think it was envisioned a church being also a hedge fund. So they should pay taxes on those earnings. I don't have a problem with the church investing, it's a good idea. Just pay the taxes. When we hear “The church applies this same principle in its own savings and investments" and "The church applies this same principle.... in becoming self-reliant/self-sufficient, " if it's true that Ensign bailed out Beneficial Financial Group, then how is that self-sustaining/reliant, etc.??


Also, is this in accordance with Article of Faith #12? Are they being subject to the laws of the land? I think not in my opinion, in regards to Ensign. As the only true church, then it must be above a man-made law even. They must acknowledge that the hedge fund should pay the taxes and not exploit basically a loophole. I don't see loopholes and the only true church co-existing. Have we heard the quote from the Scientology founder? "To get rich in this country, then start a church. (something along those lines). Same with BYU and releasing it's police records. I don't see how sealing those records is in accordance with #12. Otherwise, I myself am also a private entity. I should be able to do all kinds of things since myself and my family or my whatever, could be deemed a private entity. Anyways, love you guys, you have my sustaining vote. I will of course continue to pay tithing.

[BrianMillsMFA]

Joseph Smith prayed about starting a bank to further the financial interests of the Church. He told all the members to deposit their money and it would be safe and prosperous with the Kirtland Safety Society Anti Bank (so called because the State of Ohio denied the charter for a bank bank, but that didn't deter the young prophet). Well, if you haven't heard how THAT revelation worked out, just Google it.

[tiagojmartins]

I just know one thing I am a member of the church and a return missionary I back from the mission in 2008. From 2008 unto now I ask help for the church for study with the perpetual education found. For 11 years was Just the some "The church doent have money for help you or the church can't help you because there is a lot of people for help. And I know that no one will answer this memsage because I talk to a lot of church leaders. shame on us.

[zaboomafia]

Cool! I’d love that job to manage billions!