David Morey 
How does FLDS Make Money
Understanding how the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) makes money from donations can be quite a complex task. With a system deeply rooted in faith and community, it’s no surprise that their financial model leans heavily on member contributions.
The FLDS, like many religious organizations, operates primarily through donations made by its members. These donations come in several forms – directly through tithes, offerings during services or indirectly via businesses owned by members who then donate part of their income to the church. This creates an intricate network of funding sources that fuel the operations and initiatives of this controversial sect.
It’s important to remember that the FLDS isn’t just relying on Sunday collection plates. They’ve established a sophisticated structure to ensure consistent cash flow. From real estate investments to agricultural ventures, these varied income streams help keep the organization financially stable while also providing opportunities for members to contribute in ways beyond simply writing a check.
Understanding the FLDS Church
Before diving into how the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) makes money from donations, it’s critical to understand the structure and beliefs of this unique religious group. The FLDS is a sect that splintered off from the mainstream Mormon church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). They’re known for their strict doctrine and conservative lifestyle.
Now, let’s look at their organizational structure. The FLDS church operates under a hierarchy with a Prophet at its head, who they believe communicates directly with God. Below him are other high-ranking officials such as bishops and elders. Rank-and-file members make up the rest of the congregation.
Despite controversies surrounding them, one thing can’t be denied: Their strong sense of community. Members readily support each other – emotionally, physically, and yes – financially too.
Which brings us to an important point: Tithing. Like many religious groups worldwide, tithing – or giving 10% of one’s income to the church – is strongly encouraged in FLDS. It’s seen not just as an act of faith but also as a fundamental duty towards their community.
Yet there’s another aspect that sets FLDS apart: United Effort Plan (UEP). Initially established as a communal property trust by the early members, UEP has since become another key revenue source for the church.
These are only some ways FLDS makes money from donations from its members. As we dig deeper into this topic later on in this article series however you’ll see there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to financial transactions within FDLS.
Exploring Donations as a Revenue Source
I can’t help but marvel at the ingenious ways religious groups like the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) have found to generate revenue. While it’s not uncommon for religious organizations to rely on member donations, the FLDS takes this practice to a whole new level.
For starters, they’ve established what’s known as the United Order – a form of communal living where members are encouraged to donate all their belongings and income. This isn’t just about cash donations. It includes property, vehicles, and even personal belongings. These resources are then managed centrally and redistributed according to needs or used in business ventures that further increase church wealth.
The effectiveness of this model is strikingly evident when you look at FLDS leaders who’ve amassed significant fortunes despite having no visible source of income aside from these donations. Warren Jeffs, for example, was estimated to be worth $100 million at one point – an astonishing figure given his lack of traditional employment.
But how much exactly does the FLDS make from these donations? Unfortunately, it’s hard to pin down exact figures due largely to their secretive nature and tax-exempt status. What we do know is that member contributions account for a significant portion of their revenue stream.
- They’re expected to tithe 10% of their earnings
- Many also give additional offerings beyond this tithe
- Some members even donate labour through construction work or other services
In essence, by encouraging its members’ financial devotion and leveraging these assets strategically, the FLDS has been able to build substantial wealth through donation-based revenue alone.
