Over the last 34 years, the LDS Church has contributed just $2.2 billion toward humanitarian efforts. I say “just” because that averages only $64 million/year. Or put another way, $4/member/year. Or $8/active member/year.
I have a few suggestions about how the Church could ramp up it humanitarian efforts:
- Take $2.2 billion/year out of its $100 billion rainy day (or Last Days) fund. This would still leave money to annually contribute back to the fund’s principal.
- Slow or stop the construction of new temples. This should free up additional moneys for humanitarian efforts. Concentrate on improving the lot of the living, and de-emphasize work for the dead.
- Have all missionaries spend at least 50 percent of their time on volunteer humanitarian efforts.
- Use the resources of retired members (think boomers) to use their acquired knowledge for the improvement of the human condition.
- Move the forth mission of the Church (assist the poor) to number one on the Church’s mission list.
School Children Posing inside Their Classroom
This would require a major shift in LDS Church priorities. But I can’t help think this would do wonders for the image of the Church, and provide wonderful benefits to the world’s poor (half the Church’s membership now lives in developing countries). This new program could be named after President Monson who was responsible for the Church’s forth mission.
Tired Road Warrior 