LDS Church Economic Development Approach in Developing Countries

LDS Perspective

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints approaches economic development in developing countries through a comprehensive welfare system that emphasizes self-reliance, community building, and sustainable practices. This approach is rooted in the principle that true security comes through righteous living and following gospel principles rather than through debt accumulation or dependency. President Marion G. Romney taught that the Church welfare program (originally called the Church security plan) demonstrates that security is the fruit of righteous living, and that individuals and communities prosper when they keep the Lord's commandments both spiritually and temporally. The Church's economic development efforts focus on building local capacity through various initiatives. These inc

Historical Perspective

The LDS Church's approach to economic development in developing countries reveals a complex picture that prioritizes institutional self-sufficiency over direct humanitarian investment in local communities. Evidence from former church leaders in impoverished nations demonstrates that the Church operates on a strict financial quota system where local congregations must meet specific tithing thresholds before receiving basic infrastructure support like chapels. In the Dominican Republic, for example, a former bishop reported that his missionary bank account contained more funds than the entire ward's church account, and that members could only receive church assistance if they maintained consistent tithing payments regardless of their poverty level. The Church's development strategy appears