UTAH |
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===utah===
Utah is the most religious state in the U.S., but it's unique because its population is predominantly members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS/Mormon), not traditional Protestant or Catholic Christians, though many LDS members consider themselves Christian. While a large percentage (around 63%) identify as Christian, the vast majority are Latter-day Saints, making evangelical or mainstream Protestant Christianity a smaller presence, often described as an "unreached people group" within the state. The LDS Church, whose members established Utah in 1847, heavily influences the state's religious landscape, making it distinct from other U.S. states, notes Utah.gov. Utah ranks high in overall religious adherence but has the lowest percentage of non-LDS Christians (like evangelicals) compared to other states, making it an unusual case study in American religious demographics, says the Moody Bible Institute. Members of the LDS Church believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and central to their faith, with the Book of Mormon as another testament of Him, according to Instagram. Members are called Latter-day Saints, though "Mormon" is also used; the official name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In essence, when people talk about "Christians" in Utah, they are often referring to Latter-day Saints, who focus on Jesus Christ, while simultaneously acknowledging the smaller, distinct presence of other Christian denominations
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PMI Foods: Reflections on a year of giving Throughout the U.S., millions struggle with food insecurity. Here in Utah, where PMI Foods is headquartered, one in seven people face hunger. As a global meat distributor, we believe it is our responsibility to fight food insecurity in communities across the country. In recognizing this responsibility, we embrace opportunities to do our part and alleviate hunger, forging partnerships with charitable organizations from Florida to California. As I reflect on 2025, I find myself incredibly proud of my team and grateful for their continued dedication to giving back. (Salt Lake Tribune; 1.27.26) READMORE>>>>> |
Letter: It’s ironic when non-Christians have to tell ‘Christians’ what Jesus actually taught
Trevor Lee is pushing to rename our neighborhood after a nonwoke misogynist who paraded behind a banner of free speech to spread a gospel of intolerance and Christian nationalism. Trevor Lee may or may not hold those beliefs personally, he’s just trying to appeal to the shrinking, right-wing base of Utah Republicans — the tail that wags the dog in Utah politics — fighting to keep their stranglehold on power. (Salt Lake Tribune; 1.24.26) READMORE>>>>>
Trevor Lee is pushing to rename our neighborhood after a nonwoke misogynist who paraded behind a banner of free speech to spread a gospel of intolerance and Christian nationalism. Trevor Lee may or may not hold those beliefs personally, he’s just trying to appeal to the shrinking, right-wing base of Utah Republicans — the tail that wags the dog in Utah politics — fighting to keep their stranglehold on power. (Salt Lake Tribune; 1.24.26) READMORE>>>>>
Conservative Christians rage at Chick-fil-A for celebrating gay couple’s marriage
Conservative Christians – including the anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Family Research Council (FRC) – are outraged that Chick-fil-A isn’t as homophobic as they would like the fast food chain to be. At issue is a Facebook post from an Orem, Utah, franchisee celebrating two young men who got married.
“CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!” the December 3 post reads. “Dougie & Toby recently got married and we are so beyond happy for them!”
(LGBTQ Nation; 12.15.25)READMORE>>>>>
Conservative Christians – including the anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Family Research Council (FRC) – are outraged that Chick-fil-A isn’t as homophobic as they would like the fast food chain to be. At issue is a Facebook post from an Orem, Utah, franchisee celebrating two young men who got married.
“CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!” the December 3 post reads. “Dougie & Toby recently got married and we are so beyond happy for them!”
(LGBTQ Nation; 12.15.25)READMORE>>>>>
Feb 27, 2023: KSL: Adams says ending exception for child abuse reporting forces clergy to choose between faith, jail
Lawmakers have proposed several bills this session that would end the clergy exception for reporting child abuse, but with less than a week before the Utah Legislature adjourns, none have been granted a public hearing.
Lawmakers have proposed several bills this session that would end the clergy exception for reporting child abuse, but with less than a week before the Utah Legislature adjourns, none have been granted a public hearing.
Feb 16, 2023: ABC4 reported: A moral obligation’: Religious leaders call on Utah lawmakers to save Great Salt Lake
There’s a common Christian phrase that says, “Faith without works is dead.” Leaders from a multitude of religious organizations across Utah came together Thursday, Feb. 16, to tell lawmakers that hoping the Great Salt Lake will survive is not enough and that the time to act is now. Dozens of people filled the rotunda of the Utah State Capitol to raise their voices and call their government leaders to action.
There’s a common Christian phrase that says, “Faith without works is dead.” Leaders from a multitude of religious organizations across Utah came together Thursday, Feb. 16, to tell lawmakers that hoping the Great Salt Lake will survive is not enough and that the time to act is now. Dozens of people filled the rotunda of the Utah State Capitol to raise their voices and call their government leaders to action.
Feb 26, 2023: Salt Lake Tribune reported: Babe Ruth honored his Catholic roots in 1927 Utah orphanage visit. Almost a century ago, the baseball legend visited the St. Ann’s orphanage in present-day South Salt Lake. It was a heartfelt tribute to Ruth’s similar formative years in a Catholic school for boys.
March 14, 2014: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary reported: Southern Baptists in Utah and other western states live at the forefront of a cultural change sweeping the nation at a rapid pace, R. Albert Mohler Jr. said Feb. 25 at First Baptist Church of Provo, Utah. Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke earlier in the day at Brigham Young University in Provo owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That evening, Russ Robinson, pastor of First Baptist Provo, invited Mohler to bring a message to area evangelicals, who travelled from as far as Winnemucca, Nev.; Twin Falls, Idaho and St. George, Utah, five hours southwest of Metro Salt Lake City. At the conclusion of his message, Mohler answered questions from the approximately 140 people in attendance. During more than three hours at the church facility, Mohler also met with 41 pastors and church planters to dialogue further about their challenges.
May 29, 1998: Baptist Press reported: South Valley Baptist Church in suburban Salt Lake City is celebrating the completion of its first building, a particularly joyful event considering the mission congregation has existed for six years and has owned its property for five. An extended series of zoning and permit roadblocks to construction compounded a perception of community opposition in an area where Baptists are often considered outsiders.
“It’s just been a constant struggle, and if we hadn’t felt that the Lord had put us out here, we wouldn’t have stayed, humanly speaking,” said Huron A. Polnac Jr., the church’s pastor and a missionary of the North American Mission Board. “But it was interesting … . God has shown us through all of this that he is out here helping us.”
South Valley’s story is somewhat typical of Southern Baptist churches in a state where Mormons make up about 75 percent of the population, much more in some rural areas. Gains, while not impossible, are difficult. The key to success, according to several pastors and state convention leaders, is to understand the environment in which churches are operating and respond accordingly.
“It’s just been a constant struggle, and if we hadn’t felt that the Lord had put us out here, we wouldn’t have stayed, humanly speaking,” said Huron A. Polnac Jr., the church’s pastor and a missionary of the North American Mission Board. “But it was interesting … . God has shown us through all of this that he is out here helping us.”
South Valley’s story is somewhat typical of Southern Baptist churches in a state where Mormons make up about 75 percent of the population, much more in some rural areas. Gains, while not impossible, are difficult. The key to success, according to several pastors and state convention leaders, is to understand the environment in which churches are operating and respond accordingly.