World’s Fasting Religions in 90 Seconds: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Few religious traditions have grown as rapidly — or traveled as far — as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, and more widely known as the Mormon Church, it stands as one of the newest of the world's major religions. Yet in fewer than two centuries, it has become a global phenomenon unlike almost any other faith tradition in modern history.
From Humble Origins to a World Stage
The story of the LDS Church begins with a revelation. Joseph Smith reported receiving a visit from the angel Moroni, who gave him the tools to produce a new translation of ancient scripture. That translation became the Book of Mormon — the foundational text upon which the entire church is built.
The early years of the church were anything but peaceful. Mormons faced intense bias, persecution, and hate-filled violence. In a remarkable and sobering chapter of American history, the LDS Church became the only religious group in the United States to face an official government execution order in an attempt to eradicate the faith. It is a history marked by suffering — and by resilience.
Seeking safety, the church's second great leader, Brigham Young, guided the congregation westward to Salt Lake City, Utah. There, the community rebuilt and established roots that would eventually anchor a worldwide movement. One of the most controversial aspects of the church's early history — the practice of polygamy — was officially outlawed in 1895.
A Faith That Keeps Growing
Today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints counts approximately 18 million members across the globe, with more than 31,000 congregations spanning diverse cultures and continents. The church is led by a living prophet and has built over 200 temples worldwide, each serving as a sacred center for its most important religious ordinances.
If you have never met a member of the LDS Church, there is a good chance you will one day. The church deploys thousands of young missionaries throughout the world, bringing their message of what they call the "restored gospel" to communities near and far. Alongside evangelism, the church has a long and strong history of extending care to those in need — serving the poor and vulnerable as a core expression of its faith.
A Fasting People
One of the distinctive spiritual practices of the LDS community is fasting. Members voluntarily abstain from food and drink for two consecutive meals — typically about 24 hours — usually on the first Sunday of each month. This practice is always paired with prayer, and it carries a dual purpose: drawing closer to God while also supporting others through what are called "fast offerings," donations used to care for those in need.
Fasting, for Latter-day Saints, is not merely an individual act of discipline. It is a communal and spiritual one — an expression of gratitude, devotion, and solidarity.
Coming Together on July 5
In that same spirit, the LDS Church will be participating in a national fast on July 5, joining together to express gratitude for the freedom of this nation. It is a fitting expression of a community that has known both the fragility and the value of liberty — a people who were once driven from their homes but who found a way to flourish, and who now invite others to do the same.
