Temples vs humanitarian aid

Sister Sharon Eubank spoke on this question at a BYU-Idaho student forum in early 2024. She is a humanitarian leader and director organizer in the church.

I'm occasionally asked, "Why doesn't the church spend more money on humanitarian work? Why doesn't it stop building expensive temples and focus its resources on relieving the poor?"

This is a legitimate question for the church of Jesus Christ. But is it money that solves society's ills? The world has poured $2 trillion into addressing chronic issues in Africa. Why isn't the situation better? Because money isn't really the issue. Lasting progress comes through trusted relationships, infrastructure, reducing corruption and the ability of people to work together. Money doesn't necessarily create those things. They must be developed alongside resources and frankly, it's much harder work.

I will never discount the one thing this church does that lifts entire communities in rapid development. It invites men and women of all social classes and backgrounds to enter sacred buildings and make the most binding and important promises of their mortal lives. In those buildings, they promise not to steal, not to lie. They promise to be faithful to their spouse and children and they vow they will seek the interest of their neighbors and be peacemakers and become devoted to the idea that we're all one family, all valued and all alike unto God. If those promises made in holy temples are kept, it transforms society faster than any aid or development project ever could. The greatest charitable development on the planet is for people to bind themselves to God and mean it. Thank goodness the church builds 335 temples and counting. It's the greatest poverty alleviation system in the world.

Source: Follow Him podcast
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