Question
Gramps,
It seems the church welfare system is highly abused. Poor people get baptized and assume it is there for their use. Consistently and forever. Some people seem to use this as their only tie to the church. As a ward leader, this bothers me greatly.
Donna
Answer
Donna,
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates one of the world’s most respected, locally-administered welfare systems. Central to this system is the fast offering—a voluntary, confidential donation given by members who abstain from eating two meals, donating the value (or more) to assist the poor. This funding supports members in financial distress, with the bishopric responsible for discerning need and distributing aid.
Historically and doctrinally, the Church’s welfare program is designed not simply to provide a handout, but to lift, strengthen, and empower those in need. Elder James O. Mason noted that early Church-based welfare avoided creating dependency by encouraging able-bodied recipients to participate in character-building chores and by discouraging idleness and irresponsibility. Welfare programs were intended as temporary bridges to self-reliance, rather than permanent sources of support.
The bishop, as the local ecclesiastical leader, has ultimate stewardship and authority over the use of fast offerings and welfare funds within a ward. His decision is supported by counselors and clerks—inspired to act with discernment, sensitivity, and compassion. The system is intentionally structured to strike a balance between mercy and accountability.
Despite the best intentions, the potential for fraud exists in any charitable system. Examples of possible fraud might include falsified rent receipts, submitting inflated bills, or requesting assistance under false pretenses.
Experienced bishops often know how to approach these situations with sensitivity and diligence. They may choose actions such as writing checks for assistance directly to the landlord (not to the individual), requesting to speak or meet with the landlord, or verifying disputed bills. This “arm’s length” approach helps minimize opportunities for misuse. In cases where a bishop feels unsure, he may consult with the stake president or other trusted leaders.
Transparency and accountability are further supported by Church-wide policies. Generally, assistance checks are issued directly to the party owed (such as the landlord) rather than reimbursing individuals. Repeated or complex cases may prompt further review or require consultation with stake-level leaders. At every level, the goal is to ensure that sacred funds are used appropriately—“watch[ing] over the funds of the church,” as the guidance puts it.
Balancing accountability with compassion is perhaps the most difficult challenge for Church leaders and members. There are occasions when the use of welfare funds may raise questions. One member expressed concern that fast offerings were being used to pay for traffic tickets, late fees, or internet bills—items he felt were not essential needs, especially when faithful, struggling members contributed those funds.
The answer in this case emphasized several key principles:
Stewardship of the Bishopric: The decision on how funds are used ultimately rests with the bishop and his counselors, who are privy to the full circumstances of each case.
Incomplete Information: Outsiders often lack all relevant context—a traffic ticket might be paid to prevent someone’s incarceration, while internet access may be temporarily necessary for job applications or schooling.
Temporary vs. Long-Term Aid: One-time payments to “level off or prevent debt” may be justified, but repeated misuse of resources signals deeper issues that require different intervention.
Faith and Trust: Members are encouraged to give with pure intent, trusting that their sacrifice is known to God and that the blessings they receive are not contingent upon the specific use of their donations.
The Church’s welfare program explicitly rejects systems that turn charity into an entitlement. Where abuse arises, it is corrected with both firmness and Christlike kindness. As Elder Mason warns, “bad welfare…drives away good welfare,” noting that improperly managed programs risk creating dependency, resentment, and spiritual decay.
Furthermore, the Church’s clear doctrinal stance against “priestcraft”—using religious office or charity for self-aggrandizement or gain—acts as a guardrail. “He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.” Charity is always meant to uplift Zion, not enrich individuals at the expense of the collective.
Guarding sacred funds is not just a financial concern—it has deep spiritual and communal implications. Here are some universal practices and principles employed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to minimize the risk of fraud and ensure effective welfare administration:
A. Multiple Levels of Oversight
Financial transactions, especially those involving welfare disbursements, are managed by more than one person—typically the bishop, ward clerk, and financial clerk.
Regular audits ensure transparency and discourage inappropriate behavior.
B. Direct Payment Structures
Whenever possible, aid is given “in kind” or by paying third parties (such as landlords and utility companies) directly, thereby avoiding cash reimbursements to individuals.
C. Clear Doctrinal Foundations
The call to administer welfare is rooted in a doctrine that emphasizes self-reliance, voluntary giving, and the avoidance of enabling dependency or encouraging proselytizing by material means.
Separate channels exist for humanitarian aid outside the member community for this reason.
D. Education and Training
Church leaders and clerks receive ongoing training on best practices and ethical standards.
Resources like the Church’s official forums allow experienced clerks and leaders to consult each other about difficult situations.
E. Spiritually Informed Discernment
Leaders are encouraged to seek revelation and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in making difficult decisions regarding welfare distribution.
These combined safeguards don’t eliminate all risk—no system run by humans can—but they build a culture of integrity, trust, and Christlike love.
Gramps
