Introduction

For more than two centuries members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints have celebrated the United States Constitution’s guarantee of religious liberty. Recent church initiatives, such as a nationwide fast on July 4, 2026, invite members to thank God for religious freedom and to pray for its strengthening worldwide. While the historical reverence for America’s founding documents remains, church leaders are re‑examining what religious freedom means in a global, pluralistic context.

Historical Foundations

Joseph Smith, the church’s founder, taught that civil and religious liberty were gifts passed down from his ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. Early revelations even described God as having established the Constitution through wise men. This theological framing linked the Restoration of the “only true and living church” to America’s constitutional heritage.

However, the 19th‑century experience of persecution in Missouri and Illinois, the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, and the subsequent migration to the Utah Territory revealed tensions between the ideal of American liberty and the reality of hostility. The Mormon Battalion’s participation in the Mexican‑American War under an American flag symbolized the desire to align with the revolutionary spirit rather than the expanded nation that had forced the saints out.

Legal battles over polygamy in the late 1800s further tested the church’s relationship with the First Amendment. After Supreme Court rulings and congressional action, the church officially discontinued polygamy in 1890, marking a shift toward greater compliance with federal law while maintaining a deep respect for the founding generation.

Modern Re‑evaluation

During the 20th century the church “Americanized,” embracing capitalism, participating in the two‑party system, and adopting a conservative political stance. The language of religious freedom was used to defend doctrinal positions against perceived threats such as the New Deal, civil‑rights legislation, and later, abortion and same‑sex marriage. Following the 2015 Obergefell decision, the church’s public policy shifted to a more nuanced approach that seeks to protect both religious liberty and LGBTQ+ anti‑discrimination rights.

Today, many leaders emphasize a broader definition of religious freedom—one that applies beyond the United States. The July 4 fast highlights the Constitution while also urging members to expand liberty worldwide, reflecting the church’s growing international membership.

Global Perspective

With a majority of members now living outside the United States, the church is presenting an image that is less tied to American symbols and more universal in scope. Leaders foreground principles of religious freedom that resonate across cultures rather than viewing the Declaration of Independence as quasi‑scripture. This evolution aligns the church’s messaging with a worldwide audience and underscores a commitment to religious pluralism.

Conclusion

The LDS Church’s understanding of religious freedom has moved from a focus on protecting a minority faith within a Protestant‑dominated America to a more inclusive, global perspective that balances doctrinal integrity with respect for diverse beliefs. As the church continues to navigate contemporary social issues, its evolving definition of liberty reflects both its historic roots in American constitutionalism and its expanding role in an interconnected world.