For 2 centuries, Latter-day Saints have revered religious freedom – but their definition is evolving

Latter-day Saints have long valued the US Constitution’s promise of religious freedom – but the church has also tested its boundaries.

By: Benjamin Park, Sam Houston State University and Nicholas Shrum, University of Virginia, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 1, 2026

Words: 1,292

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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By Benjamin Park, Sam Houston State University and Nicholas Shrum, University of Virginia

On July 5, 2026, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is encouraging its American members to participate in a special fast: a day to “express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world,” in the words of its top three leaders.

The fast will coincide with the United States’ semiquincentennial celebrations. For Latter-day Saints, …

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