User:Petermgrund/sandbox/Religion in Utah

Religion in Utah has been predominantly influenced by the history and presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) since the arrival of Brigham Young and his group of Mormon pioneers in 1847. Before this, the region, inhabited by various Native American groups, had diverse spiritual practices. The LDS Church's establishment in the area marked a significant shift in the religious landscape, leading to the development of a community deeply rooted in Mormon beliefs and practices.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Utah experienced gradual religious diversification, though the LDS Church remained the dominant faith. This period saw the introduction of other Christian denominations and non-Christian faiths, reflecting broader national trends and increasing migration to the state.

While the United States does not collect official statistical information about religion, a majority of the state's population is believed to be Christian. A growing number of people do not affiliate with any religion. This shift reflects broader trends in religious affiliation across the United States. The state's religious landscape is further characterized by the presence of institutions representing these various faiths, ranging from churches and temples to educational and community centers.

History

The religious history of Utah is predominantly marked by the arrival of LDS Church members, led by Brigham Young, in 1847. These early settlers were seeking a sanctuary for their religious beliefs, which were met with hostility in other parts of the United States. Over time, the LDS Church played a crucial role in the development and governance of the Utah Territory.

Religions

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Main article: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah

Percent LDS Church by county

Legend

•      70-74%
•      65-69%
•      60-64%
•      55-59%
•      50-54%
•      45-49%
•      40-44%
•      35-39%

In 2022, 2,173,560 (63.84%) of Utahns were counted as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, the LDS Church's official records suggest a higher percentage of Mormons in Utah compared to self-reported identification data. A 2023 article from the Journal of Religion and Demography estimates that only 42% of Utah's population are self-identified members of the LDS Church. This discrepancy is in part attributable to the Church's membership criteria which ends only through excommunication, requesting removal, or reaching the age of 110 with unknown whereabouts.

Membership growth rates in Utah have slowed significantly in recent years. In 2022, Utah experienced a notable decrease in its membership growth rates compared to most previous years. Typically, the state saw an annual increase of about 1% to 2% in church memberships. However, in 2022, this growth rate slowed down significantly, registering at a mere 0.56%. This was below the state's overall growth rate of 1.7% during the same year. The Church's 2022 rate represents the lowest membership growth rate ever reported for the church in Utah.

Church reported membership

Year	Membership	State pop.	Percent
2019	2,126,216	3,220,262	66.03
2020	—	3,271,616	—
2021	2,161,526	3,343,552	64.65
2022	2,173,560	3,381,236	63.84

Catholic Church

Catholic missionaries first arrived in Utah in the mid-19th century, ministering to miners and immigrants. However, due to tensions with the LDS Church, the Catholic community remained small in the early years. In 1893, the Diocese of Salt Lake City was established, marking a turning point for Catholicism in Utah. The construction of the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, completed in 1909, provided a visible symbol of the growing Catholic presence.

Throughout the 20th century, the Catholic Church in Utah experienced steady growth, fueled by immigration and natural population increase. In 2000, the Catholic Church and the LDS Church signed a joint statement of common beliefs, and ongoing dialogue continues at various levels.

Today, there are over 100,000 Catholics in Utah, representing approximately 8% of the state's population.

Protestantism

The first Protestant church in Utah, the First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City, was established in 1865, followed by others over the ensuing decades. Protestantism in Utah gradually grew throughout the 20th century. The two largest Protestant groups in the state are Evangelical Protestants, like Baptists, Methodists, and Pentecostals represent around 7%. Mainline Protestants: Comprising denominations such as Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Lutherans, mainline Protestants in Utah focus on social justice and theological inclusivity, making up roughly 6% of the state's population.

Judaism

The first formal Jewish congregation, Congregation B'nai Israel, was established in 1881. Initially a Reform congregation, B'nai Israel later adopted a Conservative stance. Soon after, other congregations representing different denominations, such as Congregation Montefiore (Conservative) and Congregation Kol Ami (Reconstructionist), emerged to cater to the growing Jewish population.

Throughout the 20th century, the Jewish community in Utah continued to grow and diversify. Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and Russia arrived in the early 1900s. Following World War II, a wave of Holocaust survivors settled in Utah.

In the latter half of the 20th century, synagogues, schools, and social service organizations were established throughout the state. Notable institutions include the Chabad Lubavitch of Utah, offering educational and outreach programs to the entire community, and the Utah Jewish Federation, which serves as the central coordinating body for Jewish organizations in the state.

Today, the Jewish community in Utah numbers approximately 6,500 individuals (about 0.2% of the state's population), primarily concentrated in Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas.

However, the Jewish community in Utah also faces challenges. As the state's population continues to grow and diversify, maintaining a strong sense of Jewish identity and connection can be difficult. Additionally, access to kosher food and other Jewish necessities can be limited, especially outside of Salt Lake City.

Islam

Islam has a relatively young but growing presence, with an estimated 15,000-20,000 Muslims residing in Utah. Its growth can be attributed to immigration, conversions, and natural population growth. The community is diverse, comprising individuals from various ethnic backgrounds including Middle Eastern, South Asian, African, and converts from various ethnicities.

Utah houses several Islamic centers and mosques, serving as hubs for religious, educational, and social activities. These include the Utah Islamic Center, the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake, and others, providing facilities for prayers, Islamic education, and community gatherings.

Irreligion

Despite Utah's reputation as a highly religious state, irreligion exists and is growing in the state. While challenging to estimate accurately, the "nonaffiliated" population, encompassing atheists, agnostics, and those with no particular religious affiliation, is steadily increasing.

Unlike many other states, the majority of the "nonaffiliated" population in Utah were raised in the LDS Church. This complex background means that many individuals may still hold some religious beliefs or values, even if they no longer identify as actively religious.