LDS Church Calls Members to Fast for Religious Liberty on July 5
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has invited U.S. members to participate in a unified fast on July 5, 2026. The fast is meant to express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray for its protection worldwide.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced this week that U.S. members are invited to observe a unified fast on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
The call to fast comes as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. Church leaders said the fast is an expression of gratitude for religious liberty and a prayer for its continued strength around the world.
"We invite all members in the United States to join in this fast," the First Presidency said in a statement released through the Church's official newsroom.
The Church has also been active in the broader America250 initiative throughout the year. Members have been encouraged to participate in service projects through platforms like JustServe and FamilySearch. The Church reported delivering 6.5 million meals across all 50 states as part of its anniversary contributions.
The fast is voluntary. Members who choose to participate are asked to go without food and water for two consecutive meals, then donate the money saved to those in need.
Religious liberty has been a consistent focus for the Church in recent years. Leaders have spoken at national forums and filed legal briefs in cases involving faith-based organizations and government policy.
The July 5 fast is one of several faith-based observances planned around the nation's 250th birthday. Other denominations have also called for prayer and reflection during the holiday weekend.
