As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has invited everyone to participate in a unified fast on Sunday, July 5, 2026, to express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world.  

On May 31, 2026, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in more than 14,600 congregations across the United States participated in a special Sunday School lesson focused on the Constitution and the founding principles of the nation. Members were encouraged to ponder religious freedom and the Church provided a video and discussion guide titled “Celebrating the Founding of the United States and the U.S. Constitution.” The lesson was not intended as a history or political discussion but as an opportunity to recognize God’s blessings of freedom and religious liberty. 

The lesson began with a video conversation featuring President D. Todd Christofferson of the First Presidency and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Both emphasized the importance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in establishing and protecting religious freedom.  

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are fundamental rights, Elder Cook said. “The Declaration and many constitutional principles were divinely inspired.” 

The pursuit of happiness as an inalienable right meant “not just feeling good. It meant the pursuit of lifelong virtue, not short-term pleasure,” he said. 

The Bill of Rights and constitutional amendments further extended other freedoms, such as abolishing slavery and granting women the right to vote. 

While the Constitution is not a perfect document, “We believe that the most important aspect of the Constitution is its role in promoting and protecting the individual moral agency of God’s children everywhere,” said President Christofferson. 

The Apostles often referred to teachings by Church President Dallin H. Oaks, a former attorney, law professor, law clerk to the chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, and a Utah State Supreme Court judge. He taught, “We should walk shoulder to shoulder along the path of religious freedom for all while still exercising that freedom to pursue our distinctive beliefs.” 

“Where we can, we unify. It’s not always possible, but we look for that. I think that’s key to upholding the rule of law and upholding the Constitution,” President Christofferson said, “even if we don’t share every belief in common.” 

The Church has consistently encouraged members “to be active citizens by registering, exercising their right to vote, and engaging in civic affairs, always demonstrating Christlike love and civility in political discourse.” 

President Oaks has advocated approaching contested issues by seeking to “moderate and unify” (see “Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution,” October 2021 General Conference). 

“We want good people to be in government,” he said, adding, “We ought to pray for those who are in those positions of authority that they’ll heed the spirit, feel the spirit, and have the support they need to do the job right.” 

Elder Cook concluded with a reminder that “principles upon which this nation was founded transcend party politics,” encouraging members to “rejoice together in God’s blessings of freedom and talk about why freedom is important and how we can support it to fulfill God’s purpose in this great latter-day work.” 

Members are encouraged to prayerfully consider the focus of their fast on July 5, 2026, utilizing the messages and principles taught during the May 31 discussions. 

In addition, the First Presidency has also encouraged members to participate in service projects and activities associated with the 250th anniversary observance, including projects organized through 저스트서브 그리고 패밀리서치.