This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In celebration, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inviting all of the Church’s congregations across the United States to engage in discussions about the significance of the Declaration and the Constitution during their regularly scheduled meetings on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
To facilitate these discussions, the Church has launched a dedicated webpage featuring a discussion guide, videos, and other resources. The discussion guide, titled “Celebrating the Founding of the United States and the U.S. Constitution,” aims to inspire meaningful conversations about these foundational documents.
The guide introduces the topic with the following statement: “Throughout the earth’s history, the principle of moral agency has not been universally honored. Too many of God’s children have been — and still are — oppressed. At the same time, God has been inspiring His children to protect ‘that principle of freedom [that] belongs to all mankind’ (Doctrine and Covenants 98:5).”
The lesson plan centers on moral agency, highlighting how the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence support religious liberty. Members are encouraged to discuss the importance of these documents in safeguarding religious freedom and God-given agency.
Additionally, congregations are invited to participate in various service projects and activities to mark the 250th anniversary. These initiatives will be organized through collaborations with JustServe and FamilySearch.
正义服务 is working alongside America250 — the official nonpartisan initiative established by Congress to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary — to create a record-setting year of volunteer service in 2026. 家庭搜索 will also join in, offering special America250-themed experiences.
Latter-day Saints can further explore the concept of religious freedom in the Gospel Library and at ReligiousFreedomLibrary.org, an online collection of talks and statements from Church leaders and others.
Moreover, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, all are invited to participate in a unified fast to express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray for its strengthening worldwide. Members of the Church in the United States are encouraged to thoughtfully consider the focus of their fast.
“All are invited to participate in a unified fast to express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world,” wrote President Dallin H. Oaks and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson.
