SALT LAKE CITY — After a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints misled members about how their tithing money was being used, LDS leaders reassured members that the $1.5 billion City Creek Shopping Center was, in fact, a spiritual investment all along.
“Every dollar of tithing is sacred,” said church spokesperson Elder Brent Harmon. “And what could be more sacred than a Tiffany & Co. store and a Nordstrom conveniently located across from Temple Square?”
The lawsuit, filed by James Huntsman, claimed the church had used tithing funds to finance the upscale shopping mall despite promising members their donations would be used solely for charitable and religious purposes. However, the court ultimately sided with the church, agreeing that there was no misrepresentation — since, technically, shopping is a religious experience in Utah.
“City Creek is a shining beacon of prosperity that uplifts the community — just like the Gospel teaches,” continued Elder Harmon. “The Lord works in mysterious ways, and sometimes those ways involve 20-foot waterfalls and an Apple Store.”
Church officials explained that the high-end retail complex is part of a broader vision to prepare members for the celestial kingdom, where everyone will be required to purchase designer handbags and eat at Cheesecake Factory.
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“If God didn’t want us to have luxury shopping malls, He wouldn’t have made Gucci belts fit so snugly under a modest cardigan,” said Relief Society President Linda Packer.
While some members expressed confusion about how a $30 million retractable roof glorifies Jesus, church leaders reminded them that the mall is an extension of the Church’s mission to beautify the earth — one Brooks Brothers suit at a time.
“We believe in self-reliance,” added Harmon. “And nothing says self-reliance like financing your own five-star dining experience before heading across the street for a temple recommend interview.”
Despite the controversy, many faithful members were quick to defend the Church’s decision. “I don’t mind if my tithing helped build City Creek,” said lifelong member Karen Jensen. “Every time I walk past that Rolex store, I feel closer to God.”
At press time, the Church announced plans to expand its investment in commercial real estate, with rumors circulating about a future temple-adjacent Topgolf facility — because nothing brings families together like eternal covenants and all-you-can-swing appetizers.
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