Paid Ministry. The criticism Mormons have toward any local religious leader or pastor to receive a salary for their labors. According to Apostle Franklin Richards, “One of the important and distinguishing features of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that its affairs are administered by the lay members of the Church rather than by paid clergy. (Conference Reports, October 1968, p. 113). The motives of those who are paid are even questioned. For example: “Wherever creeds are found one can also expect to find a paid clergy, the simple truths of the gospel cloaked in the dark robes of mystery, religious intolerance, and a history of bloodshed” (Joseph Fielding McConkie and Craig Ostler, Revelations of the Restoration, p. 964). However, while bishops are not paid (though the Doctrine and Covenants states that they should!), mission presidents in the United States typically receive six-figure benefits. See here.

For a 2-part Podcast series on this topic, go here and here.

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