Keeping Young Mormons on the Team

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints is facing a sharp shift. When the country split into political camps, many people began to see their faith through that same lens. Now, a growing number of younger church members feel that the church’s strong conservative image does not match their own values. Most of these younger Mormons are Democrats or hold left‑leaning views. Research shows that about 73 % of U. S. members are Republican‑leaning, while only 23 % are Democrat‑leaning—yet this split hides big differences among generations. Gen X and millennials who are Republican‑leaning make up about half of the church, but they are also the groups most likely to leave or question their membership. Young women, in particular, are stepping away at higher rates than men, changing marriage patterns and educational goals. Surveys highlight the reasons behind these departures. Nearly 40 % of former members say they could no longer reconcile their personal values with those of the church.Other key concerns include honesty, women’s roles and LGBTQ issues—topics that also drive people out of other faiths. The loss matters because liberal voices have historically been few in the church’s leadership. Since the death of a progressive senior leader over 50 years ago, and after the last L‑Mormon Democrat in Congress died a decade ago, the church’s political diversity has faded. Meanwhile, an increase in outspoken Republican leaders—some of whom embrace extreme rhetoric—has made the church appear even more partisan. Higher education is one place where liberal Mormons sometimes find community, but faculty hiring practices are shrinking that space. Without a visible range of political opinions, many younger members feel isolated and may choose to step away. There is no quick fix. The church will need to broaden its outreach, invite liberal members into leadership roles, and demonstrate shared values that go beyond party lines. Doing so could help more people see their faith as a place where they can truly belong.