5 Richest Churches Around the World

The concept of wealth often feels far removed from what we imagine a church should represent. However, some religious institutions like churches have become incredibly wealthy, managing vast resources in land, investments, and donations from their members. 

These churches use their funds for various purposes, from charitable works to preserving centuries-old buildings. But the sheer size of their wealth is astonishing.

Let’s explore five of the richest churches in the world today.

They show that faith and wealth can coexist in surprising ways. While their missions remain rooted in spiritual teachings, their financial empires demonstrate a mastery of economic principles that rival those of major corporations. Here are the top churches in the world.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)

Commonly known as the Mormon Church, this religious organization stands as one of the wealthiest in the world. The church has built an impressive financial portfolio that stretches across various industries, including real estate, agriculture, and even business ventures. 

By 2023, estimates suggested that the LDS Church’s total wealth had reached a whopping $265 billion. That’s an increase of nearly $29 billion from the previous year alone! 

The church’s investments are vast, and it has been able to maintain a high level of financial health, largely because of the continuous contributions from its members and strategic financial management.

The Catholic Church in Australia

The Catholic Church has deep roots in Australia, being one of the oldest religious institutions in the country. The church’s wealth is almost as vast as its influence.

An investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation estimated that the Catholic Church in Australia holds assets worth approximately $30 billion. 

With land, schools, hospitals, and various business interests, this institution has garnered massive wealth over the years. Despite this, there have been increasing calls to review the church’s tax-exempt status, as many feel that its considerable wealth should be scrutinized in the same way as large corporations.

Seventh-day Adventists

The Seventh-day Adventist Church might be best known for its focus on health and education, but it is also one of the richest religious organizations globally. According to reports, the Adventists have amassed a wealth of about $15.6 billion. 

The church operates numerous institutions, including publishing houses, broadcasting systems, and even food factories. 

This diversified portfolio has allowed the Adventists to grow their wealth steadily over the years, all while maintaining a strong focus on their spiritual mission.

Vatican Church

The Vatican, home of the Pope and the center of the Roman Catholic Church, is a powerhouse of wealth and influence. Bankers estimate the Vatican’s financial worth to be somewhere between $10 billion and $15 billion. 

This includes a wide range of assets, from Italian stockholdings (valued at around $1.6 billion) to investments in banking, insurance, and real estate. The Vatican’s wealth is not just in money but also in priceless art, historic buildings, and land holdings spread across the world. 

The Vatican remains a unique entity in that it is both a religious institution and a sovereign state, giving it a level of power and wealth, unlike any other church.

The Church of England

The Church of England, which was established in the 16th century, continues to hold considerable wealth. As of recent estimates, the church’s property portfolio and investments are valued at £8.3 billion. 

This includes everything from land and buildings to stocks and other investments. The Church Commissioners, one of the church’s financial bodies, alone manage assets worth around £6.7 billion. Additionally, the church’s pension fund, the Church of England Pensions Board, holds assets of about £1.2 billion. 

With 16,000 churches and 42 cathedrals under its care, many of which are historically significant, the Church of England is not only spiritually but also financially robust.